Kansas City, MO recently completed a study to find out if they should be concerned about the participation of minorities, women and city residents on city-related construction contracts? And the answer is yes. For the 3rd time since the disparity report came out the Workforce in Construction board held a public meeting inviting local prime contractors, sub-contractors, and workers to hear the summary of the report and address any of their concerns with the study as well as addressing how they would like to see changes implemented. Unfortunately, not a lot of people showed up, but those that died were vocal about their concerns.

One of the recommendations suggested that they change from a race-based program to a neighborhood-based program. This didn’t sit well with most of those in the audience. The feeling was that neighborhoods are subject to significant changes over time and that might diminish the inclusion of those who the program is intended to help. The transition of neighborhoods by gentrification and other means can change the makeup of a neighborhood in a relatively short time.

Another concern brought to the attention of those attending the meeting was fines levied on the prime contractors. The committee wanted to know if expanding the fines to include sub-contractors might be a better alternative. Currently the city levies damages just on the prime contractor if they failed to show a reasonable effort at hiring a diverse workforce and reach goals set by the city. However, subs often fail to make a reasonable effort and the prime is punished for that. Many of those in attendance thought that might be a good change.

One member of the Sheetmetal Workers Local 2, Freelon Davis, recalled when the city would send counters out to the job sites to monitor the number of minorities and women they had working on the job. He thought this might be a good practice to go back to.

Another suggestion was changing job target goals to scope specific goals. For instance it might be more difficult to find women that want to work certain fields. Most of those in attendance agreed with this. One audience member, Star Palmer of Sheetmetal Workers Local 2 added that she felt apprentices and Journey-man should be looked at separately as far as goals go. Star also was not in favor of lowering goals but instead forcing primes and subs to work harder at achieving the goals they are assigned.

Those attending from the Construction Workforce Board included; Alise Martiny, Business Manager, Greater Kansas City Building Trades; Bob Looman, President MCA; Don Greenwell, President, Builders Association; Richard Hudson, retired IBEW Local 124; Edward DeSoignie, retired Heavy Constructors Association; Tex Sample, Minister; and Michele Roberts-Bauer, President Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).

In summary, much was discussed, and many changes are expected to be implemented over the next several months to make Kansas City a great place to work for everyone. I applaud those who attended each of these Disparity meetings. It is important to make sure that we remain and become even better at including minorities and women in our construction workforce.