Dallas policy for minority-owned businesses shifts after Trump’s anti-DEI executive order, focus remains on equity

From notes by Dallas Documenter Drew Emrich
Economic Development Committee | Monday, Nov. 3

A policy for awarding city contracts to minority and women-owned businesses is set to be changed by the City of Dallas after a Trump administration executive order.

Since 2008, the City of Dallas has utilized the Business Inclusion and Development (BID) Policy initiative, which aimed to ensure fair inclusion of minority and women-owned businesses in awarding city contracts.

In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14173, an anti-DEI bill requiring race and sex neutrality when awarding government contracts. The BID Policy was subsequently suspended in June.

The city is now developing a new policy, the Developing Regional & Inclusive Vendor Enterprises Framework (DRIVE), to promote equity by focusing on small local businesses.

Councilmember Zarin Gracey emphasized the need to prioritize Dallas businesses instead of businesses in surrounding counties.

Following a market study, a policy draft will be submitted to city council on December 3 and up for a vote on December 10.

Dallas Documenter Drew Emrich attended the Nov. 3 Dallas Economic Development Committee public meeting, and this brief emerged from his notes. Click here to learn how you can become a paid Documenter at public meetings.