Nashville Mayor David Briley has announced the formation of a Minority Business Advisory Council.
The executive order was issued Friday “to make certain Metro is intentional about achieving an inclusive agenda.”
Ashford Hughes Sr. was named the city’s Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.
“Nashville is experiencing incredible economic growth, but not everyone is enjoying the benefits of our success. I am committed to listening, building trust and implementing meaningful measures to create opportunities for all business owners to prosper without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation or zip code,” said Mayor Briley.
Briley said the council will meet quarterly and will also submit an annual report outlining the challenges and opportunities for minority business growth. They’ll also suggest proposals to improve contracting opportunities with Metro, entrepreneurship, access to workforce training and talent, technological support, and access to capital.
The council will be chaired by Ashley Northington and include at least one member of each ethnic group identified in the definition of Minority/ Women Business Enterprise.
