Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Statement on the release of the Disparity Report Framework and Recommendations and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Assessment
Washington, DC — Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie has issued the following statement upon the release of two reports from the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), the Disparity Report Framework and Recommendations and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Assessment:
“The findings of these reports are troubling, and I am disheartened—not just by what the data revealed, but also because a thorough study could not even be completed due to a lack of data. The reports underscore the necessity of consistent and standardized data collection, and one benefit is that we now have a roadmap to follow to develop a comprehensive study.
Despite this, the goals of the CBE program are extremely important for the District of Columbia. I will continue the work I have already begun to improve the CBE program, increasing its transparency and accountability.
The CBE program exists to support District-based women and minority-owned small businesses because they have historically been prevented from accessing both opportunities and capital. I am absolutely committed to making the program work as intended.“
Today, the DC Council Committee on Business and Economic Development, which Councilmember McDuffie Chairs, will be holding a Performance Oversight Hearing which will include the Department of Small and Local Business Development.
Today’s hearing begins at 10:00 AM. DSLBD is the final of three agencies included in today’s hearing. The agenda is available here.
