Ensuring equitable opportunities

We want to make sure everyone continues to have a fair chance to work with Ramsey County. And we recognize that businesses owned by historically marginalized groups, such as women and minorities, may face unique obstacles when trying to get contracts for construction, professional services, and other work.

To assess the county’s current situation, we’ve teamed up with 15 state and local governments in Minnesota to conduct a disparity study. A disparity study looks at what barriers may exist, how they affect businesses, and possible solutions. 

Full report and follow-up

The 2025 Joint Disparities Study by Keen Independent Research was released on July 23, 2025. The Full Report (PDF) and an Executive Summary (PDF) are available. You can also visit the project website for more information about the research and feedback that led to the final report.

We are reviewing the recommendations in the study and have started to develop purchasing and contracting strategies to address the disparities. These strategies will help small businesses compete for county contracts and position them for growth. Our commitment to intergenerational prosperity in our communities will be demonstrated by our actions to expand racial and economic inclusion in our contracting. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.