Meeting_Body
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
JUNE 18, 2020
Preamble
Motion by:
DIRECTOR GARCETTI
Related to Item 31: State Legislation
Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5
Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5) presents a special opportunity to erase a stain on the record of California's fight against systemic racism. Should ACA 5 pass the legislature and be adopted by the voters of the state of California, Metro should be ready to act promptly to take advantage of new opportunities to advance racial and gender equity.
ACA 5 would effectively repeal Proposition 209, which was enacted in 1996 and prohibits the state and all its institutions and political subdivisions from discriminating against, or granting preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting. Prop 209 did not impact Metro's requirements to comply with affirmative action requirements on federally-funded contracts. However, Prop 209 has otherwise prevented Metro from affirmative action to reverse the legacy and impacts of past racism and discrimination.
ACA 5 would open significant possibilities at Metro for race and gender-conscious procurement and equal opportunity in employment and equity. Additionally, there may be other opportunities related to targeted community engagement. ACA 5 would allow Metro to increase racial and gender equity, provide new opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs) and enable a more inclusive and diverse workforce.
Metro has developed aggressive and comprehensive programs to help level the playing field, including the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program for federally-funded procurements, the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program, SBE Prime set-aside procurements, the Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) program, and the Contracting Outreach...
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