Houston council to vote on Chapter 15 changes after disparity study as stakeholders urge fixes for minority- and women-owned businesses

Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the City Council heard extended public testimony and council debate on proposals to amend Chapter 15 of the city code using a recently completed disparity study, with supporters urging the council to preserve and strengthen the city’s minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) program.

The council was told it will vote the following day on an ordinance amendment that would adopt the disparity study as the basis for future program changes; council members and community representatives said the current MWBE categories would remain in place while the city develops additional certification, wrap‑around services and other supports.

Why it matters: The disparity study is intended to document gaps in city contracting and provide a legal and factual foundation for program changes. Supporters said adopting the study will help the city defend the program in court and create targeted supports for smaller firms that currently lack capacity to compete for contracts.

In public comment, Roger Harris, identified as a subject-matter expert on WMWBE programs, urged city leaders and business owners to consult the Office of Business Opportunity for accurate information and to “seek wise counsel” about next steps, saying “there is so much incorrect information being presented.”

Representatives of businesses and civic organizations told…