Oakland multicultural business leaders have requested that the city address and take action in reforming the disparities in contracting opportunities for Black-, Minority- and Women-owned businesses. 

City Administrator Ed Reskin and the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) President and Ceo Cathy D. Adams recently held a virtual meeting to discuss the matter. After several meetings, the OAACC is asking for the disparity to be addressed by the end of the year. “We want everyone to be clear and concise,” said Adams. “We know where we’ve been, and we know how we feel. However, for the sake of our businesses, we are focused on remedies to bring equity and parity to all city contracts.  We want progress and fairness in 2021 – the time is now.”

The OAACC has also worked with several other local chamber leaders and business executives to properly discuss the disparity within all minority-owned and women-owned businesses (M/WBE). One major issue was discussed by Eddie Dillard, former president and CEO of the Oakland Black Board of Trade and Commerce, he stated that Black contractors were being included in city contracts but when awards were being assigned, Black contractors were being removed. With the pressure of local businesses and proven disparities, the City of Oakland will address the concerns.