Vincent Orange, Councilmembers, Small Businesses Ask: ‘Where’s the $1 Billion?’

At-large Councilmember Vincent Orange, chair of the Committee on Business, Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, was joined by Councilmembers Anita Bonds, Yvette Alexander and Marion Barry as well as members of the D.C. small business community at a rally Sept. 23 that posed the question: “Where’s the $1 billion?”

The rally’s theme referred to the D.C. government’s alleged failure to comply with the Small, Local and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Act of 2005. The law requires D.C. agencies to allocate at least 50 percent of their expendable budgets towards services provided by small business enterprises based in the District of Columbia. Upon passing in 2005, the law was interpreted as one which would help smaller local organizations thrive through doing business with the District, allowing for local economic development and an increase in D.C.’s tax revenues.

A report provided by the Office of the D.C. Auditor reveals that as of third quarter 2014, only 17 percent of the Small Business Enterprise expenditure goals were met by the District. The report additionally points out that a total of $995,854,922 in funds designated for SBEs was spent elsewhere in fiscal years 2011 through 2013.

“Our small businesses deserve the money that is set aside,” said Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander. “We are going to hold the mayor accountable and ourselves accountable.” .

Councilman Vincent Orange’s office also received support for the “Where’s the $1 billion,” initiative from Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, who said, “VO is a warrior… I have a reputation as a fighter for D.C., and I’m going to continue that fight.” Barry told the crowd, “Ask Vince Gray, where is the money?” His question quickly turned into a rally chant.

Among the crowd of members from the business community were representatives from the AFL-CIO, the D.C. Chamber of Commerce, and D.C. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, who all made remarks expressing their concern. The National Utility Contractors Association and the National Association of Minority Contractors also filled out the attendance.

Orange’s committee will hold a hearing, 2 p.m., Friday, Sept. 26, to review District agencies’ compliance for fiscal year 2014’s small business expenditure goals, which will also include a public oversight roundtable and testimonies from members of the D.C. business community.