(New York, NY) The New York City Council has advanced legislation introduced by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers that would significantly enhance public transparency around the City’s spending with minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The bill, Introduction 23, would require the Comptroller to publish an annual report on the City’s website detailing the share of procurement contracts awarded to MWBEs in the previous fiscal year.

“Access to economic opportunity must be more than a promise—it must be measurable,” said New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. “This legislation is about ensuring that our city’s MWBE program is held to the highest standards of accountability. By requiring annual reporting, we empower advocates, small business owners, and community leaders with the data needed to fight for equity in City contracting.”

The report mandated by the legislation would include key metrics to track progress across City agencies, including the value of contracts awarded, the agencies involved, industry sectors, and the ethnic and gender breakdown of awardees. With MWBE participation in public procurement historically falling short of targets, the bill is aimed at giving policymakers and the public the tools they need to assess performance and demand change.

“Expanding opportunity starts with transparency, which is exactly what this legislation delivers,” said New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías. “For far too long, MWBEs have faced systemic barriers to accessing City contracts. Intro 23 equips us with the data needed to hold agencies accountable, close equity gaps, and drive better outcomes. I’m proud to support this bill and to stand with Majority Whip Brooks-Powers in advancing a more equitable and inclusive economy for all New Yorkers.”

“MWBEs only secured 6 percent of the $34.6 billion awarded for all contracts in FY ’24,” said New York City Council Member Julie Won, Chair of the Committee on Contracts. “A majority of those contracts are valued less than contracts awarded to businesses owned by white men. This is unacceptable. Intro. 23 would provide the necessary public tracking of MWBE contracts so we can continue advocating for businesses to get their fair share,” said Council Member Julie Won, Chair, Committee on Contracts. “As Chair of Contracts, I will continue to call for increased transparency in how we track the disparities in awarding contracts so we can increase business opportunities for MWBEs in our city.”

“If we’re serious about building a more inclusive economy, we have to start with the facts,” said New York City Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams. “For too long, minority- and women-owned business enterprises have faced barriers to fully participating in City contracting. This bill helps shift that reality by bringing greater transparency to the process and equipping communities with the information they need to advocate for fair access.  When we shine a light on where City dollars are going, we create a space for real opportunity and growth to take root in every neighborhood”

“This legislation is more than just a report—it’s a step toward justice, accountability, and opportunity, “said New York City Council Member Althea Stevens. “By making data on MWBE procurement publicly accessible, we are reinforcing our commitment to equity and transparency in how our city does business. Our communities deserve to see themselves reflected in the economy, and this bill ensures that progress is no longer hidden but highlighted. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues in supporting this effort to build a more inclusive and equitable New York City.” 

“This bill is about transparency, accountability, and opportunity,” New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers added. “I thank my colleagues for standing with me in this fight for a fairer, more inclusive economy.”

Media Contact for Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers:

Julian Martin | jmartin@council.nyc.gov 

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