Council committee reviews OEOI budget, supplier-diversity milestones and White Stadium outreach plan

Boston City Councilors on the Committee on Ways and Means heard a briefing April 29 from the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion (OEOI) on the office’s FY25 budget priorities, supplier‑diversity milestones, and programs to connect local firms to the White Stadium redevelopment and other city contracts.

The presentation, led by Shigon Itawu, chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, and senior OEOI staff outlined a package of programs — small business technical assistance, a “Scale” grant program, a space-acquisition pilot, nightlife economy investments, and supplier‑diversity tools — that the administration says are intended to expand contracting and ownership opportunities for minority-, women- and veteran‑owned firms.

Why it matters: Councilors said they want clearer data and faster access to funds for neighborhood businesses while ensuring major projects such as White Stadium bring contracts and jobs to nearby communities. The committee pressed OEOI on Main Streets reimbursements, commercial vacancy tracking, accessibility for entrepreneurs with disabilities, and how supplier‑diversity gains will be sustained.

Most important facts

Shigon Itawu, chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, framed the OEOI cabinet and its priorities and described the department’s work on downtown revitalization, small‑business supports, and supplier‑diversity efforts. Donald Wright, deputy chief, and Alicia Porceno, director of small business, walked the committee through program details.

Supplier diversity and certification

Jollivia Barrow (Deputy Director, Admin Finance & Supply Diversity) described supplier‑diversity programs and metrics OEOI provided. As of April, OEOI reported 951 certified businesses citywide and 73 newly…