Orlando program for minority- and women-owned businesses ‘in need of immediate repair,’ Regina Hill says
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill took aim Tuesday at an $18 million contract to build roads, utilities and other amenities at The Packing District development, arguing its lack of inclusion of African American-owned subcontractors is evidence the city’s minority-owned business program is “broken.”
“I’m slightly fed up, each time we get these multimillion-dollar contracts and there’s no inclusion,” Hill said in prepared remarks at the Tuesday City Council meeting. “I believe Mayor, the [minority and women-owned business] program is broken and in need of immediate repair.”
Hill, one of two Black city commissioners, was the lone vote against the contract, which was awarded to the Winter Park firm Hubbard Construction by a 6-1 vote — though, following her comments, two other commissioners expressed desires to improve the program.
City policy requires contractors to include at least 18% subcontracting to businesses owned by minorities and another 6% to companies owned by women. But contracts that don’t reach those goals can still be approved if the firm shows it’s made a good-faith effort in achieving them.
