City Council - Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism, & Special Events Committee Hearing on Dockets #1443

City Council - Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism, & Special Events Committee Hearing on Dockets #1443 and #1444

Meeting Date: October 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM Governing Body: Boston City Council - Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism, & Special Events Committee Type of Meeting: Committee Hearing

Attendees:

Councilors: Edward Flynn (Chair), Ruthzee Louijeune (Council President), Erin Murphy
Panelists (Panel 1): Sheena Collier (Founder & CEO, Boston While Black; Founder, Collier Connections), Colin Knight (Founder & CEO, Live Like a Local Tourist Boston), Nicole Obie (President & CEO, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts - BECMA), Alisa Benelphi Ramos (Chief of Policy, BECMA)
Panelists (Panel 2): Segun Idewu (Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, City of Boston), David O'Donnell (Vice President of Communications, Meet Boston), Neil Daugherty (Director of Government Affairs, FIFA World Cup Boston 2026 Host Committee), Stacey Lynn Sant (Director of Social Impact, FIFA World Cup Boston 2026 Host Committee), Dusty Rhodes (Executive Director & President, Conventures / Sail Boston)
Other Notable Attendees: Lydia Edwards (State Senator, former City Councilor), Carol Copeland-Thomas (Board Member, Meet Boston; Member, BECMA), Vic Innocent (Founder & General Partner, FrankenBuild Ventures), Marie Furman (President & CEO, Black Biz Dev), Akku Jabahate (Founder, Whole Skin Babe, LLC), Haley Fortier (Owner-Operator, Haley Henry Wine Bar & Natalie Wine Bar)

Executive Summary: The City Council's Arts, Culture, Entertainment, Tourism, & Special Events Committee convened a hearing on Dockets #1443 and #1444 to discuss equitable contracting and business opportunities for major civic and sporting events, and equitable investment strategies for tourism funds in Boston. The discussion highlighted the significant economic opportunities presented by upcoming events like Boston 250, Sail Boston, and the FIFA World Cup 2026. Key themes included the need for intentionality in ensuring equitable participation for Black, Brown, women-owned, veteran-owned, and disability-owned businesses, improving communication and access to contracting opportunities, and leveraging tourism funds to support diverse community events and neighborhood-based businesses. The committee emphasized the importance of data-driven accountability and transparency in achieving these equity goals.

I. Opening Statements

Councilor Edward Flynn (Chair):
- Opened the hearing at 10:05 AM, noting the live stream and broadcast details.
- Announced the hearing on Docket #1443: "Order for a hearing on Equitable Contracting and Business Opportunities for Major Civic and Sporting Events in Boston," sponsored by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and referred on August 6, 2025.
- Announced the hearing on Docket #1444: "Order for a hearing for Equitable Investment Strategies and Tourism Funds in Boston," sponsored by Council President Louijeune, Councilor Brian Worrell, and Councilor Julia Mejia, referred on August 6, 2025.
- Recognized Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Councilor Erin Murphy.
- Emphasized the critical role of tourism and the importance of ensuring Boston youth and residents from all neighborhoods can participate in and experience major events.
Council President Ruthzee Louijeune:
- Thanked the Chair for flexibility in combining the dockets.
- Highlighted the "defining decade" for Boston with Boston 250, 2026 events (FIFA World Cup, Sail Boston), and the city's 400th anniversary in 2030, expecting millions of visitors and billions in activity.
- Stressed that equity must be "baked into" contracts, partnerships, and investments to ensure economic benefits reach Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, East Boston, and all neighborhoods.
- Acknowledged Chief Segun Idewu and Director John Borders for their work in equitable procurement and supplier diversity.
- Emphasized building a structure where equity is not an afterthought but part of Boston's authentic identity.
Councilor Erin Murphy:
- Echoed the importance of equitable opportunities from Boston 250, Tall Ships, and the World Cup.
- Stated these "billion-dollar moments" can close wealth gaps, grow local businesses, and build long-term community benefits.
- Questioned if Tourism Destination Marketing District (TDMD) funds are reaching all of Boston and lifting up small businesses, cultural organizations, and workers.
- Called for accountability and inclusion, ensuring supplier diversity, equitable contracting, and fair investment in all large-scale events and tourism initiatives.
Councilor Edward Flynn (Chair):
- Reiterated the importance of tourism for Boston and the Commonwealth.
- Expressed a desire to see tourists and residents visiting all neighborhoods.
- Questioned how to ensure Boston youth, particularly from underserved areas, can participate in and experience these events, such as sailing on Boston Harbor.

