Prosper Portland 2025 Disparity Studies

Prosper Portland currently operates the Business and Workforce Equity Programs to assist disadvantaged-, minority-, woman-, emerging small- and service-disabled veteran-owned (D/M/W/ESB/SDVs) businesses in participating in Prosper Portland-related projects and maximize apprenticeship and job opportunities in the construction trades for women and people of color.

In the fall of 2024, Prosper Portland engaged Keen Independent Research to analyze whether any disparities persist in the utilization of D/M/W/ESB/SDVs in its construction-related contracts and public-private partnership agreements. Keen Independent will also evaluate whether an equitable share of construction work hours on Prosper Portland projects is going to apprentices, workers of color and women.

The study will provide data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in Prosper Portland contracts and workforce participation on its projects. Study team member Customer Research International (CRI) will survey firms in the region to identify companies available for contracts with Prosper Portland. The study team will also interview businesses, trade associations and other groups about conditions in the marketplace for contractors and workers.

Study Team

Keen Independent Research is an economic consulting firm specializing in equity research for state and local governments. Principal David Keen and Senior Consultant Blanca Monter are leading this assignment.

The study team includes local subconsultant Donaldson Consulting LLC as well as the telephone survey research firm Customer Research International and the national law firm Holland & Knight.

Schedule

The disparity study will be completed in 2025.