Los Angeles Making Inclusive Procurement Changes Permanent
The City of Los Angeles, CA, a finalist in the fourth round of the City Accelerator, is focused on promoting inclusive contracting.
The City of Los Angeles, CA, is a finalist in the fourth round of the City Accelerator, which is focused on using public procurement to help create inclusive economic opportunity. Your feedback on its story map will inform final selection of the cities.
You have the option to view the Story Map full screen here but be sure to return to this page to give it a star rating and leave comments below!
What is Los Angeles proposing?
The City of Los Angeles is looking to institutionalize procurement practices that stimulate business growth and promote inclusive contracting opportunities, while expanding the pool of businesses that do business with the city. The City Accelerator cohort could enable LA to achieve a triple bottom line of increased local employment, diverse approaches to solving city problems, and savings realized from increased competition for contracts. Lessons learned from the cohort could lead to a robust supplier diversity program, inclusive procurement practices to grow the local economy, and engagements with outside public and private sector institutions.
VIEW OTHER CITY PITCHES
For a detailed description of the mission and purpose of the City Accelerator’s cohort on Procurement for Inclusive Economic Opportunity, click here.
Public response is one of several criteria being used by the City Accelerator to select cohort cities. The number of ratings or comments by themselves do not determine final status or selection.
Miranda
On: 05-25-2017economic inclusion for all!
Jessica Wackenhut
On: 05-25-2017LA’s procurement can be a driver of economic development – please give our city the grant so we can show what we’re capable of!
Chelsea Ursaner
On: 05-22-2017the best!
Will Pomerantz
On: 05-21-2017Small business and entrepreneurship have long been key to America's vitality and prosperity. In the City and County of Los Angeles, we have huge, untapped sources of potential entrepreneurs and business owners. An investment in fostering that community will pay dividends many times over, with both social and economic impact.
Paula Daniels
On: 05-19-2017Los Angeles is a place always engaged in its own invention and re-invention. Through this culture of re-creation and belief in diversity of people, thought, and business, it has pulled itself through the shifting dominance of major manufacturing (on which it was once fairly dependent) and the current lack of multinational corporations headquartered in and therefore invested in our area. Professional services are a key part of our economy now, and Los Angeles is made of a rich fabric of small businesses. LA's future -- particularly for the more struggling communities -- will continue to depend on the success of these small businesses and their support systems are critical.
Gary Painter
On: 05-19-2017This is a terrific reform to make sure that all entrepreneurs have the same chance to succeed
Marc Manor
On: 05-19-2017This effort makes our country (and business community) a better place through the power of diversity!
Beth Steckler
On: 05-18-2017This is a really smart strategy to use local buying power to make Los Angeles more equitable.
Patrick Burns
On: 05-18-2017LA City's public procurement can help drive economic developments to areas of the city, such as SLATE-Z, that have not received their share in the past. This broadens the number of people and households that benefit from city procurement, spreading wealth around and stimulating economic impacts.
Stella M
On: 05-18-2017This is a fantastic idea = LA's procurement can be a driver of economic development for the City.
Antonio Pacheco
On: 05-18-2017This looks like a great idea! We must find ways to institutionalize equity and upward mobility in L.A. and to enliven and empower our communities that have for so long, been left out of formal economic networks.
KRod
On: 05-18-2017Fantastic idea! This has the potential of significantly improving the LA's procurement process -- in a space where access and inclusivity are essential! #100
Karli Stander
On: 05-17-2017This is so great and so necessary! There are several local and statewide businesses, especially those that are minority/women/veteran-owned, that would love to work with the City but find its contracting processes difficult to navigate. There are also others that feel they are too small to stand a chance against large or incumbent bidders. As a small business owner myself, I am in FULL support of this important initiative!
Ellen Dux
On: 05-17-2017This is great (and long overdue...) As LA steps up its game as a global leader in sustainable living and combating climate change, all of our citizens should have a shot at helping to make that happen. Teamwork makes the dream work; we are all better off when more Angelenos share in the benefits of creating the tools that are creating the change.