II. Panel 1 Testimony and Discussion

Panelists: Sheena Collier, Colin Knight, Nicole Obie, Alisa Benelphi Ramos
Sheena Collier (Founder & CEO, Boston While Black; Founder, Collier Connections):
- Boston While Black is a membership and cultural platform connecting Black professionals and residents, hosting events like a 20,000-person festival at the Lawn on D.
- Engages over 50 local vendors, 80% of which are Black and women-owned businesses, contributing significantly to economic development.
- Received funding from Meet Boston through TDMD for three years, aiding sustainable growth.
- Stated that while Boston While Black has grown, its participation is a "tiny slice of a very large pie," and access for a few firms is not access for the wider ecosystem of Black and Brown-owned businesses.
- Highlighted a significant loss of corporate sponsorships (approximately $500,000) due to an "anti-DEI climate," underscoring the need for alternative funding mechanisms within Boston's robust tourism economy.
Colin Knight (Founder & CEO, Live Like a Local Tourist Boston):
- Offers tours of Roxbury, Dorchester, and Jamaica Plain, aiming to circulate dollars in these neighborhoods.
- Emphasized the need for all neighborhoods to be visited during upcoming anniversaries.
- Challenges: Difficulty navigating procurement processes as a micro-business without a strong, well-versed team.
- Seeks procurement dollars and marketing support to expand, hire more tour guides, and circulate more dollars.
Nicole Obie (President & CEO, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts - BECMA):
- BECMA is a member-based statewide organization focused on building Black wealth through advocacy and programming, primarily through procurement.
- Advocates for inclusive procurement and wealth building across the Commonwealth.
- Serves on the Board of Directors for Meet Boston and the State Supplier Diversity Advisory Board.
- Recommendation: Urged the city to adopt a 25% inclusive procurement goal for minority and women-owned businesses for major civic and sports events.
  - This would direct $125 million to $275 million to MWBEs, creating unprecedented wealth.
  - Contracts span food services, tours, events, marketing, hospitality, transportation, and printing.
- Cited a 2021 lawsuit against the City of Boston for spending less than 0.5% of contracting dollars with Black-owned firms over five years.
- Noted Mayor Wu's announcement that over the last four years, the city has awarded over $450 million in contracts to businesses owned by people of color, demonstrating progress from 0.5% to 14%.
- Highlighted the 44% of contracts for White Stadium going to businesses owned by women or people of color.
Alisa Benelphi Ramos (Chief of Policy, BECMA):
- Focuses on supporting small and micro-businesses (fewer than 10 employees, less than $250,000 annual revenue).
- Advocates for supplier diversity and inclusive procurement at city and state levels.
- Emphasized economic justice and mobility, and the transition to a clean economy.
- Reiterated the 25% inclusive procurement goal as a moral and economic argument for Boston, a majority-minority city.
- Stated that the goal would help MWBEs avoid missing out on this "once-in-a-generation opportunity."
- Cited BECMA's support for 260 businesses in 2024, resulting in $50 million in contracts and 70 new jobs.
- BECMA Community Investments provided $650,000 in loans to small businesses with contracts, unlocking $6 million in total contracts and 18 full-time jobs.
- Referenced a 2022 Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation study finding that eliminating racial disparities could grow the state's economy by $25 billion over five years.
Written Testimony (Read by Councilor Flynn):
- Anandaya Rahman, President & CEO, We Are ALX:
  - Advocated for micro-businesses (1-19 employees, 99% of MA businesses).
  - Recommendations for RFP process inclusion:
    1. Clearly define micro-businesses and encourage prime contractors to incorporate them as subcontractors.
    2. Adjust submission criteria or create a dedicated resource hub for micro-businesses.
    3. Promote RFP opportunities widely on accessible platforms and track/publicly report inclusion metrics.
    4. Structure contracts into smaller, manageable portions.
Discussion with Panel 1:
