To further the City of Seattle’s commitment to economic inclusion and contracting equity, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan and the City of Seattle’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) formally launched the Mayoral Women- and Minority-Owned Business (WMBE) Advisory Committee today. The Committee, established through Executive Order 2019-06, will provide guidance and feedback on City of Seattle contracting equity initiatives. 

Mayor Durkan appointed 12 members to the advisory committee. The members represent four stakeholder sectors: vendors, consultants, construction contractors and community organizations. Members represent a range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. They are appointed for a two-year term. 

“The City has a responsibility to make sure the Black, Indigenous, and people of color and women-owned firms have equitable opportunities to compete for City contracts,” said Mayor  Durkan. “I’m so thankful these leaders have joined us on the WMBE committee to tell us what we’re getting right and how we can do better.” 

The WMBE Advisory Committee will focus its work by establishing an annual work plan. Issues on the table include City outreach and engagement practices, technical assistance and training, supporting the soon-to-be-launched Citywide disparity study and evaluating existing City policies and procedures.  

“In 2020, the City spent 23% of purchasing dollars and 23% of consulting dollars with WMBE firms. We want to work with the WMBE Advisory Committee to drill down into this data, including looking at breakdowns by race/ethnicity, to ultimately strengthen our existing partnerships and build new contracting opportunities for WMBE firms,” said Calvin W. Goings, FAS Department Director.   

“I’m honored to join other leaders in the WMBE community to support the City of Seattle’s drive towards equity in City contracting,” said Ollie Garrett, President of Tabor 100 and WMBE Advisory Committee member. “I know the conversations ahead will be both challenging and productive as we look at efforts to boost outreach, inclusion and engagement.” 

The 2021-22 WMBE Advisory Committee members are: 

• Ato Apiafi, Ato Apiafi Architects 
• Anthony Burnett, MB Diversity 
• Terry Calloway, Trinity Development Corporation 
• Tracey Freeman, T&T Traffic Control 
• Shelley Gaddie, ProjectCorps 
• Ollie Garrett, Tabor 100 
• Regina Glenn, Pacific Communications Consultants Inc
• Eugene Hardin, Quality Woodworking 
• Fernando Martinez, NW Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council 
• Michelle Merriweather, Urban League 
• Roger Newton, Newton Building & Development, LLC 
• Irene Reyes, Excel Supply Company