The St. Louis Board of Aldermen on Friday unanimously adopted Resolution 1-26, urging general contractors, subcontractors, developers and private partners on city projects to honor existing minority- and women-owned business (MWBE) commitments and to refrain from excluding MWBE firms while the city updates program administration.

The resolution, sponsored by the Alderman from the Fourteenth Ward and cosponsored by multiple members, expresses support for Executive Order 91 and asks private-sector partners to maintain participation consistent with established goals. The board made the action "in bank" earlier in the meeting and later adopted the text on the floor.

Why it matters: supporters said the resolution is an interim step to protect MWBE participation while the city prepares a new MWBE ordinance and integrates recommendations from a disparity study. "Moving forward, as we bring a new MWBE bill, I would say, we have to be very committed ... that not only we protect minority and women business contractors, but we also make sure that our language in the new bill is stronger than the previous one," the resolution sponsor said.

Committee and floor remarks also noted a recent town hall involving contractors and community groups. "It was so nice to hear more about the history of MBWBE and how it came into existence, to hear directly from contractors and people who we hope will benefit," an alderman said; several members asked to be added as co-sponsors during floor debate.

The resolution directs board attention to maintaining MWBE commitments during an administrative pause and to supporting a forthcoming ordinance and disparity study; it does not itself change the municipal code or allocate funds. The motion to adopt carried on the floor.

What happens next: supporters said they expect a draft MWBE ordinance informed by the disparity study and executive order to be introduced in the coming weeks, and they urged continued outreach to contractors and community stakeholders.