Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans has announced efforts to expand access to public contracts for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). As part of these steps the office of Supplier Diversity has been moved under the direct control of the city’s chief financial officer.

Mayor Cantrell is also revamping the Office of Supplier Diversity to ensure DBEs receive at minimum 35 percent of city contracts. A web-based portal will also be implemented which will allow prime contractors and subcontractors to follow the procurement process along with payments. This will allow for transparency and avoid the long wait for DBE subcontractors to receive payments. 

“We're proud of the major improvements made which resulted in new opportunities for hundreds of small businesses, new generational wealth for Black business owners and robust DBE participation on major projects like the new airport,” said  Ryan Berni, a spokesman for the former mayor.