- Council President Louijeune to Colin Knight: Asked about challenges faced as a micro-business owner in accessing opportunities.
  - Colin Knight: Navigating complex procurement processes without a strong team is a significant barrier. Seeks support to scale and hire young people from neighborhoods.
- Council President Louijeune to Sheena Collier: Asked about growth in funding alongside business growth.
  - Sheena Collier: Events like the Reunion Festival have grown significantly, driving almost $1 million in economic impact in the Seaport area. Funding from TDMD and the City of Boston has been crucial. Corporate sponsorships declined by $500,000 due to the "anti-DEI climate," highlighting reliance on sentiment-driven funding.
- Council President Louijeune to Panel 1: Asked for recommendations for 2026 events to ensure equitable contracting and opportunities.
  - Sheena Collier:
    - Host committees and planning groups must reflect the city's diversity.
    - Publish an "equity in events" plan for FIFA and Boston 250.
    - Launch a supplier cohort of local firms for prioritized training and pre-qualification.
    - Create a "neighborhood and culture fund track" within TDMD for multi-year working capital for culturally rooted events.
    - Establish a citywide "equity and events liaison" to connect host committees and firms.
    - Co-brand storytelling and events campaigns with marketing efforts to ensure authenticity.
  - Nicole Obie (BECMA):
    - Reiterated the 25% inclusive procurement goal.
    - Emphasized that progress from 0.5% to 14% in city contracts shows what's possible with intentionality and accountability.
    - Highlighted the moral argument for equity in a majority-minority city.
    - Cited the 44% MWBE contract rate for White Stadium as an example of success.
    - Recommendations for baking in equity: Set goals that flow through prime contractors, ensure transparency and accountability throughout projects (not just at the end), and partner with organizations that have a track record in identifying ready businesses.
  - Alisa Benelphi Ramos (BECMA):
    - Advocated for a data dashboard, updated regularly, to track spending breakdown and allow for ongoing corrections.
    - Stressed the importance of continuous promulgation from city leaders about the 25% goal to counter the "chilling effect" on equity initiatives.
  - Sheena Collier: Added that visitors seek authenticity and representation; an inclusive approach is a "smart business move" for Boston's competitiveness.
- Councilor Murphy to Panel 1: Asked about barriers to participation in large event contracts/tourism grants and needed support.
  - Nicole Obie: The biggest barrier is a lack of commitment from buyers to follow through on actions and hold contractors accountable.
  - Sheena Collier: Lack of communication and engagement at the community level. The economic opportunity of 2026 events is not widely understood.
  - Nicole Obie: There's "good intention" but not "intentionality" in planning for equity.
  - Alisa Benelphi Ramos: Equity should be a standard, not a "nice to have."
- Councilor Flynn to Panel 1: Asked about opportunities for artists of color and small businesses without storefronts.
  - Alisa Benelphi Ramos: BECMA casts a broad net, recognizing needs for security, sanitation, transportation, advertising, and creative elements.
- Councilor Flynn to Panel 1: Asked about strategies for communicating with neighborhoods and ensuring resident participation.
  - Nicole Obie: Requires early planning and outreach. Cited the Massachusetts 250 equity playbook, which includes inclusive procurement and community engagement outside of major events.
  - Alisa Benelphi Ramos: Utilize local ethnic radio, neighborhood newspapers, and non-traditional media.
  - Sheena Collier: Leverage local creators and community organizations as distributors of information and resources. Cited past models like Fierce Urgency of an Hour Fund and HBCU Weekend for the Culture Week, suggesting resources for hosts.
- Councilor Flynn to Panel 1: Asked about engaging BPS students, especially high schoolers.
  - Sheena Collier: Connect business and events communities to BPS, leveraging social media and existing career pathways programs. Cited a past program using high school students as event staff.
  - Nicole Obie: BPS youth advisories and after-school programs are always looking for opportunities to connect with local events.

