City Council Hearing: FY2027 MOSMBAD; June 2, 2026

This City Council hearing of the CharmTV Citizens' Hub on June 2, 2026, focused on the FY2027 budget and activities of the Small Minority Business Advocacy and Development (SMBAD) office. The presentation highlighted the office's efforts to support local small, minority, and women-owned businesses through contract compliance, technical assistance, and outreach programs. Key procurement-related topics included the administration of over $137 million in certified payments to minority and women-owned businesses in FY24, with an increase to over $150 million in FY26, and the use of a diversity compliance management platform (B2G) to monitor contract payments. The FY27 recommended budget for SMBAD was $6.58 million, including operating grants to Baltimore Main Streets totaling $77,250. Council members discussed the need for clearer budget delineation and performance measures for Baltimore Main Streets, the impact of the loss of an $8,000 state improvement grant per Main Street, and strategies to increase contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, such as contract segmentation and adopting best value procurement policies. The office also emphasized partnerships with financial institutions and community organizations to improve access to capital and business development resources. Several committee requests were made for additional data on business outcomes, staffing roles, and contract participation rates to better track the effectiveness of programs and ensure equitable procurement practices.