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About Fair Share
When the city of Shreveport claimed 28 percent of its purchases of goods and services were made with disadvantaged businesses last year, many people doubted the numbers -- The Times included. How could City Hall make such dramatic strides from the 1 percent it said it spent with minority companies three years earlier?

The answer was in the interpretation of the Fair Share for Equal Business Opportunity program for small businesses.

A two-month investigation by The Times not only found spending with disadvantaged businesses to be drastically lower than what the city reported - 10 percent of approximately $146 million - but we uncovered a host of other problems that threaten to undermine the Fair Share program.


Online Database
Click here to search the exclusive Times database for more information on city spending last year.
What was Fair Share meant to be?
When the city of Shreveport implemented the Fair Share program two years ago, the idea was to help local businesses grow by requiring diversity in city purchasing decisions. But the city encountered problems along the way - largely its own making.
Discrepancies, errors weaken purchasing plan
Tracking system inflates city's success rate
Missing data, files plague city's effort to track program
Debate stirs over fairness of city spending
A Fair Share Timeline


What is the reality of Fair Share?
Few dispute the progress Fair Share has made in creating opportunity for small businesses, but community leaders and city officials alike admit the program is a work in progress.

Black business owners say it's still 'who you know'
State's bid laws dictate use of funds
Businesses face fight for Shreveport dollars
Bonding assistance available
Audit prompts overhaul
Getting into the program


What does the community think about it?
When the city of Shreveport implemented the Fair Share program two years ago, the idea was to help local businesses grow by requiring diversity in city purchasing. But there were problems along the way - largely of the city's own making.
City Council comments: Then and now
VIEWS OF the controversy
Locals seek city contracts

 
Inside Fair Share
  • What was Fair Share meant to be?
  • What is the reality of Fair Share?
  • What does the community think about it?
  • Online Database
    Click here to search the database of companies that received city contracts last year.
    Fair Share Audio
  • Mayor Hightower
  • Sam Gilliam
  • Story Gallery
    Plan aims to spread city work
    City Council votes to adopt fair share plan

    Past Fair Share stories

    Click here to learn how to get your business Fair Share certified
       

     
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