III. State Senator Lydia Edwards Testimony

State Senator Lydia Edwards:
- Tourism Destination Marketing District (TDMD):
  - Lead sponsor of the TDMD legislation, created post-pandemic to build reserves for the tourism industry.
  - Boston and Cambridge were the first cities to opt-in, with 80-90% hotel support.
  - Cited direct investments in her district, such as the Latino Art and Musical Festival and the annual gathering of New England Black and African-American state representatives/senators.
  - Emphasized that the TDMD was designed to spread money across all Boston neighborhoods, be "green money," and have union support.
- Recommendations:
  - Supported the idea of a citywide "equity in events" position.
  - Suggested creating a calendar of equitable events for Black History Month, Latin History Month, etc., from the City Council or city.
  - Emphasized promoting historical components, including the African American History Museum.
- Upcoming Events (2026):
  - Excited for the World Cup and Boston 250th anniversary.
  - Stressed that diversity should not be seen as a "reprimand" but an opportunity.
  - Anticipates meeting with FIFA at the State House.
- Transportation (Question from Councilor Flynn):
  - Highlighted the ferry system (East Boston to Downtown) as a key connector, advocating for year-long, affordable service.
  - Suggested shuttle buses and sponsoring youth buses from organizations like the YMCA.
  - Massport Coordination: Massport has been responsive, helping bring back the ferry to the airport and advertising water transportation options.

