We are disappointed that the Builders Association of Greater Chicago opposes Chicago’s policy that targets 25 percent of its contracts for minority-owned firms and 5 percent for women-owned firms. And we are angry that, reportedly, they are gearing up to challenge this policy in court (MetroChicago, Feb. 29).
We applaud Mayor Daley’s stand in support of minority set-aside ordinance goals for minority-owned firms in the construction industry.
African-Americans, Hispanics, women and other minorities have traditionally been shut out of this industry. Ethnic minorities constitute more than 60 percent of Chicago’s population, and at least 50 percent of the population is female. Indeed, minority set-asides of 25 percent are more than fair.
The mayor understands that minority set-asides are crucial to the economic revival in Chicago’s poor neighborhoods. The issue of transition from welfare to work has become central in today’s public policy discourse. In this light, we cannot continue to close the door on opportunities for Chicago’s unemployed and underemployed citizens.
