A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to reconsider the suspension of its minority and women-owned business assistance program.

WHEREAS, on Wednesday, September 20, 2006, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority voted to suspend the Airport Authority's minority and women-owned business assistance program; and

WHEREAS, the Airport Authority's minority and women-owned business assistance program set annual goals for minority and small business participation in Airport Authority contracts; and

WHEREAS, the disparity study for the Metropolitan Government prepared by Griffin & Strong, PC, which was completed in December 2004, stated that the Metro Airport Authority "has an effective Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program that appears to be staffed adequately"; and

WHEREAS, the positive findings of the disparity study are evidence that the Airport Authority's minority and women-owned contractor program was clearly working as it was intended; and

WHEREAS, discontinuing the contractor diversity program will have a substantial negative impact on minority and women-owned businesses in this community, which are a vital part of the business community and economy in the Nashville area; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority reinstate the contractor diversity program to ensure that minority and women-owned firms are given an opportunity to participate in Airport Authority projects.

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

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority to reconsider the suspension of its minority and women-owned business assistance program.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Regional Transportation Authority.

Section 3. That 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: Brenda Gilmore, Ludye Wallace