IV. Panel 2 Testimony and Discussion

Panelists: Segun Idewu, David O'Donnell, Neil Daugherty, Stacey Lynn Sant, Dusty Rhodes
Segun Idewu (Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, City of Boston):
- Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion for 1,376 days.
- Vision: resilient, equitable, sustainable, vibrant city centering people and building generational wealth.
- Equity is an "economic imperative."
- Results (since Jan 2022):
  - Office of Small Business awarded $35 million to small businesses, majority to women and people of color.
  - 54% of cannabis shops operated by equity applicants.
  - Chief of Worker Empowerment secured nearly $100 million in federal funds for high-wage jobs.
  - City supports local events like HBCU Classic, Family Reunion, BAMS Fest.
- Procurement Successes:
  - FY19-22: City spent $233 million; FY23-25 (3 years): $369.5 million (63% increase).
  - FY19-22: $323 million awarded to women and minority businesses; FY23-25 (3 years): $628.7 million (52% increase).
- 2026 Events: Boston is the only city with the convergence of FIFA, Tall Ships, and Boston 250th.
  - Boston 250th: Drone show (Bunker Hill Day), landing page for events, interactive map, marker campaign (updating 1975 markers), block parties.
  - FIFA: Still negotiating FanFest, exploring park viewing opportunities (food trucks, merchandise).
  - Sail Boston 250: RFP for vendors at 15 sites (South Boston, Seaport, North End, Charlestown) for food trucks, carts, merchandising, targeting over 1 million visitors in July.
- 2026 Business Opportunity Committee: Formed to discuss opportunities and areas of spend, connecting vendors to appropriate opportunities or joint ventures.
- Transparency: Plans to use a .gov website to aggregate all contracts awarded, linking to opportunity pages.
David O'Donnell (Vice President of Communications, Meet Boston):
- TDMD was essential for the tourism industry's recovery post-pandemic.
- Industry has regrown to 2019 benchmarks, with international visitation returning.
- Meet Boston is dedicated to propagating a message of inclusivity internationally.
- TDMD funds are raised by a self-imposed hotel assessment, primarily to drive overnights for Boston and Cambridge hotels.
- District Plan: Includes event support for large events (FIFA, Sail Boston, HBCU game) and community events that may not directly drive overnights but build partnerships across all 23 neighborhoods.
- Community Event Support: One-third of all event support over four years went to diverse and multicultural events (e.g., Embrace Boston, Boston While Black, NAACP, HBCU). Over half of community event support (excluding major event funding) went to diverse, multicultural neighborhood events.
- Meet Boston is not an events funding or grant administering organization but a convention and visitors bureau.
- Neighborhood Video Series: Produced videos for Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, Alston, Hyde Park, North End, East Boston, Chinatown, and Roslindale to showcase cultural, culinary, and commercial experiences.
- Partnership with Colin Knight: Involved in video series, podcast, and tours for staff and travel writers.
- DEI Initiatives: Partnered with Conan Harris & Associates for a supplier diversity module for the industry and the PATH program (Promoting Advancement Travel and Hospitality) for workforce development and upward mobility.
- TDMD Renewal: Required every five years; next vote is October 29th. Requires 51% of hotels with over 50 rooms to vote for renewal.
- Accessibility Initiative: Focused on creating content for accessible experiences and will include a tag for accessible businesses in the supplier diversity module. Works with consultants like John Morris and Corey Lee.
Dusty Rhodes (Executive Director & President, Conventures / Sail Boston):
- Conventures (48 years old, woman-owned) has participated in many Boston events (First Night, Harborfest, 1994 World Cup).
- Formed 501(c)(3) Sail Boston in 1988 for maritime tourism.
- Sail Boston 2026:
  - Takes years of international planning (since 2018).
  - 28 significant ships from 25 different cultures (Germany, Indonesia, Japan, China, France, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile) expected.
  - Dates: July 11-16, 2026. Most ships arrive July 10th, parade on the 11th.
  - Works with Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs to bring youth for exchanges with crews.
  - Event is free and open to the public.
  - Vending Opportunities: Looking for food purveyors, sanitation, printing, cleaning, waste removal, signage, car service, entertainment. Portal for business opportunities on sailboston.com.
  - Working with Massport, MWRA, DCR, and the City of Boston.
  - Accessibility: Piers are accessible. Navy ships are accessible for wheelchairs. Will demarcate accessible vessels on the website.
Neil Daugherty (Director of Government Affairs, FIFA World Cup Boston 2026 Host Committee):
- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Largest sporting event in history (48 nations, 104 matches, 39 days).
- Boston is one of 16 host cities, hosting seven matches (five group stage, one Round of 32, one quarterfinal on July 9th) at Gillette Stadium (Boston Stadium).
- Fan events and celebrations will be in Boston and across the Commonwealth.
- Economic Impact: Nearly 2 million visitors, estimated $1 billion economic impact, $65 million direct revenue for MA, nearly $10 million for Boston (hotel/meals taxes).
- Boston Host Committee: Temporary nonprofit, responsible for events outside the stadium.
- Funding Sources:
  1. Federal government: $625 million for security costs (secured through reconciliation bill).
  2. State and local governments: Governor Healey included funding in supplemental budget.
  3. Commercial sponsorship program: Private fundraising.
- Core Priorities: Security, Transportation, Celebration.
- Contracting Opportunities:
  - Currently, two Expressions of Interest (EOIs) open for private security and cleaning/waste management for the Fan Festival.
  - Additional opportunities (city dressing, signage) depend on fundraising.
  - Bus service contract for transportation from Boston to Foxborough is nearing completion.
  - FIFA and commercial affiliates (Coca-Cola, Adidas) will host events after the December 5th draw, creating more opportunities.
