The Urban Redevelopment Authority strives to provide equal opportunities for business growth and development to minority and female business owners. All projects in excess of $250,000 are required to submit a Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Plan, which is analyzed internally in accordance with the City's Equal Opportunity Review Commission's criteria, to ensure success in this area. The URA expects all contracts of this size to achieve or exceed the goal of awarding 18% of the total project costs to MBEs and 7% of total project costs to WBEs.

The URA requires that all contractors, vendors, redevelopers, and borrowers demonstrate a good faith effort to obtain the participation of MBEs and WBEs in work to be performed in connection with the URA for projects of $250,000 and over. The URA acknowledges the City of Pittsburgh's goal of 18% minority and 7% women participation in construction contracts and purchases, and will strive to achieve these goals. However, we stress the full utilization of sub-contracting activities to constitute a successful MWBE Plan. It is recommended that suppliers will be given 60% credit and brokers 10% of their participation in any project (see MWBE Supplier Policy). The URA also has a goal to monitor minority and women labor on all projects.

URA staff works intently with contractors, vendors, redevelopers, and borrowers to create compliant MWBE Plans. The staff will perform site visits to ensure that participation goals are being realized.

Economic Opportunity Policy Statement

The URA's board and management have a goal to provide an equal opportunity for business growth and development to minority and female entrepreneurs. The URA will not discriminate against any business because of the owner's race or sex.

All procurement transactions for professional services, construction, and commodities will be conducted in a manner that provides open and free competition. This policy is consistent with federal and state statutory and regulatory provisions, the Mayor's Executive Order, and contractual requirements relating to equal opportunity. Contracts and awards will be made only to responsible firms or individuals that possess the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed contract.

The URA will cooperate with the department of general services and the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Review Commission to ensure success in carrying out this program. The URA's management will monitor all contracts to ensure that this policy is carried out.