The City of Houston is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of its Minority-Owned Business Program in response to ongoing legal challenges questioning its adherence to state and federal laws. City leaders reaffirm their dedication to cultivating a diverse and inclusive economic landscape while ensuring the program’s legal robustness. To navigate these complexities, a multidisciplinary task force—comprising legal advisors, community representatives, and small business advocates—has been convened to explore potential revisions to eligibility standards, certification protocols, and compliance oversight.

Among the primary areas under consideration are:

• Raising the minimum ownership percentage required to qualify as a minority-owned business
• Implementing more stringent documentation and verification procedures
• Expanding outreach efforts to underserved populations without compromising legal safeguards

Officials have also shared initial findings from a comparative study of similar programs in other major cities, revealing a national trend toward enhanced regulatory scrutiny paired with strategic support measures.