  - Businesses can find information at bostonfwc26.com (business opportunities page links to EOIs and vendor form).
- Engagement: Emphasized the need to work with the first panel's recommendations.
- Global Stage: World Cup is the most watched event globally (over 5 billion viewers). Boston's seven matches, including a quarterfinal, could draw nearly a billion viewers.
Stacey Lynn Sant (Director of Social Impact, FIFA World Cup Boston 2026 Host Committee):
- Leads human rights and sustainability strategies (anti-trafficking, accessibility, environmental sustainability, responsible contracting).
- FIFA expects host cities to integrate international human rights and sustainability standards.
- Responsible Contracting Pillars:
  1. Responsible Contracting and Transparent Dealings: Entities must respect human rights and sustainability in their supply chain, including inclusive hiring and local participation. Aligns with city/state supplier diversity.
  2. Local Impact Supplier Program (FIFA-led): Connects local/small businesses with tournament opportunities. Host Committee will link this to state/city certified business databases. Focuses on capacity building and visibility. Encouraged businesses to use the new business opportunities form on bostonfwc26.com.
  3. Legacy and Accountability: Developing Boston's Human Rights Action Plan to translate FIFA's global standards into a local roadmap.
- Accessibility: FIFA provides guidelines for disabled populations (wheelchair users, limited mobility, neurodivergence). Planning for sensory spaces, kits, prayer rooms, quiet rooms.
- Working with MTBA and Massport on transportation and accessibility.
- Will hire a consultant with lived experience in accessibility for stakeholder engagement.
- FIFA expects engagement with veteran-owned, disabled veteran-owned, and disabled organizations/firms.
Discussion with Panel 2:
- Council President Louijeune to David O'Donnell: Asked about the composition of the TDMD District Management Committee.
  - David O'Donnell: All voting members are general managers of Boston or Cambridge hotels. The plan requires a majority of the committee to be hotels. He acknowledged that a more diverse decision-making board might ease the pitch for community events.
- Council President Louijeune to David O'Donnell: Asked about tracking success rates for workforce development and the PATH program.
  - David O'Donnell: Works with Conan Harris & Associates to track job seekers, interviews, and placements. The PATH program focuses on upward mobility in tourism/hospitality.
- Council President Louijeune to David O'Donnell: Asked about the TDMD renewal process and inclusivity.
  - David O'Donnell: Renewal vote is October 29th, requiring 51% of hotels with over 50 rooms. Meet Boston is presenting its past work and future plans to hotels.
- Council President Louijeune to David O'Donnell: Asked about the audit of Meet Boston's expenditures.
  - David O'Donnell: Nectar IQ is compiling internal spending data to establish a baseline and aspirational goals. Public availability of this data is TBD.
- Council President Louijeune to Dusty Rhodes: Asked about contracting opportunities for Sail Boston and how to share them.
  - Dusty Rhodes: Portal for vending and business opportunities on sailboston.com. Needs include food purveyors, sanitation, printing, cleaning, waste removal, signage, car service, entertainment.
  - Council President Louijeune: Suggested reaching out to Caribbean and African nations for ship representation.
- Council President Louijeune to Segun Idewu: Asked about intentional strategies for aggregating opportunities and reaching MWBEs.
  - Segun Idewu: Formed the 2026 Business Opportunity Committee. Plans to use a .gov website to aggregate all contracts, link to opportunity pages, and leverage existing databases for outreach. Focus on joint ventures to help businesses scale.
- Council President Louijeune to Segun Idewu: Asked about challenges for Black and Brown events and how the city can better support them.
  - Segun Idewu: Acknowledged a "cliff" in direct financial support. Emphasized that Boston's diversity is an asset, attracting companies. Suggested creative solutions beyond direct checks, such as in-kind services and marketing support from entities like Meet Boston.
- Council President Louijeune to Neil Daugherty: Asked about other FIFA contracts and the 25% goal.
  - Neil Daugherty: Current EOIs are for Fan Festival. Other contracts (city dressing, signage) depend on fundraising. Bus service contract is nearing completion. FIFA and commercial affiliates will seek vendors after the December 5th draw.
  - Stacey Lynn Sant: FIFA's Local Impact Supplier Program aims to connect local businesses (including veteran-owned, disabled-owned) with opportunities. Encouraged businesses to use the bostonfwc26.com form.
- Councilor Flynn to David O'Donnell: Asked about outreach and results for companies owned by people with disabilities and veterans.
  - David O'Donnell: Accessibility initiative focuses on content and consultants. The new supplier diversity module will tag businesses owned by people with disabilities and veterans for tracking. Nectar IQ is the vendor for this.
- Councilor Flynn to Dusty Rhodes: Asked about ensuring access for people with disabilities to Tall Ships.
  - Dusty Rhodes: Piers are accessible. Navy ships are accessible for wheelchairs. Will demarcate accessible vessels on the website. Committed to reaching out to organizations like Disabled American Veterans.
- Councilor Flynn to Neil Daugherty & Stacey Lynn Sant: Asked about engaging BPS students and persons with disabilities in the World Cup.
  - Neil Daugherty: Plans for BPS-focused events at the Fan Festival. Aims to have Boston kids walk out with players. Will work with BPS Athletics and organizations like Soccer Unity Project.
  - Stacey Lynn Sant: FIFA guidelines cover accessibility for various disabilities. Will hire a consultant with lived experience. FIFA expects engagement with veteran-owned and disabled-owned businesses.
- Councilor Flynn to Segun Idewu: Asked about the city's overall mission for engaging people with disabilities in major events.
  - Segun Idewu: Citywide effort to ensure all 703,000 residents participate. Cabinet's mission is to direct dollars to disadvantaged businesses, including veteran and service-disabled owned.

