A resolution requesting the Mayor to create a Mayor's Office of Minority Affairs.

WHEREAS, the Mayor has created several offices within the Mayor's Office, including the Office of Neighborhoods, the Office of Community and Economic Development, the Office of Affordable Housing, and the Office of Children and Youth, to address community and societal issues affecting the citizens of Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government recently contracted with Griffin & Strong, P.C., to conduct a disparity study to determine whether the Government's procurements are utilizing an appropriate number of minority and women-owned businesses in proportion to the availability of such businesses in Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, the results of the disparity study, released in December 2004, recommended a comprehensive program for the Metropolitan Government which includes the adoption of a comprehensive nondiscrimination in purchasing and contracting policy, a modification of the Metropolitan Government's prompt payment procedures, and that adherence to the nondiscrimination policy be included as an evaluation factor in all requests for proposals (RFPs); and

WHEREAS, although the Purchasing Division of the Finance Department - Division of Minority and Small Business Assistance is responsible for ensuring that a fair proportion of government purchases be made from small and disadvantaged businesses, an office within the Mayor's Office to oversee minority procurements and other issues affecting minorities in Nashville and Davidson County would be a tremendous asset to the community; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that an office be created within the Mayor's Office to focus primarily on issues affecting minorities in Nashville and Davidson County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Mayor to create a Mayor's Office of Minority Affairs.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Mayor Bill Purcell.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jamie Isabel