City of Seattle Disparity Study

In 2021, the City of Seattle commissioned a disparity study to evaluate if Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (WMBEs) have equal access to Citywide contracting opportunities.

The large-scale, comprehensive study was the first-of-its-kind at the City and was conducted by Colette Holt & Associates (CHA), a nationally recognized expert on disparity studies and WMBE programs. CHA has completed studies for multiple agencies across Washington state over many years. 

The City’s study was completed earlier this year and. the City is in the process of analyzing the results, communicating findings with stakeholders and community, and developing a plan to implement recommendations.  

You can access the full study here.

Study scope
The scope of the study includes an evaluation of the City's procurement policies, procedures, spend analysis, and engagement with the contractors, vendors, and consultants. The study included an analysis of the feasibility of supporting veteran- and LGBTQ-owned firms’ participation in City procurements.

How the study was conducted
Colette Holt & Associates conducted the disparity study​ by:

  • Collecting and analyzing contract transaction data  ​
  • Meeting with City staff to understand policies and procedures​
  • Conducting targeted meetings with prime and sub-contractors​
  • Developing recommendations based on key findings

What it found
The study found that efforts by the City to expand contracting equity for Women- and Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (WMBEs) has been very successful in opening opportunities for minority and woman-owned firms.

While the study found the City is meeting and exceeding goals in many areas, it also identified areas for improvement and provided recommendations. Among them are recommendations to increase communication and outreach to WMBE and small firms, enhance electronic data collection and program management, consider partnerships with other agencies and local organizations to provide bonding and financing, enhanced technical assistance, and utilize the state’s WMBE certification eligibility process.

Next steps
The City is in the process of sharing study findings with community and working to create an implementation plan.

Acknowledgements
This work would not have been possible without the time and contributions of Citywide staff, key partners, WMBE business leaders, and the City’s WMBE Advisory Committee, which provides guidance to the City of Seattle regarding practices in support of equity, inclusion and participation of WMBEs in City of Seattle contracts.

If you have questions or comments regarding the study, please e-mail miguel.beltran@seattle.gov