Findings on equality in Aurora contracts may lead to resolution

Aurora's business community may not always be fully represented when city contracts are awarded, according to findings by a city task force.

Mayor Tom Weisner is expected today to ask the city council's Committee of the Whole to approve a resolution expressing Aurora's commitment to expand opportunities for local businesses that are owned by minorities, women and persons with disabilities who are seeking city contracts.

City officials said the resolution is the result of several discussions among members of the Task Force on Opportunities for Minorities and Women, which Weisner assembled in 2009.

The task force, which consists of 20 religious, business, trade-union and community leaders, was asked to recommend solutions for increasing competitive participation in city contracting that better reflects Aurora's diverse community. The group is led by Eduardo Gil, partner and owner of Aurora-based law firm Gil & Cruz, and Theodia Gillespie, President and CEO of the Quad County Urban League.

"It's important for all business owners to realize that they have an opportunity to secure city contracts," Weisner stated in a written statement released late Monday. "Expanding opportunities for those businesses that are minority or female-owned, those headed by persons with disabilities and small businesses in general, is good for Aurora because it demonstrates our commitment to making sure that all segments of our community can be involved in Aurora's growth."

Based on the task force findings, Weisner is also expected to announce 14 action steps that will be implemented after the resolution is adopted. Aurora will initiate outreach programs with local organizations, and implement workshops to help the community better understand city processes.

Officials also intend to make better use of technology and social networking to improve communication within the community and build a database to get a better handle on the level of goods and services that are available within the city's boundaries. Gillespie said she is pleased to see the task force recommendations moving forward.

"Our task force has been diligent and deliberate in its work to create a process that will benefit the entire community and ensure that historically underrepresented businesses owned by minorities, women and the disabled have full opportunity to participate," she said.

"Our efforts will also provide the residents of Aurora job training and employment opportunities that will help drive economic resources back to our communities."

The Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 5 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 44 E. Downer Place.