Tammy B.
On: 05-17-2017Finally a reasonable action and solution! This would clearly benefit the City of Los Angeles, its residents and have greater effects beyond the Southern California region.
Andrea Y
On: 05-17-2017LA is so dynamic and packed full of innovators, this would give us all a huge boost in getting the type of diversity and inclusion we are capable of!
Michael E.
On: 05-17-2017We thank the City Accelerator for this opportunity. The Los Angeles proposal to enhance its procurement practices will offer a wider range of opportunities for growth and diversity for contractors that will benefit the people of this great city.
Liliana Monge
On: 05-17-2017Great idea, very much needed in the city of la.
Shannon H.
On: 05-17-2017This grant will help LA do great things for minority-owned businesses. The presentation showed LA is invested and ready to make big changes to support these businesses.
Lauren R
On: 05-17-2017This is awesome. Proud to be part of one of the largest ecosystems of minority-owned businesses; with this grant, Los Angeles can create even greater impact!
Juan Lopez
On: 05-17-2017The City of Los Angeles spends more than $8 billion a year on goods and services totaling more than 750,000+ transactions. That's more than 750,000 opportunities to work with local, minority and women owned businesses in the City of Los Angeles and this grant will help the City maximize every opportunity to support economic development in our own backyard.
Heddy N.
On: 05-17-2017Los Angeles is dynamic place with lots of innovators, receiving this grant would really help organize all of the ideas & energy we have to actually arrive at the diversity & inclusion goals that we all share. I work to organize a coalition in South LA working towards SBE/MBE/WBE/DBE inclusion in procurement and we see this as a driver of economic development & opportunity to revitalize our community. So many committed leaders & organizations are willing to work on this -- we hope to get the grant in LA so that South LA can work with the rest of the city towards our inclusion in procurement goals.
Kevin R.
On: 05-16-2017Los Angeles has so many opportunities for minorities. We need the grant to help businesses reach the level of competitiveness they need in order to win contracts and fulfill them successfully.
Lynn Greenwade- Growth Development Marketing Inc.
On: 05-16-2017Los Angeles is a catalyst city who improves and revitalizes businesses. Especially minority businesses. This grant will allow Los Angeles Diverse Suppliers additional training, mentoring, and development.
Jackie Rivera - Alliance Construction Services, Inc.
On: 05-16-2017This grant will build bridges instead of walls for the minority community (no pun intended). The thread that makes up the fabric of Los Angeles is so diverse and colorful. A program like this will make equitable access to opportunities. This is not handing them a free pass. This is a chance for them to participate and be positive contributors to the city we all love. Los Angeles is a rising tide and she will lift all ships and thisnis one way of doing it.
John Castro
On: 05-16-2017Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the world. Having the City Accelerator would be a great opportunity for our local and small businesses to showcase their services and talents. Please give us the grant so we can prove that we can do a great job for our city and give back to the local community. Thank you.
Eric Espinosa
On: 05-16-2017Inclusion and diversity is the ethos of Los Angeles, and this grant will help the city of Angels be a test model for other metros around the nation. Diversity breeds innovation!!
Noah Stern
On: 05-16-2017Procurements in LA could really use this grant ! The team there has amazing ideas and grant funding would make a huge impact in the community.
National Association of Minority Contractors, Southern California Chapter
On: 05-15-2017At its heart, diversity benefits and strengthens stakeholders as countless studies continue to reinforce. Even more, in construction, a strong foundation is critical to every structure. Today, more than ever, we need an incentive that show that diversity and inclusion are valuable resources that will enable us to jointly achieve mutual goals.
Anonymous
On: 05-15-2017LA is so dynamic and packed full of hustlers, this would give us all a huge boost in getting the type of diversity and inclusion we are capable of!
Anonymous
On: 05-15-2017Diversifying our base not only strengthens our economy in the short term, but spurs innovation for future growth.
Vanessa Ballesteros
On: 05-14-2017Speaking as the founder of a small, local minority owned business, this grant would create exponential impact and help level the playing field in LA.
Katrina
On: 05-14-2017Diversity makes business sense.
