Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact

The Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact (DECSI), formerly known as the Division of Contract Compliance and Minority Affairs, is working to boost Syracuse's economic growth by partnering with diverse local businesses on City contracts. 

How is the City boosting Syracuse's economy for all?

  • By promoting diversity, fairness, and inclusivity in City purchasing
  • Championing local businesses run by minorities, service-disabled veterans, and women
  • Supporting historically marginalized businesses in our community thrive

 

Next Social impact Event

Our Services

Offer expert guidance to the City's Purchasing team, departments, and vendors, enabling effective planning, monitoring, and reporting of equity and inclusion objectives.

Manage the City's certification process for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOBs). 

Manage the City's compliance software and comprehensive directory, to provide our certified businesses the visibility and recognition they deserve and ensure we are meeting the City's equity goals.

 

Self-Services

Announcements

DECSI Represents Syracuse at the NYS MWBE Forum in Albany

On November 12, 2024, the Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact proudly attended the NYS MWBE Forum in Albany, NY. The event, graced by Governor Kathy Hochul, highlighted New York’s unwavering commitment to empowering MWBE businesses. Governor Hochul also unveiled the new NYS MWBE logo—a symbol of progress and inclusion. This inspiring event showcased our shared mission to foster a vibrant and diverse business community.

Exciting News: Fast-Tracked NYS Reciprocal Applications!

If you already hold an active NYS MWBE certification, you can now receive active City of Syracuse certification the same day we process your completed application. This fast-tracked process streamlines access to city contracts and economic opportunities, reinforcing our commitment to equity and inclusivity for diverse businesses. Email us at MWBE@syr.gov to find out more!

We're Evolving ♡

The former Division of Contract Compliance has evolved into the Division of Equity Compliance and Social Impact. This change emphasizes our commitment to rectifying historical imbalances and promoting equitable economic opportunities for diverse businesses. 

Meet the New Assistant Director of Equity Compliance and Social Impact  

Welcoming Vaughn Davis as the Assistant Director of Equity Compliance. Want to connect with Vaughn about your business? You can reach him at vdavis@syr.gov.

Our MWBE-SDVOB Certification Application is Now Online!

We've launched a digital application for the MWBE-SDVOB certification, giving vendors an improved and user-friendly application experience.

APPLY TO BE A CITY CERTIFIED MWBE-SDVOB VENDOR

Introducing our Digital Directory

We've launched a digital directory for MWBE-SDVOB vendors, offering certified businesses improved visibility and connection to relevant contract opportunities with the City. 

FIND CITY-CERTIFIED MWBE -SDVOB VENDORS 

Vendor Resources

Become a MWBE-SDVOB Certified Vendor

Become M/WBE City-certified and enhance your visibility to potential buyers like agencies and private contractors looking to buy goods and services. We've streamlined and launched a digital application for the MWBE-SDVOB certification, giving vendors an improved and user-friendly application experience.

APPLY NOW

Find MWBE-SDVOB City Certified Vendors on our Directory

We've launched a digital directory for MWBE-SDVOB vendors, offering improved visibility and connection to businesses that are certified with the City

SEARCH OUR VENDOR DIRECTORY  

Find Business Development Opportunities for your Business

Download our resource guide to learn more about available city resources to support your business. 

Download Resource Guide(PDF, 164KB)

Report and Monitor your M/WBE-SDVOB equity goals Projects 

We've developed an integrated digital compliance system for seamless monitoring, support, and reporting on equity goals for City, State, and federally-funded projects.

REPORT COMPLIANCE

Ensure Payment Compliance for Your Projects
Stay up-to-date and compliant with your project payments. Our payment compliance system provides tools and resources to help you meet payment requirements for City contracts. Access the platform to ensure your projects remain in good standing.

ACCESS PAYMENT COMPLIANCE

 

Equity Impact Initiatives

Local Hiring Ordinance

The City of Syracuse requires that City residents make up 20% of the workforces of prime vendors’ awarded city-funded construction and non-professional service contracts above $100,000. 

City's Workforce Diversification Program

The City of Syracuse maintains a goal for workforce diversity (18% minority group members, and 12% women) for city-funded construction and professional service contracts above $50,000. We collect and analyze data on vendors’ workforce diversity to better inform how businesses are meeting their equity goals on city contracts.

 

Prevailing Wage Rate

Under New York State Labor Law, contractors and subcontractors must pay the prevailing rate of wage and supplements (fringe benefits) set for Onondaga County by the NYS Department of Labor to all workers under a public work contract. This applies to all laborers, workers or mechanics employed under a City of Syracuse public work contract.

 

New York State and Federal Equity Goals

We monitor and report on the City’s achievement of New York State and Federal equity goals for state- and federally-funded projects. Click here to learn more about how to get involved with these opportunities as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) or State-certified M/WBE or SDVOB.