New Database Shows City's Investment In Minority-Owned Businesses
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An online report card now sheds light on how the city spends its budget with minority and women-owned businesses.
In 2005, the City Council passed a measure -- known as Local Law 129 -- to enhance the ability of minority businesses to compete for city contracts.
City Comptroller John Liu and other city leaders say five years later, the city has failed to keep its promise.
"Every New Yorker has an obligation to say 'An even playing field is all that we're asking for.' When we develop and expand the supply, in the end, tax payers will get a better bargain," said City Councilman James Sanders.
So far this year, only about two percent of the $17 billion the city has spent on contracts, has gone to a minority or women-owned business.
The report card will be updated daily.