"Thanks to all of the individuals and organizations that supported my campaign for Travis County Commissioner. Your support was a great source of inspiration and motivation. Rest assured that I will continue to be active in helping to address our community's challenges. "

Primary Elections
Tuesday, March 02, 2010

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Local and Small Businesses Matter Policy Statement

Last week a national study by Bizjournals was released and ranked Austin, Travis County as the top area for starting a business. The study utilized a six-part formula to analyze the nations' 100 largest metros areas that are most conducive to the creation and development of small businesses. Austin, Travis County emerged as the clear winner, based on outstanding performances in three statistical categories of critical importance to entrepreneurs including population, employment and small-business growth. The number of small businesses in Austin, Travis County increased by 5.6 percent from 2006 to 2007 compared to the typical metro area growth of 1.4 percent.

Over my months on the campaign I have talked directly to many small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community and I know firsthand that small businesses matter. Small businesses continue to sustain our economic landscape through the creation of jobs and contributions to our local tax base.

Many of our local small businesses are minority and women-owned or Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) firms. This is an important reflection of the diversity that makes up our community. I firmly believe that all segments of the community should share in the economic opportunities brought forward by Travis County government.

In 2003, Travis County adopted the City of Austin's Minority and Women-owned Business (MBE/WBE) program, goals and sub-goals. However, after reviewing and analyzing nearly five fiscal years of Travis County's HUB participation data, the County has failed to meet the HUB participation goals for minority and women-owned firms in all four commodity codes (professional, non-professional, construction and commodity services) with the exception of the commodity services goal in fiscal year 2006. In 2008, the county awarded nearly $147 million dollars in total contracts; however less than 3% of those contracts were awarded to minority-owned firms and less than 6% were awarded to women-owned firms. These dismal participation numbers occurred under the current watch of Commissioner Gomez.

As a former Austin City Council Member and Chair of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and Small Business Council Committee, I have strong and proven track record of advocating for our local small businesses. As your Travis County Commissioner I am committed to revamping the county's HUB program to significantly raise the level of participation. Specifically I will work to implement the following:

1. Request a comprehensive review and analysis of the current Travis County HUB program and contracting procedures.
2. Develop strong procurement policies to improve opportunities and participation of local small businesses and HUBs in the County's bidding activities.
3. Develop effective enforcement mechanisms to ensure procurement policies are being honored.
4. Develop a small business development program that will provide resources and technical support in order to increase the number of HUBs that can successfully compete in the County's procurement process.

I will work to ensure that Travis County becomes a model of success with proven strategies and values for the equitable participation of our local small businesses.