Catherine Peoples advocates for minority contractor access in Altadena procurement process

The Assembly Business and Professions Committee of the California State Assembly convened on April 22, 2025, to address critical issues affecting local businesses, particularly in the construction industry. A significant focus of the meeting was the challenges faced by small and minority-owned businesses in securing government contracts.

Catherine Peoples, a representative of a local business, expressed concerns about the current procurement process, which she argued systematically excludes qualified small businesses from bidding opportunities. Despite meeting all necessary credentials and maintaining required certifications, these businesses are often overlooked in favor of larger, established firms. Peoples highlighted that this disparity not only undermines local businesses but also limits job opportunities for skilled union workers in the community.

Peoples proposed a potential solution to bridge the gap for local and minority businesses: a crowdsourcing initiative promoted through social media. This initiative would allow small businesses to pitch their services directly to potential contracting opportunities, including government agencies and large corporations. By showcasing their past projects and skills, these businesses could demonstrate their readiness to work with union laborers, which is essential for government contracts.

She urged the committee to reform the procurement process to create a more equitable environment for businesses of color and those operating locally. Peoples emphasized that ensuring equity in disaster recovery is not just a moral obligation but a necessary step to strengthen communities and the workforce.

The committee's discussions highlighted the need for actionable steps to improve access for small businesses in the contracting process, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity in economic recovery efforts.