Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO)
The Mayor’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) is responsible for the administration, monitoring, and enforcement of the City’s minority and female-owned business programs. The OEO also oversees new programs that support smaller, local businesses, along with the Fannie M. Lewis Cleveland Resident Employment Law programs; and prevailing wage compliance.
The mission of the OEO is to advance equal economic benefit for all Clevelanders by ensuring compliance with contractor goals and requirements, by providing development and support activity for target groups, and through overall advocacy, with a commitment to excellent public service.
Contact List
| Section | Name | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | Office of Equal Opportunity | (216) 664.4152 | (216) 664.3870 |
| Director's Office | Michael Curry, Assistant Director | (216) 664.4152 | (216) 664.3870 |
| Director's Office | Tara Johnson, Assistant to the Director | (216) 664.3232 | (216) 664.3870 |
Monthly Office Hours for Business Owners
On the first Tuesday of every month from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, the City of Cleveland Division of Purchasing and Supplies hosts virtual office hours for minority-owned and/or female-owned Cleveland small businesses. The purpose is to educate attendees on how to compete for City business. Vendors may attend the meeting virtually (Via WebEx) or by coming to Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave, Room 128. Space is limited for in-office attendance and will be available on a first-come first-serve basis.
FAQs
What are the requirements to become certified as a minority or female owned company?
The business must be:
- ready, willing and able to perform work in the area it seeks certification
- located in the Cleveland market area
- owned and controlled at least 51% by a minority or female
Can a business be certified by the City as both a minority business enterprise and a small business?
Yes, a business can actually be certified in five classifications. The program is called Cleveland Area Small Business (CSB), and additional categories are Minority (MBE), Female (FBE), Local Producer (LPE)and Sustainable Business Enterprise (SUBE) depending upon the criteria it meets.
What is an Affirmative Action Plan?
This is a document that reflects an employer’s structure, policies, and practices related to status, hiring and recruitment of employees. In particular, it describes activities or plans for attracting minorities and females as employees.