The City of Lexington is taking steps to improve its business environment for minority and women-owned businesses. During a Council committee meeting at City Hall, several suggestions were presented. Sherita Miller, the Minority Business Enterprise Program Director, announced the launch of a new small, local business enterprise program that will reserve certain contracts exclusively for small local businesses. This initiative aims to make small local businesses more competitive in the bidding process.
One of the recommendations in a revised Council resolution is to set goals of 5% for minority-owned businesses and 12% for women-owned businesses when working with the Urban County Government. Members of the Council’s General Government Committee reviewed Disparity Study recommendations during their meeting. Council Member Shayla Lynch raised concerns about expanding the pool of subcontractors, noting that primary contractors often stick with familiar subcontractors.
Lynch suggested awarding evaluation points to primary contractors for engaging new subcontractors. Sherita Miller indicated that this recommendation would be included in price evaluation preferences and opportunities for small contracts. As a nonprofit news organization, WEKU is committed to providing public service and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters play a crucial role in funding WEKU’s operations. Join others in your community by making a donation to support WEKU.