DBBA speaks out against ordinance that may hurt Black contractors.

On November 14th, the Metro-Detroit Black Business Alliance held a press conference, speaking out against a city council ordinance that they believe could have a negative impact on Black contractors, particularly those based in the city. Charity Dean, President and CEO of the Alliance, argued that the proposed plan would give suburban companies priority when it comes to contracts.

"What this ordinance is trying to do is change the way the city spends its money on contractors," Dean said. "The changes would give large suburban contractors priority over Detroit-based contractors." She also added that the City Council failed to honor an agreement that requires community involvement before any major decisions that could affect Detroit residents are made.

City Council President Mary Sheffield responded to Dean's claims, saying that this ordinance is meant to help employees. "This is an employee-driven ordinance that is meant to ensure they are properly trained, paid right, and are not subjected to unsafe working conditions. We want to incentivize bidders who are investing in their employees. It's not mandatory, but we want the lowest and most responsible bidder," she said.

The two leaders agreed to come together and discuss how this ordinance could better serve Black-owned businesses in Detroit. Sheffield said, “Let’s come together. Let’s get in a room and let’s get it done.”

However, many Black contractors are concerned that city leaders are not looking out for their best interests. Joe Bowman, owner of Humble Brothers Construction, stated, “This ordinance has the potential to greatly affect my business as well as my fellow contractors – by giving equalization credits that would potentially put companies outside of Detroit ahead of us.”

The past decade has seen Detroit offer massive incentives to billionaire developers, making certain areas unaffordable for many residents. This move by city officials is seen by some as the latest in a concerted effort to gentrify the former “Black Bottom.” As a result, many Black Detroiters are wary of the ordinance and fear that it will further disadvantage them.

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