Sponsor: Finance
Title
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Joint Powers Agreement with the State of Minnesota for Disparity Study
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Administration, 200 Administration Building, 50 Sherburne Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55155, for participation in the disparity study upon execution and ending January 31, 2026.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Joint Powers Agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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In 2023, the Ramsey County Board allocated $500,000 to perform a disparity study to address economic disparities and explore opportunities for building wealth in our community. More specifically the disparity study would examine the extent to which minority and women owned businesses are underrepresented in procuring construction, professional services, goods, and other services. The study would also identify potential solutions to address disparities. Since that time, Ramsey County has joined the State Disparity Study with more than 12 other jurisdictions. Typically, a disparity study can take one to two years to complete. There is more information on the State Disparity Study here: https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/purpose/
The state issued a Request for Proposals in the fall of 2023 and have now chosen a vendor, Keen Independent Research LLC, to conduct the disparity study. Ramsey County is required to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement with the state to be part of the disparity study contract. This action is required by all participating jurisdictions.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
A county-wide disparity study would establish a foundation for analyzing and addressing racial inequities in the Ramsey County economy and potentially allow the county to use more tools to address disparities within its procurement processes.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Public hearings and additional community engagement will be part of the disparity study process. More detail on this process will be shared as the study progresses.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
In April 2023, the Ramsey County Board approved the use of $500,000 of the General Fund fund balance for researching county-wide disparities. The cost for Ramsey County to participate in the state of Minnesota disparity study is $37,440. The original allocation will be sufficient to cover this cost plus any additional cost to get the data needed and all remaining funds will be closed back to the General Fund.
Last Previous Action
On April 11, 2023, the Ramsey County Board approved Funding for Critical Needs Requests (Resolution B2023-057).
Attachments
1. Joint Powers Agreement