City’s Disparity Study Announces Public Meeting Dates
NEW ORLEANS – As part of the 2017 City of New Orleans Disparity Study, Keen Independent Research is conducting two public meetings in August as an opportunity to collect local input for the study. The public meetings will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 30, from 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Southern University New Orleans Park Campus in the University Conference Center at 6400 Press Dr. Participants will have the opportunity to describe their experiences with local procurement and the New Orleans area marketplace.
Business owners and managers are also encouraged to respond an email and phone survey of New Orleans businesses.
The disparity study is analyzing conditions for minority- and women-owned firms in the local area. "The public meetings and surveys are critical components of our research process," said David Keen, principal of Keen Independent Research. "It is imperative to hear directly from business owners about their experiences in the New Orleans marketplace."
The New Orleans Disparity Study began in January 2017. The study team is analyzing city construction, professional services, goods and other service contracts awarded from 2012 through 2016. Later this year, Keen Independent will present preliminary results for public review. The study team will then complete a final report in early 2018.
The study results will help the City of New Orleans improve its efforts to help minority- and women-owned firms and other small businesses access city contract opportunities.
