Disparity Study

PDC and the City of Portland engaged a team led by BBC Research & Consulting (BBC) to study whether their current efforts to promote a level playing field for minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBEs) in City and PDC contracting were effective and whether other policies and program were needed. The Disparity Study analyzed whether there was a disparity between the utilization and availability of MBEs and WBEs by majority-owned prime contractors and by PDC's development partners. Utilization refers to the percentage of contract dollars that went to MBE and WBE firms. Availability refers to the percentage of contact dollars that would be expected to go to those firms given the number of MBEs/WBEs available for specific sizes and types of contracts.

The Study found disparities in prime contracting, sub-contracting and professional services such as engineering and architecture, or projects where PDC contributed funding but did not own or manage the construction contract. The disparities were greatest for women-owned firms in all three areas.

Study Documents

• PDC Disparity Study
• Executive Summary

• PDC Business and Workforce Equity Policy

PDC is convening two stakeholder advisory committees to recommend solutions to close the disparity gaps identified in the study, including changes to PDC’s Business and Workforce Equity Policy, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, RFP language, and barriers such as bonding and insurance and more. The stakeholder advisory committees will:

• Develop a list of possible actions to close the disparity gaps;
• Discuss and evaluate the positive and negative aspects of each action;
• Prepare a report of suggestions to improve PDC’s programs and policies; and
• Provide a public forum for discussion of possible remedies.

The committees will complete this work in September and October of 2011.

For more information on the advisory committees, please contact Joleen Jensen-Classen at 503.823.3352 or email

Prime Contractor and Subcontractor Stakeholder Advisory Committee

The committee will recommend solutions to PDC to close the disparity gaps identified in the study including changes to PDC's Business and Workforce Equity Policy, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, RFP language, and barriers such as bonding and insurance and more.

Meetings and Materials

Location: PDC, 222 NW 5th Ave., Green Room, First Floor

Professional Services Stakeholder Advisory Committee

This stakeholder advisory committee will recommend solutions to PDC to close the disparity gaps identified in the study including changes to PDC's Business and Workforce Equity Policy, contracts, intergovernmental agreements, RFP language, and barriers such as bonding and insurance and more.

Meetings and Materials

Location: PDC, 222 NW 5th Ave., Green Room, First Floor. 9/29 meeting will be in the Eastbank Conference Room, 3rd floor.