Anonymous
On: 05-14-2017We (LA) have one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses, with this grant we can create exponential impact!
Ben
On: 05-14-2017LA's procurement opportunity will be the answer to economic development - give our city the grant so we can show what's possible!
Kat Davis
On: 05-14-2017Forgot to rate it. Love this!
Katherine Davis
On: 05-14-2017This is such an amazing idea. So great for the WHOLE community!
Shmel G.
On: 05-13-2017Procurement is a vehicle for economic growth. It is time to create opportunities for everyone!
Barney
On: 05-13-2017Los Angeles is one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses it's time To support them in their growth so these communities can thrive!
Alexander Robinson
On: 05-12-2017This is very important if LA wants to continue to lead as the American city for sustainable and socially equitable development! Please support!
Sophia Parsa
On: 05-12-2017We have one of the largest ecosystems of minority-owned businesses! Mine included!! This initiative is so beyond important and LA needs this! I hope to see this go through.
Edem Dzubey
On: 05-12-2017Los Angeles' plan to invest in inclusive procurement practices is an amazing way to drive economic growth.
Adam B.
On: 05-12-2017This is a crucial effort to unlock powerful opportunity for those who have for so long been locked out.
The Los Angeles Coalition for the Economy & Jobs
On: 05-12-2017Everyone should be provided an opportunity to play a part in L.A.'s economic success and initiatives like this strengthen government's role in fostering economic and job growth in the region that benefits everyone. Looking forward to its future success!
Chris
On: 05-12-2017This is a great idea! Would love to see this go through.
Andrea
On: 05-12-2017A diverse approach for a diverse city's problems!
Maria R
On: 05-12-2017Los Angeles is an incredible city. We have tremendous diversity in our population and to be able to support and boost the ecosystem of minority businesses would create such immediate and huge impact!
emw
On: 05-12-2017Interesting.
Diya
On: 05-12-2017LA is both beautiful and full of disparity when it comes to opportunity for diverse populations. This is such a necessary stepping stone to bridge the gap, level the playing field, and open up opportunities.
Chadburn Blomquist
On: 05-11-2017LA needs this!!
Trevor Davis
On: 05-11-2017We need this in Los Angeles. Please support!
Kimberly
On: 05-11-2017The City of LA has a responsibility to ensure an equitable process for entrepreneurs to access procurement opportunities. I wholeheartedly support programs that achieve the goal of including small businesses in the City of LA spend.
Jessica P.
On: 05-11-2017This reform effort is much needed and long overdue. It can be really difficult to work with the City. To be fair, it's a complex process with a lot of moving parts, but I'm glad to see the City has drawn a line in the sand.
Elliot kotek
On: 05-11-2017We need to build this from the ground up in LA. We want everybody to be vested and invested in the opportunities this city can yield. And we need our kids to see minority leaders in order to dream big for themselves
Drew
On: 05-11-2017A fantastic resource and opportunity that will be well done by the perfect people!
Joyce
On: 05-11-2017Procurement in govt is a huge issue. Kudos to LA for tackling this head-on! Better procurement is better for business and government services.
Meredith
On: 05-11-2017This such an important driver for local economic development and could make a real difference in the lives of minority and woman-owned businesses in Los Angeles.
Erik Roithmayr
On: 05-11-2017With the impending shift in demographics, we need to put in place practices that are as inclusive as possible. Additionally, funding entrepreneurs and small-businesses in different communities can help diversify and strengthen the overall Los Angeles economy.
Aishwarya
On: 05-11-2017LA is doing incredible things - the city is so dynamic and full of innovators, this would give us all a huge boost in getting the type of diversity and inclusion we are capable of
Kelly Vaught
On: 05-11-2017Los Angeles represents diversity and inclusion better than any other city. Let's continue this pattern and set an example to the nation and the world in human kindness and forward thinking.
Patricia
On: 05-11-2017This is exactly what we need for the city of Los Angeles.
Rachael King
On: 05-11-2017This is so important! LA is the perfect city to lead the charge in greater inclusion for minority business owners and entrepreneurs. Love this!
