Department of Economic Inclusion

City of Cincinnati Receives Award for Efforts to Improve Economic Inclusion

Honored at annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration

CINCINNATI – The City of Cincinnati’s Department of Economic Inclusion (DEI) received special recognition Thursday for its work to create a sustainable structure to improve economic inclusion in Cincinnati. DEI accepted the Economic Opportunity Award at the 33rd annual Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration in Columbus, Ohio.

The Economic Opportunity Award is given each year to an individual, municipality, businesses or other organization that seeks to improve the quality of life for citizens in economically challenged areas through economic incentive programs.

“I’m humbled by this recognition. It speaks highly of the work of the many individuals who’ve strived to make Cincinnati a more inviting place for everyone to do business,” said Mayor John Cranley. “Obviously we still have work to do on this front but we’re excited by the progress we’ve made and look forward to continuing this growth in the future.”

The recognition for the City of Cincinnati is a byproduct of Mayor Cranley’s vision for increasing opportunities for local minority- and women-owned businesses.

Mayor Cranley brought together a team of 70 volunteers in 2014 to examine how the City government could create a sustainable structure to improve economic inclusion. The group, known as the Economic Inclusion Advisory Council, created metrics to gauge the City’s effectiveness in that area, and supported the creation of the DEI to make sure those goals became a reality.

Since DEI began in January of 2016 more than 230 minority- and/or women-owned businesses have been certified through the program. The City’s annual goals for MBE/WBE participation in City contracts are 17% MBE and 10% WBE for construction contracts, and 14% MBE and 16% WBE for professional services contracts.

“Through the direction of DEI Director Markiea Carter and support of the Mayor and City Council, we’ve been able to move the needle and open doors of opportunity that were not open before,” said City Manager Harry Black. “Businesses that once thought they would never be able to do business with the City of Cincinnati are getting contracts. In turn, those small businesses are hiring local workers and that’s making a major difference in a lot of our communities.”

“Our Department has worked hard over the last two years to make a noticeable impact on economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in our community,” said DEI Dir. Carter. “This is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing this momentum in the years ahead.”

The City of Cincinnati was one of seven individuals and organizations recognized for their efforts to advance nonviolent social change during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration.

The Ohio Department of Administration Services sponsors this event each year. For more information on all award winners and the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, visit www.das.ohio.gov/mlk.

About the Department of Economic Inclusion

The goal of the Department of Economic Inclusion (DEI) is to ensure economic opportunity and inclusion for all citizens seeking to do business with the City of Cincinnati and serve as a catalyst for the growth of minority-and women-owned businesses in the City and throughout the region.

DEI is responsible for administering, enforcing, and monitoring the Equal Employment Opportunity Program, the Living Wage Program, MBE/WBE/SBE certification programs, and Local, State & Federal Prevailing Wage laws.

For more information on DEI go to www.cincinnati-oh.gov/inclusion.