V. Public Testimony

Carol Copeland-Thomas (Board Member, Meet Boston; Member, BECMA):
- 38-year business owner, speaker, trainer, consultant.
- Praised Meet Boston's "remarkable and deliberate evolution" in DEI and multicultural engagement.
- Highlighted Meet Boston's investment in community-based organizations, minority-owned businesses, and cultural events.
- Stated that Meet Boston's charitable and community funding is crucial for sustaining festivals and grassroots organizations.
- Expressed full support for Martha Sheridan's leadership.
- Urged the Council to continue supporting Meet Boston's equitable investment strategies, calling it "good business, good governance, and good faith."
Vic Innocent (Founder & General Partner, FrankenBuild Ventures):
- Venture capital firm supporting small businesses, focusing on deep tech, dual-use, blue economy, and infrastructure.
- Emphasized the economic importance of investment, citing $60-124 trillion in wealth transfer and $13.5 billion for Boston in 2023-2024.
- Stressed the need for "integral avenues" to keep Boston a top city for small business investment.
- Noted that youth are content creators who will cover events regardless, urging engagement.
- Quoted: "A rising tide lifts all boats," advocating for inclusion of all, especially small business owners.
Marie Furman (President & CEO, Black Biz Dev):
- Provides marketing, advertising, training in entrepreneurship to businesses and youth (14-22).
- Partnership with Meet Boston has been "transformative," opening doors to experiences and opportunities.
- Meet Boston provided one-to-one instruction, workshops, and sponsorship for her "Black Biz Ball" (celebrating 80+ local businesses).
- Meet Boston also supported her "The Way We Were, Roxbury, Black Wall Street, 1900 to 1965" program, which infuses culture and history into entrepreneurship.
- Encouraged all Black businesses to partner with Meet Boston.
Akku Jabahate (Founder, Whole Skin Babe, LLC):
- Former international model, entrepreneur, Space Grant Award winner.
- Emphasized that major events like the World Cup create massive opportunities in catering, hospitality, event production, marketing, beauty, logistics, and transportation.
- Small businesses are the "heartbeat of every economy," hiring locally and reinvesting in neighborhoods.
- Securing contracts for small businesses is about "creating equity" and giving underrepresented/minority-owned businesses a fair seat at the table.
- Urged decision-makers to ensure procurement systems are fair and inclusive, simplify access, and prioritize small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
- Encouraged entrepreneurs to "get ready and get certified."
Haley Fortier (Owner-Operator, Haley Henry Wine Bar & Natalie Wine Bar):
- Represents Meet Boston, having traveled with them to promote diversity, inclusion, and tourism.
- Meet Boston has supported her business in multiple ways.
- Creating "FemFet," a wine fair in February featuring 100% female winemakers (diverse ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ representation).
- This event will impact restaurants, hotels, and small businesses during a slow period.
- Appreciated Meet Boston's support for small businesses, especially post-COVID.
- Urged the Council to continue supporting Meet Boston's efforts.
Written Testimony (Read by Councilor Flynn):
- Colette Phillips (Founder, CEO, Colette Phillips Communications):
  - Expressed disappointment that the momentum from the "All-Inclusive Boston" campaign (2020-2022) has not been fully leveraged.
  - Concerned that Boston is not actively pursuing the expansive domestic market of Black, Hispanic, and Asian travelers (over $250 billion spending power).
  - Stated that Boston's marketing strategy seems "rooted and outdated," failing to reflect the city's 50% people of color population.
  - Recommendations for strategic investment:
    - Invest a minimum of $250,000 in initiatives like BAMS Fest, Boston While Black Family Festival, Roxbury International Film Festival, Asian American Film Festival, A Taste of Ethnic Boston, Festival of Botanza, and the American Caribbean Festival.
    - This would elevate these events and position Boston as a top destination for domestic leisure travelers of color.

VI. Closing Comments

Council President Ruthzee Louijeune:
- Thanked the Chair and all participants for the important discussion.
- Reiterated the need for tracking, metrics, and intentionality in equity investments.
- Emphasized sustaining these efforts over time and ensuring they are integral to Boston's identity.
- Stressed that a welcoming city for all residents (especially Black and Brown communities) translates to economic success.
- Committed to making people aware of opportunities and bringing vendors to events.
- Called for the conversation to continue as part of a continuum.
Councilor Edward Flynn (Chair):
- Thanked both panels and the City Council Central staff.
- Emphasized working together, respecting each other, and ensuring everyone is part of the decision-making process.
- Adjourned the hearing, noting that Dockets #1443 and #1444 will remain in committee for additional conversations and hearings as needed.

Podcast Summary