Jacqui
On: 05-11-2017LA minority entrepreneurs and small business owners have the potential to revitalize distressed communities. This is a great idea and LA should stand as a leader.
Maribel G.
On: 05-11-2017Absolutely love what LA is doing for minority-owned businesses. My parents were minority business owners and they would have fully supported these opportunities for greater inclusion and connections to the City of LA.
Bobby
On: 05-11-2017Economic inclusion is important for Los Angeles, not only to create more equitable opportunities for all, but to increase idea generation and innovation by diversifying the businesses and business owners in the city.
Angela
On: 05-11-2017Small businesses like mine help fuel the Los Angeles and surrounding economies. I could not do it without the opportunities I have had to do business with the City of Los Angeles and other government agencies.
Deidre L.
On: 05-11-2017Tapping into our unique diversity by supporting small and minority owned business is long overdue. This grant is an important step!
Anonymous
On: 05-11-2017This is exactly what we need more of across the country!
Lindsey H.
On: 05-11-2017LA has what it takes to create real impact - this grant will allow us to make it happen!
Armando N
On: 05-10-2017Small business is the heart of the Los Angeles economy and this grant will empower minority and women-owned businesses to compete for City contracts.
Rudy
On: 05-10-2017This is an important opportunity to leverage the tremendous buying power of our City to support marginalized businesses. This is the future!
Leonard
On: 05-10-2017Love this idea! City procurement is a great way to power economic inclusiveness and change!
Karlo M
On: 05-10-2017L.A. is the home of minority-owned businesses!!!!
Melinda N.
On: 05-10-2017I am impressed with the presentation and the potential for LA to stimulate business growth and promote inclusive contracting opportunities. This is a great investment opportunity that will really help people.
Miki
On: 05-10-2017So necessary and much needed in LA in order to support, engage and activate minority owned businesses!
David P
On: 05-10-2017Central to this procurement reform effort is the need to simplify the contracting process, making it easier for businesses to work with the City, particularly small, local businesses that do not have the administrative resources to dedicate to the process that large companies do. The City has committed to increasing the number of local, minority and woman-owned businesses with which the City contracts. Given size of the City’s construction spend and the number of minority-owned contracting businesses in Los Angeles that could benefit greatly from City contracts, this project is absolutely necessary to achieve this goal.
Sebastian
On: 05-10-2017I run a minority-owned and focused nonrprofit for professionals and business owners, and we participate in coalitions to drive inclusion. Great that city leadership is working to make this happen as well!
Micah B
On: 05-10-2017This is a real opportunity to drive business, spread opportunity, and help people fulfill the American Dream. Los Angeles has the economy to really promote amazing opportunity and in the process really promote healthy competition and innovation.
Jeanalee O.
On: 05-10-2017This is amazing!! My parents' own and run a minority-owned business and have seen the blood, sweat and tears that they put in to make sure their business is successful! This grant would create a tremendous opportunity for minority-owned businesses in LA.
Ashley S.
On: 05-10-2017The second largest City in the United States with billions of dollars in spending power needs to be actively reaching and engaging with minority owned businesses. This could have a huge impact for this city's residents and business owners and also serve as a model that could be scaled for other cities across the country as well.
Lawrence Cisneros
On: 05-10-2017I'm an owner of a minority-owned business. No doubt this should exist here in LA. Let's make it happen.
Douglas
On: 05-10-2017Small business and diverse participation in contracting and procurement create jobs and fuel economic growth. This grant can make a serious difference for Los Angeles businesses.
Ken
On: 05-10-2017Minority and Women owned businesses are the engine for LA's economy.
Agustin Cervantes
On: 05-10-2017Los Angeles continues to be one of the largest and best examples in economic development, with markets driven by minority-owned businesses and innovation. Imagine the possibilities the city can materialize with this grant!
Anne Kim
On: 05-10-2017LA's volume of procurement drives economic development; give our city the grant so we can show what's possible!!
