Council approves measure aimed at increasing diversity in DPW-bid projects

The Common Council today approved a resolution aimed at increasing the likelihood that diverse contractors and/or companies will bid on and be awarded contracts for Department of Public Works projects across Milwaukee.

Authored by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs, the resolution (Council file #230406) directs the Commissioner of Public Works to “work with various cultural chambers of commerce and other relevant stakeholders on ways to increase the diversity of vendors who respond to and are awarded Department of Public Works contracts.”

Alderwoman Coggs, chair of the Licenses Committee, said the city has not done a good enough job making sure that “all communities are at the table” when projects are being bid by DPW. “We absolutely must make sure that our policies, practices and procedures are free from all implicit bias so that the city’s entire diverse population is equitably served,” she said.

“To do that, the City of Milwaukee must review its policies, practices and procedures on a regular basis to ensure they are free of implicit bias,” the Alderwoman said.

Additionally, Alderwoman Coggs noted that DPW procedures for soliciting bids and awarding contracts “represent a significant tool for establishing equity within the city’s diverse population.” “It’s a very significant point of entry for potential business opportunities and for companies that will employ people from diverse communities, and I am grateful for the strong support from my colleagues on the legislation,” she said.

Co-sponsors on the file are: Alderman Robert J. Bauman; Alderman Jonathan Brostoff; Alderwoman JoCasta Zamarripa; Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II; Alderman Lamont Westmoreland; Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt; Alderman Jose G. Perez; and Alderwoman Larresa Taylor.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.