In a city as diverse and dynamic as Houston, ensuring that opportunity matches our demographics isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. On Monday, April 14, 2025, that mission took center stage at the ION Innovation Hub, where the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) held a pivotal community session to unpack the recommendations from the 2023 Disparity Study.

Guided by OBO Director Cylenthia Hoyrd and featuring City of Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and Cherry Bekaert’s Management Advisor Andre Kohn Jr., the panel dove into a discussion that was equal parts informative, passionate, and—at times—cautiously optimistic.

The Facts Behind the Frustration

The 2023 Disparity Study, a comprehensive review of minority and women-owned business participation in city contracts, revealed long-standing imbalances. While the report didn’t sugarcoat the data, it did provide a blueprint for potential progress. And that’s exactly what this session was about—turning hard truths into tangible steps forward. 

A “Good Outcome”—But Let’s Stay Watchful

Director Hoyrd acknowledged the uphill climb. “This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about correcting systemic imbalances,” she stated during the forum. Her remarks struck a chord with the crowd—many of whom have long felt underrepresented in city contracting opportunities.

While the tone remained supportive, there was an undercurrent of skepticism. Attendees, while appreciative of the transparency and dialogue, pressed for timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability.

“Will these recommendations result in actual contracts for diverse small businesses—or just more reports on a shelf?” one attendee asked candidly.

A Platform for Public Voice

To their credit, the OBO team encouraged these tough questions. The event wasn’t just a presentation; it was a forum for feedback, a rare space where Houston’s business community could voice both its hopes and its grievances directly to decision-makers.

“We want our community to shape these outcomes with us,” Hoyrd emphasized. “This is not a one-way street.”

The Road Ahead

The event closed with a call to action: stay engaged. The OBO encouraged Houstonians to continue sending feedback and to hold the city accountable as the recommendations are (hopefully) implemented in measurable, trackable ways.

For a city often celebrated for its diversity, the test will be in how it delivers equity—not just talks about it.

Houston Style Magazine will continue monitoring the progress and promises made in this session.

Contact the Office of Business Opportunity: 📧 director.obo@houstontx.gov
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