Brent Walmsley
On: 05-10-2017LA is so dynamic and packed full of hustlers, this would give us all a huge boost in getting the type of diversity and inclusion we are capable of!
Matt P
On: 05-10-2017We have one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses, this grant will enable us to create an incredible impact!
Abe H.
On: 05-10-2017Diversity in the procurement process will help embed the fabric our communities in the future of this city.
Sara
On: 05-10-2017This is EXACTLY what LA is perfect for! LA's position as a major port city and diversity hub of the nation is ideal for diverse procurement! Let's supercharge this!
Nick
On: 05-10-2017We have one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses, with this grant we can create exponential impact!
Wendy Gonzalez
On: 05-10-2017I had no idea there were that many minority owned businesses in LA. Having the city invest in these businesses through procurement processes could definitely help drive local economic development and encourage more entrepreneurs.
Estelle
On: 05-10-2017LA's procurement can be a driver of economic development. A specific focus on minority-owned businesses will be key to ensuring that our entire city thrives!
Fermin Vasquez
On: 05-10-2017Los Angeles is suffering from incredible resource inequities. Making it easier and removing barriers for minority-owned small businesses to thrive is at the heart of making our city a better place to live, work and play.
Bali
On: 05-10-2017We have one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses, with this grant we can create exponential impact! Brilliant!
EA STE
On: 05-09-2017This effort could also leverage the unique services and products produce by our vibrant immigrant communities. LA home to one of the top 5 cities for immigrant small business owners.
Cyrus
On: 05-09-2017Help women and minority owned businesses have a place to thrive in los angeles! We desperately need to buy more from our local community.
Juana H.
On: 05-09-2017Fantastic idea of how we can better leverage city procurement as a driver of small business development, especially within communities like South L.A. which have little private sector investment.
Carolyn Casavan
On: 05-09-2017Minority businesses foster grass roots economic development and bring new dimensions to our economy. What a great way to help people who are out there charting new paths!
Linda D
On: 05-09-2017LA thrives on diversity! Entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses operated by underrepresented groups are often underfunded. Help boost LA's economy!
Sky Kelley
On: 05-09-2017LA's procurement can be a driver of economic development - give our city the grant so we can show what's possible!
Clint S.
On: 05-09-2017LA is a world leader because of its diversity -- from diverse communities of LA to influx of talent and ideas from Pacific Rim and Latin America. This would help LA keep and grow its competitive advantage!
Tanya Pineda
On: 05-09-2017This initiative is important because when minority-owned businesses develop a contracting opportunity with the City they are provided with the tools, resources, and knowledge to cultivate growth. In turn, the City will increase its supplier diversity and continue to grow its ecosystem of small businesses throughout the City.
Idean
On: 05-09-2017This would be huge for LA and our diverse community!
Hamza
On: 05-09-2017This would've helped me so much as an entrepreneur in LA! Really hope this is awarded to LA's diverse and robust minority business ecosystem.
Brenda Camarillo
On: 05-09-2017Los Angeles has one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses! This grant will allow us to create exponential impact!
VGSanchez
On: 05-09-2017LA has tremendous potential - especially with the concentration of small business across multiple industry sectors that the City (through its expenses) has shown to need. There's alignment! We just need the spark! Investing in LA can have a HUGE impact on economic growth/development for small businesses. It can also serve as a critical example of success & lessons learned for others.
Melinda Amato
On: 05-09-2017This would be an excellent step to help LA stand out nationally!
Dominique
On: 05-09-2017I recently returned from Cincinnati where I learned about Mortar, a program to support the growth of black entrepreneurship and I loved it! I'm excited about the possibility of uplifting small business owners who haven't been traditionally funded in the Los Angeles region.
Elmer Morales
On: 05-09-2017We have one of the largest ecosystems of minority owned businesses in Los Angeles. I love the approach they are taking with this, we can definitely create exponential impact!
JuanSVas
On: 05-09-2017LA has one of the largest percentages of minority owned businesses of any city! This grant would have a huge impact and the lessons learned could be used by all!
Parker
On: 05-08-2017To shop and buy in LA.