Employment Goals and Publicly Financed Projects

Paper Session

Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Hyatt Regency Chicago, Gold Coast
Hosted By: Labor and Employment Relations Association
  • Chair: Samuel Myers, Jr., University of Minnesota

Minority Businesses and Their Relationship with Publicly Financed Projects

Thomas Boston
,
Georgia Institute of Technology

Abstract

Minority Businesses and Their Relationship with Publicly Financed Projects

Equal Employment Opportunities on Publicly Financed Projects

William Spriggs
,
Howard University

Abstract

Equal Employment Opportunities on Publicly Financed Projects

Racial and Gender Diversity in State Departments of Transportation

William M. Rodgers III
,
Rutgers University

Abstract

Racial and Gender Diversity in State Departments of Transportation

The Essentiality of Black Business Participation in Public Projects

Lucy Reuben
,
Duke University

Abstract

This presentation provides historical background and contemporary perspectives on the important role of African-American participation in business and economic growth and development. The study focuses upon at least three areas that address the essentiality of black business participation in publicly financed projects. First, the study provides an analysis to demonstrate the critical role of black-owned businesses in providing employment and income opportunities or underserved communities and links this analysis to public policy imperatives in the context of evolving demographics. Secondly, the study discusses historical and contemporary obstacles and opportunities faced by black-owned businesses in gaining equitable access to public policy support mechanisms and publicly financed projects such as those that have propelled non-minority businesses to growth, development and sustainability. Finally, the study provides strategic recommendations for public policy initiatives at the federal and state levels, with emphasis upon addressing the persistent gap in access to capital borne most significantly by black-owned businesses.
Discussant(s)
Alexander Tittle
,
DiversityACT
Kim Collins
,
Minnesota Department of Transportation
JEL Classifications
  • H5 - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies