South Florida Local News
City of West Palm Beach encourages local business owners to complete the 2026 Disparity Study survey to help ensure fairness in municipal contracts
West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach is reaching out to business owners across the region to participate in its 2026 Disparity Study by completing a brief online survey. The study aims to assess whether Minority- and Women-owned businesses have equitable opportunities to compete for City contracts, helping to ensure fairness and transparency in municipal procurement.
The online survey, which takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete, is anonymous and will remain open through September 29, 2025. City officials stress that input from local businesses is crucial in identifying potential barriers and strengthening opportunities for all qualified vendors.
The survey is designed to capture the experiences of business owners who have conducted, or attempted to conduct, business with the City of West Palm Beach. Participants will provide demographic, statistical, and anecdotal information about their companies, including operating capacity and business history. This data will help the City understand the challenges businesses face when seeking municipal contracts.
Conducted by Griffin & Strong, the Disparity Study will evaluate the utilization of Minority- and Women-owned businesses across several sectors, including Construction, Professional Services (both CCNA and Non-CCNA), Other Services, and Goods. Researchers will examine whether these businesses are underutilized in City contracting and, if so, to what extent any disparities may be related to discrimination.
“This study is a vital tool in our ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to City contracts for all qualified businesses,” said a City spokesperson. “By participating in the survey, business owners have a direct voice in shaping policies that impact procurement and opportunity in West Palm Beach.”
The City encourages all eligible business owners to take part and emphasizes that even brief participation can provide valuable insights. “Your input will help us better understand the marketplace, identify barriers, and create a more inclusive environment for businesses of all sizes and backgrounds,” the spokesperson added.
Business owners can access the survey and additional information about the Disparity Study online at https://westpalmbeachdisparitystudy.com/. For any questions or concerns, Griffin & Strong is available via email at [email protected].
With the 2026 Disparity Study, the City of West Palm Beach hopes to strengthen its commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and opportunity, ensuring that Minority- and Women-owned businesses can fully compete for City contracts and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
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