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Economic development staff outlines disparity study, maritime apprenticeship and neighborhood entrepreneurship funding
Summary
Hope Stewart, the city’s small minority business liaison, updated the Economic Matters Committee on a disparity study RFP, efforts to restart a $50,000 maritime apprenticeship fund, a Clay Street entrepreneurship training grant and downtown pedestrianization conversations.
At the Dec. 18 Economic Matters meeting, Hope Stewart, the City of Annapolis small minority business liaison, told the committee that the request for proposals for a disparity study — a review of city procurement and contract practices as they relate to small, women- and minority-owned and service-disabled-veteran-owned businesses — closed Dec. 20 and an interdepartmental team will pick a consultant.
Stewart also said the city needs to resecure funds previously set aside for a maritime apprenticeship program. "We are now ready to move forward with [the] apprenticeship program," Stewart said, but added that the $50,000 allocated in fiscal year 2024 was not reappropriated in fiscal 2025. Stewart said she is coordinating with the workforce development corporation, the Maritime Trades Association of Maryland and Finance staff about seeking a supplemental appropriation from the Finance Committee and that the partnering organizations are ready to proceed once funding is restored.
The committee was told that Alderman O'Neil's Clay Street entrepreneurship and redevelopment training program has received $25,000 and that those funds will be used to train neighborhood residents how to start businesses. Stewart said Economic Development would follow up with the committee if the office needs assistance advocating for supplemental funds or in implementing programs.
Committee members also discussed downtown activation and pedestrianization. Members praised recent downtown events such as Midnight Madness and discussed pursuing pilot street closures to create more pedestrian-friendly blocks. One member pointed to Charlottesville's pedestrian mall as an example and said research and stakeholder outreach would be needed before any pilot.
Stewart requested that the committee be notified after the disparity study RFP closes; committee members also offered to advocate for the maritime apprenticeship supplemental appropriation before the Finance Committee. The update concluded with committee members encouraging continued coordination among Economic Development, public works, planning and permitting offices to reduce regulatory barriers to business expansion and building improvements.
No formal votes were taken on the items in Stewart's update at the Dec. 18 hearing.
