Metropolitan Council Small Business Opportunities Spend Plan 2026-2027
This document outlines the Metropolitan Council's Small Business Opportunities Spend Plan (SBOSP), a strategic initiative to expand opportunities and eliminate disparities for small businesses through intentional planning and shared accountability. The plan emphasizes a partnership approach, focusing on increasing small business spend, particularly in goods and services, and details specific commitments from various divisions for projected growth across 2026 and 2027. It integrates feedback, ensures continuous accountability through quarterly monitoring and reporting, and aims to build trust and synergy across the organization to enhance small business access.
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The council meeting addressed various administrative and operational items, including the approval of several contracts for VMware cloud licensing, water resource recovery facility design, electrical maintenance services, emergency repairs for a siphon in Saint Paul, and the distribution of water efficiency grants. Leadership changes were confirmed, including the appointment of a new Vice Chair and various committee assignments. Additionally, the Council appointed a new commissioner to the Metropolitan Parks and Open Space Commission. Informational presentations were held regarding regional transit governance and finance, as well as an overview of the Small Business Opportunities Spend Plan, which aims to increase spending with underutilized businesses.
Apr 22, 2026·Board meeting
Equity Advisory Committee Committee Meeting
The committee meeting included the introduction of new members and the establishment of a new quorum requirement of 11. Discussions were held regarding communication issues, specifically full email inboxes. A presentation was delivered by the manager of the Office of Civil Rights and Small Business Programs regarding their Engagement and Development Unit.
Apr 21, 2026·Board meeting
Metropolitan Council Equity Advisory Committee Minutes
The committee meeting featured a presentation on the Office of Civil Rights and Small Business Programs' engagement and development initiatives, focusing on strategies to support small businesses through training, outreach, and resource sharing. Discussions addressed efforts to improve contracting accessibility for underutilized businesses, including the use of plain language in communications and the collection of demographic data to track program impact. Additionally, the committee received an update regarding the department's recent structural reorganization and name change, discussing the strategic motivation for aligning with civil rights terminology to strengthen legal authority and operational identity.
