NEW ORLEANS - Today, Council Vice President Helena Moreno and District "B" Councilmember Jay H. Banks co-authored an ordinance that would enhance the opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) interested in competing for contracts let by the New Orleans City Council.

"I believe strongly in building a more equitable New Orleans where everyone has the opportunity to compete and win business in order to create jobs and grow wealth," said Councilmember Moreno. "This is only a first step in advancing our contracting framework - helping get our Council house in order - in order to further provide opportunity for New Orleanians with the skills and the passion to compete for and win public work let by their government."

This ordinance, which sets forth standards for the City Council that mirror those already codified in previous years for the Executive branch, is a first step forward as this Council continues to open opportunity for all New Orleanians and provide more equitable treatment for local DBEs. 

"The concept of allowing all qualified, capable service to participate in city contracts is essential in growing the DBE's capacity with the goal of them one day no longer being disadvantaged," said Councilmember Banks. "This is just a start, but we must continue to do all we can to address and diminish the glaring economic disparity in our community. "

Vice President Moreno expects to use this ordinance as a launching point for an expanded conversation about refining and improving the entire City's DBE participation program in the near future.

To view the ordinance, click here.

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Contact:
Andrew Tuozzolo
Chief of Staff
Office of Councilmember-at-Large Helena Moreno
AVTuozzolo@nola.gov
(504) 281-9882