The City has a 25% Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, Disadvantaged-Owned, and Evanston-based business (M/W/D/EBEs) participation goal for all contracts of $25,000 or more.

M/W/D/EBE Specifications

Contractors or consultants seeking to respond to an Invitation to Bid, a Request for Proposal or Request for Qualifications should refer to the M/W/D/EBE Specifications for information pertaining to the City's 25% M/W/D/EBE participation goals. 

Firms bidding on projects with the City must work to meet the 25% goal or request a waiver from participation.  Bidders are advised to place advertisements requesting subcontractors (possible advertisement sample Advertisement Sample; email or contact individual firms that would be appropriate to partner in response to the project.  

If a bidder is selected with a Subcontractor listed to meet the M/W/D/EBE goal, a “monthly utilization report” will be due to the City prior to each payment being issued to the Contractor.  This report will include documentation of the name of the firm hired, the type of work that firm performed, etc.  Should the M/W/D/EBE not be paid according to the schedule proposed in this document, the City reserves the right to cancel the contract.  Example of the monthly form: Exhibit B MWDEBE Monthly Utilization Report.  Any questions regarding opportunities for M/W/D/EBEs or M/W/D/EBE compliance should be directed to the City Purchasing Office: Tammi Nunez, 847.866.2935 .

Local Employment Program

In an effort to increase hiring of economically disadvantaged Evanston residents, the City of Evanston’s Local Employment Program (LEP) Ordinance, Section1-17-1 (C) of the Evanston City Code, was created.  The intent of the LEP is to have qualified Evanston Residents employed at the construction site as laborers, apprentices and journeymen in such trades as electrical, HVAC, carpentry, masonry, concrete, finishing, truck drivers and other construction occupations necessary for the project. Residents interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in a previously mentioned trade can refer to the ongoing Apprentices Programs provided. Evanston residents must complete a Verification of Residency Form and provide proof to substantiate residency. Information provided will be entered into the City of Evanston Local Resident Database directory. 

Any questions regarding the LEP or to receive LEP Residents database list should be directed to the City Workforce Development Coordinator Jessica Cooper at 847-448-8049 or jcooper@cityofevanston.org.

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Economic Development

Visit http://www.evanstonedge.com for more information on starting a business in the City of Evanston.

Business Directories

Staff has created a 2013 City of Evanston Business Directory to help prime contractors or lead consultants find potential M/W/D/EBE firms to participate on City-funded project bids. 

General Disclaimer: The City of Evanston provides the Local Business Directory of Architects, Engineers, Construction Trades and Suppliers Directory and the Local Business Directory as a public service for informational purposes. In providing this information, the City endeavors to be as accurate, complete and timely as possible. However, the City makes no claims, guarantees or promises about the accuracy, currency, or completeness of the information provided. In no event shall the City of Evanston be liable for any errors or omissions with respect to any information in the Directory. Users are solely responsible for the use of any and all information gained from this site or links available on or through the Directory.

Links to Third Party Web Sites and Involving Third Party Transactions: The Directory may provide web links to businesses maintained by third parties. A link does not constitute an endorsement, express or implied, of the content, viewpoint, accuracy, opinions, policies, products, services, or accessibility of that web site. Links to third-party web sites are provided as a convenience to the user; the City does not control, endorse or recommend their content or services. The City of Evanston has no responsibility relating to any transactions undertaken or contractual relationships entered into between third parties through or as a result of any listings in the Directory.

Historical Documents

DJ Miller Associates Disparity Study - April 1996

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