MSP reassesses disadvantaged business programs after rule change
The Metropolitan Airports Commission says it is reevaluating which firms qualify for its disadvantaged business programs at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport after a federal rule under the Trump administration eliminated race and gender as factors for determining economic disadvantage. The review could affect certification and future contracting opportunities at MSP; updated criteria and timelines were not immediately disclosed.
📌 Key Facts
- MAC is reassessing disadvantaged-business eligibility for MSP programs.
- Trigger: federal rule eliminating race and gender as factors in defining economic disadvantage.
- Report date: Dec. 16, 2025; details on new criteria pending.
📊 Relevant Data
In Metropolitan Airports Commission contracts from July 2016 through June 2023, totaling $2.8 billion, minority-owned businesses and White women-owned businesses received 7.6% of contract dollars, compared to an estimated availability of 22% under level playing field conditions.
METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION 2025 Joint Disparity Study Summary Report — Minnesota Department of Administration
In the same period, Black American-owned businesses received 0.45% of Metropolitan Airports Commission contract dollars, Asian-Pacific American-owned 0.41%, South Asian American-owned 0.09%, Hispanic American-owned 0.07%, and American Indian-owned 0.17%, all below their respective availability benchmarks.
METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION 2025 Joint Disparity Study Summary Report — Minnesota Department of Administration
People of color make up 23.7% of Minnesota's population but just 13.5% of all nonemployer business owners and 6.7% of employer firm owners.
Looking beneath the aggregate data — Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
In Minnesota, Black or African American-owned non-employer businesses make up 9.0% of all non-employer businesses.
Emerging Entrepreneur Board Annual Report — Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
White Americans own 82.0% of U.S. companies with employees, while men own 61.0%.
Business Owner Demographics — LendingTree
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