The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday voted to direct staff to look into opportunities to expand county government contracts to local businesses.
Some of those actions could include outreach, education and a review of current programs that enhance the ability of local businesses to participate in county procurements, according to a statement from the board.
“Whenever possible and practical, we want San Diego County businesses doing San Diego County work, especially small businesses and veteran-owned businesses,” Board Vice Chair Terra Lawson-Remer said.
In fiscal year 2022-23, the county had total procurement spending of over $1.9 billion.
“Although the county recognizes the value of offering opportunities to local businesses on a countywide level, more can be done to provide local businesses opportunities to respond to, and potentially be awarded, county procurements located in their own communities,” the agenda item read.
Additionally, county staff were directed to use an equity lens to find opportunity for minority-, veteran- and disabled veteran-owned local businesses.
County staff will report back in 180 days.
–City News Service
