Disparity Studies

When state and local governments consider race or gender in their contracting programs (such as Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA)) or policies, courts require that they demonstrate a compelling interest by identifying evidence of persistent discrimination. Disparity studies provide data on the availability and use of Minority and Woman-owned Businesses (M/WBEs) to determine whether they have full and equal access to contracting opportunities.

Further, for any disparities identified, all remedies implemented must be narrowly tailored to study findings. A periodic completion of disparity studies assists the City in determining whether there remains a legally-sound justification for the continuation and/or modification of its SBEDA Ordinance.

Recently, City Council adopted a 2023 Disparity Study, which guided the current SBEDA Ordinance amendments.

2023 Disparity Study

An illustration of people of different ethnicity all looking the same direction.

The SBEDA program assists Small, Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (S/M/WBEs) in bidding on and securing City contracts.

This study seeks to ensure that Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses (M/WBEs) have equal access to contracting opportunities and that the City’s SBEDA program remains legally defensible and effective in its mission.

Disparity Study(PDF, 6MB)

Summary

The City’s SBEDA Program is generally in compliance with strict constitutional scrutiny and national best practices.

M/WBEs accounted for 53% of City-funded contract payments. In the previous study, conducted in 2015, the corresponding statistic was 23%.

While this participation by M/WBEs on City contracts is encouraging, the disparity study found continuing disparities in the San Antonio market area. These include the following among minorities and women:

  • worker wage earnings
  • entrepreneur wage earnings
  • business formation rates

The study recommended the City continue implementing narrowly tailored race- and gender-based SBEDA program tools to address the remaining City contracting disparities and offset general disparities found in the general San Antonio market area.

Commissioning the Study

When state and local governments consider race or gender for a program, they must demonstrate a compelling interest and identify evidence of persistent discrimination. The City maintains compliance through disparity studies.

Completing the Study

The Disparity Study was completed by Colette Holt & Associates with support from the aMAEzing Marketing Group. Colette Holt & Associates is a highly regarded industry leader in affirmative action and contract compliance consulting.

Back to top