Councilmember Brown was appointed chair of the Special Committee on a Comprehensive Study of Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (LSDBEs) on March 15, 2005 to review and oversee the strategy, focus and implementation of a unified local business development plan for the District and develop a set of policy recommendations maximize the effectiveness of current programs administered by the District of Columbia’s independent agencies and corporations aimed at aiding local small and disadvantaged businesses.

Committee Members:
Sharon Ambrose
Marion Barry
Vincent Gray
Vincent B. Orange, Sr.

The Committee will hold meetings as needed to address various issues and legislation referred for review. To get more information on the committee’s meeting activities, please contact Mr. Drew Hubbard, dhubbard@dccouncil.us

Bill 16-0194: “Tax Parity for Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Act of 2005”

Amends the Equal Opportunity for Local Small & Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Act of 1998 to provide relief from the impact of disproportionately high corporate and other taxes to District-based businesses.

Introduced by Councilmember Jack Evans and Chairman Linda Cropp on March 15, 2005

Bill 16-126: “District of Columbia Small Business Development and Assistance Act of 2005”

“The District of Columbia Small Business Development and Assistance Act of 2005,” establishes a Local Small and Disadvantaged Business program as a new District Department, replacing the program currently managed under the Office of Local Business Development. The bill amends the current District law, The Equal Opportunity for Local, Small and Disadvantaged Businesses Enterprises Act of 1998, increasing the amount of required set-asides of certain government contracts to small business enterprises; providing preference points to small business enterprises that bid on District Government Contracts in the open market

Introduced by Councilmember Brown and Chairman Linda Cropp on February 15, 2005

The Special Committee on LSDBEs will hold its first hearing on Bill 16-126 “ District of Columbia Small Business Development and Assistance Act of 2005, ” Thursday, May 12, 2005 at 10:00am, room 412. The purpose of this hearing is to receive testimony from the government and the public with respect to efforts to modify and improve contracting and procurement opportunities for small businesses headquartered in the District of Columbia. The committee extends an invitation to the public to testify at the hearing. Click here for more information.