Houston Hispanic Chamber urges pause and deeper review of proposed MWBE changes

Houston business leaders and council members pressed the City Council on March 31 to slow changes to the city's minority- and women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) program and to take more time for outreach and technical fixes.

The request came during public comment from Dr. Laura Murillo of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who told the council that "without a proper structure, just rolling them into another program, they will absolutely get lost and will not be able to compete with more established companies in this city." The exchange followed presentations and questions from elected officials including Mayor Pro Tem Kasik Statham and Council Member Kamen.

Why it matters: The MWBE program governs how the city certifies and supports small, minority- and women-owned firms seeking city contracts. Stakeholders said a rapid rewrite could disadvantage smaller firms that lack capital and longstanding contracting relationships, even if the administration is seeking compliance with recent legal guidance.

Public commenters sought a ‘‘graduation’’ approach and more inclusive stakeholder engagement. Murillo told the council her organization had provided a prioritized list of recommendations to the administration and asked for focus groups and additional time to review the disparity study data.

Council Member Kamen, speaking from the dais, said the city is in litigation on the issue and asked Murillo to confirm she was requesting a delay. Kamen quoted Murillo for the record: "there are aspects of this that have not been considered or reviewed and you are asking the city for additional time to consider" — to which Murillo replied, "That is absolutely right. Let's slow this down. Let's deliberate. Let's be transparent."

Council members and business advocates also discussed technical issues raised by the disparity study cited by the administration, including sampling and methodology concerns. Commenters said the study relied on limited survey responses and large vendor spend that skewed results; Murillo and others pressed for a revised methodology that centers small certified firms.

What council members said: Council Member Joaquin Martinez encouraged Murillo to share the Chamber's materials with all council offices so that every member could review the recommendations. Several council members signaled willingness to extend deliberations and hold additional briefings prior to formal action.

Next steps: No council vote on the MWBE program occurred during the session. Council members invited further written input and suggested staff and stakeholders meet to develop recommended edits and a timeline.

Ending: Advocates asked for a transparent process that preserves support for smaller contractors; the administration and OBO advisory groups continue to review the disparity report and proposed revisions.