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REAFFIRMING SAN FRANCISCO’S COMMITMENT TO THE 14B LBE PROGRAM
Services
Community Engagement
Coalition Support
Since 2019, BCOMM has been at the forefront of championing San Francisco’s Local Business Enterprise (LBE) community—building coalitions, advancing legislation, and amplifying the voices of small, women, and minority-owned businesses.
Our work has helped shape key reforms to San Francisco’s Chapter 14B LBE Ordinance, creating a fairer playing field in public contracting. In early 2025, this long-term advocacy reached another milestone when the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the City’s commitment to the 14B LBE Program. The resolution was announced at a press conference led by District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton, with business leaders, labor advocates, and community partners standing united in support.
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Addressing Long-Standing Inequities in Public Contracting
First established in 1984, San Francisco’s LBE Program was created to level the playing field for small local businesses in public contracting. Over time, complex procurement processes and rising costs made it harder for LBEs, particularly those owned by women and people of color, to compete. By 2019, modernization was essential. Partnering with Padraic Ryan of EcoBay Services, BCOMM convened community meetings with LBE owners, uncovering long-standing inequities and driving action for reform.
Shaping Change Through Collaboration
Over the years, BCOMM built and coordinated a powerful coalition of LBEs and allies, working closely with the LBE Advisory Committee (LBEAC) and City leadership to draft and advocate for updates to Chapter 14B. Key initiatives included:
Increasing economic thresholds for multiple LBE categories in line with Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Creating a Pilot Neighborhood Program to give MicroLBEs bid discounts on projects near their headquarters
Raising the micro set aside contracting value from $709,000 to $1,000,000
Advocating for fair labor standards and union partnerships in City contracts
We developed a white paper, launched a dedicated campaign website, and maintained active dialog between the coalition, policymakers, and the community.
When Supervisor Walton’s 2025 resolution reaffirming the LBE Program came forward, BCOMM’s role was to connect the dots, showing that this was not just a one day press event, but the continuation of a six year movement for economic justice and support for small businesses in San Francisco.
The Power of Public Commitment
At the 2025 press conference, key voices amplified the importance of the LBE Program:
District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton emphasized that the matter is more than contracts; it’s about economic justice.
Miguel Galarza, President & CEO of Yerba Buena Engineering & Construction, spoke about how LBEs uplift the city’s entire economy.
Noelle Bonner, CEO & Principal of Bonner Communications, highlighted the resolution’s role in strengthening diverse entrepreneurship.
Rudy Gonzalez, SF Building & Construction Trades Council, discussed the link between economic recovery and local hiring.
Results & Impact
Policy Wins
The coalition’s proposed updates to 14B were passed unanimously in 2021, signed into law by Mayor London Breed, and now reinforced by the 2025 resolution.
Reinforcing the Power of Community
Years of coalition building ensured that diverse LBE voices shaped both the legislation, and the public narrative.
Looking Ahead
BCOMM’s work with the LBE Program is far from over. We continue to advocate for transparency, streamlined contracting, and expanded access to opportunities, with a focus on helping LBEs grow from micro and small businesses into medium and large enterprises.
Our work to uplift San Francisco’s LBEs inspired the creation of the BCOMM Community Hub, a central space right here on our website to share resources, stories, and tools that empower local businesses and communities.
The 2025 reaffirmation was not just a celebration of past wins; it was a renewed commitment to the fight for economic equity in San Francisco.
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