At Public Works Partners, we’ve seen firsthand how inclusive contracting can create real and lasting opportunity when it’s approached with care, consistency, and intention. We launched as a certified Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and like many small firms, we got our start as subcontractors. Over the years, we’ve grown, leading major planning and management consulting efforts from coast to coast. And as we’ve stepped into the role of prime, one thing has remained constant: our commitment to creating space for others.
Participation goals for Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) exist to open doors that have historically been closed to many. Progress is happening: in FY 2024, New York City awarded a record $6.4 billion in contracts to M/WBEs, with utilization rates climbing to 31.2%—one of the highest since the program began in 2015. Under Local Law 1, M/WBE awards totaled approximately $1.6 billion, up 15% since the start of the current administration. The enhanced small business purchase method alone doubled in value, from $110 million in FY 2022 to $248 million in FY 2024.
These numbers reflect a growing recognition that inclusive contracting is a powerful tool for building equity across industries. Still, while meeting utilization goals is important, the real opportunity is in how we meet them. Are we engaging early? Are we creating scopes that position partners for meaningful work, not just administrative roles? Are we offering tools, transparency, and mentorship that help firms succeed not just on this project, but on the next?
Prime contractors play a crucial role not only in compliance but also in shaping culture. The way we plan, procure, and partner can either reinforce old patterns or create new possibilities.
Here’s what we can prioritize:
Right-sized scopes and flexible teaming, so firms of all sizes can participate
Early engagement, so partners have time to prepare, ask questions, and shape their involvement
Clear expectations and consistent support, including technical assistance, onboarding help, and shared tools
Mentorship and knowledge-sharing, particularly for newer or first-time subs
Visibility and credit, so firms are recognized for their work and positioned for future growth
Consistent and fair contracting and payment terms that support small business cash flow
We apply the same principles in our consulting work, from program evaluation to strategic planning and community engagement. In every context, we’ve built teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and intentionally elevated our partners, even when we were in the lead.
In Manhattan, we led the pre-design process for Chinatown Connections, a yearlong engagement initiative to shape future improvements to public spaces and roadways around Kimlau Square and to establish a symbolic gateway honoring the neighborhood’s cultural legacy. We partnered with Fu Wilmers Design and 3×3.co, who, though our subcontractors, played prominent roles in designing and leading the stakeholder engagement strategy. They were also front and center: facilitating workshops, guiding outreach strategy, and serving as trusted faces of the project in the community. Their leadership helped ensure the process was culturally fluent and deeply grounded in lived experience. These aren’t just examples of good teaming, they’re examples of how inclusive procurement can translate into inclusive delivery. When we lead, we bring others with us.
Inclusion isn’t just about who gets invited; it’s about who gets to contribute meaningfully and who benefits over time. That means thinking beyond a single contract and considering how today’s decisions support a partner’s long-term trajectory. As a WBE/DBE ourselves, we see our role as part of a larger ecosystem of small M/WBE firms advancing values-aligned, community-rooted work. This network brings something unique to the table: deep local knowledge, trusted relationships, and the ability to embed in communities in ways that larger firms often can’t. By supporting each other with intention and mutual respect, we help grow a resilient, values-driven field of practitioners capable of delivering impact where it matters most.
We’re always looking to expand our network of certified M/WBE, DBE, and SDVOB firms across disciplines, whether you specialize in design, engagement, analytics, planning, or strategy. If you’re a small firm doing big things, let’s get in touch.
