Saint Paul – The State of Minnesota and 15 cities, counties, and other public agencies announced a study to analyze whether there are disparities in the utilization of minority- and woman-owned businesses and other diverse firms in state and local government contracts and the local marketplace.

The State engaged Keen Independent Research to conduct the 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. The study will provide data about marketplace conditions and any disparities in contracting, as well as insights from business owners and other groups. It will be completed in summer 2025.

Keen Independent Research is a national economic consulting firm that has performed similar disparity studies for state and local governments across the country, including the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. State and local entities will use information in the disparity study to determine whether new targeted business programs are needed and whether existing programs should be continued. For example, the State currently operates a Targeted Group Small Business Procurement Program.

The study will review statewide procurement for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities as well as for state agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Other study participants are the Metropolitan Airports Commission; Metropolitan Council; Mosquito Control District; the cities of Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park and Rochester; Hennepin and Ramsey counties, Hennepin Healthcare System, and Saint Paul Public Schools.

The research team will collect and analyze public input throughout the study. There are many opportunities to get involved.

• Participate in the business phone survey conducted by Customer Research International (fall 2024).
• Visit the study website https://mn.gov/admin/disparity-study/.
• Participate in a public forum (see schedule on the website).
• Give input via 602-704-0125 or send to JointMNDisparityStudy2025@keenindependent.com.
• Provide comments on the draft report when distributed to the public (summer 2025).