The Cambridge City Council’s return from summer hiatus presents a critical opportunity to address the glaring inequities revealed in the recent disparity study of municipal contracts. The study’s findings are a stark reminder that even in a city renowned for its commitment to equity, systemic barriers continue to exclude women and minority-owned businesses from meaningful economic participation.
The numbers speak volumes: of $260 million in city contracts over a five-year period, a mere fraction went to businesses owned by women and minorities. This disparity not only contradicts Cambridge’s professed values but also represents a significant loss of diverse talent, innovation, and economic growth potential for the city.
As we approach an election cycle, it is imperative that this issue not be reduced to political posturing. Instead, the Council should view this as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine leadership by:
- Acknowledging the problem: Openly recognize that these disparities exist and represent a failure to live up to Cambridge’s ideals of inclusivity and equity.
- Setting concrete goals: Establish clear, measurable targets for increasing the participation of women and minority-owned businesses in city contracts.
- Creating a dedicated task force: Form a group responsible for annual progress assessments, ensuring accountability and sustained focus on this issue.
- Expanding the scope: Ensure that the initiative encompasses all aspects of city contracting, including architecture, construction site diversity, and vendor selection.
- Linking to broader initiatives: Connect this effort to ongoing discussions about reparative work and social justice, demonstrating how equitable contracting practices can contribute to a more inclusive economic future.
- Learning from others: Draw inspiration from successful models, such as former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson’s pioneering efforts to create opportunities for Black-owned businesses, or more recent initiatives by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.
- Fostering a pipeline: Develop programs to support and nurture women and minority-owned businesses, preparing them to compete effectively for city contracts.
By taking these steps, the Cambridge City Council can transform this moment of reckoning into an opportunity for meaningful change. This is not merely about correcting past injustices; it’s about harnessing the full potential of our diverse community to drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress.
As we look to the future, we must ask ourselves: How can we leverage the talents of all our citizens to build a more prosperous and equitable Cambridge? By addressing these contract disparities head-on and creating mechanisms for ongoing accountability, the Council can set a new standard for inclusive governance and economic opportunity.
This is a chance for Cambridge to live up to its reputation as a progressive leader and to create a model of equitable economic development that could inspire cities across the nation. The time for talk has passed; now is the moment for bold, decisive action to ensure that the promise of opportunity in Cambridge is truly open to all.
Tony Clark is the Co-President and Co-Founder of The My Brother Keeper’s Cambridge Task Force
