Palm Beach County advances Small Business Development ordinance to public hearing after presentation on certification, outreach and microloans
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Summary
County staff presented a consolidated Small Business Development ordinance and moved it to preliminary reading and advertising for a Dec. 2 public hearing; staff emphasized certification streamlining, new technology and a proposed advisory appeals process to reduce costs for small firms.
County staff introduced a proposed Small Business Development ordinance on Nov. 18 that would reorganize the Office of Small Business Development under Housing and Economic Development, streamline certification rules, move administrative details into the policy and procedures manual and create new outreach and vendor-portal technology.
Axel Miranda, division director for the Office of Small Business Development, said the proposal shortens the ordinance from about 70 pages to roughly 40 by transferring procedural material to the policy manual and by clarifying certification, compliance and participation functions. Miranda described steps to increase the ‘‘bench’’ of certified firms through simplified processes, vendor outreach and partnerships with chambers and community organizations.
Administrators told the board they intend to pair the ordinance with a new vendor portal, updated purchasing processes and a forthcoming Office of Cost Control and Compliance to scrutinize contract costs and improve transparency. Staff representatives said they will continue to explore interlocal agreements so certifications can transfer among Palm Beach County jurisdictions, school districts and municipalities.
Several commissioners asked for clearer strike-through/changes and more time to review the ordinance before final adoption. Vice Mayor Woodward said she was uncomfortable receiving a 45-page draft without a clear redline but welcomed office-level briefings; she also pressed staff to explain how certification leads to winning contracts rather than merely obtaining a certification. Miranda and the administrator described a three-pillar approach aligning purchasing, small business development and housing to increase participation and procurement outcomes.
Commissioner Powell moved to approve the ordinance on preliminary reading and give permission to advertise a public hearing on Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m.; the motion carried 7-0. Staff said they will meet individually with commissioners before the public hearing and provide more detailed change summaries.
Direct quotes from the meeting include the director’s framing of outreach and simplification: "We should be able to increase our bench and by increasing our bench, we create a competitive environment" (Axel Miranda). Vice Mayor Woodward asked for clearer materials: "I haven't had time to digest 45 pages worth of an ordinance" (Vice Mayor Woodward).
