The Espousal Strategies, LLC team recently had the opportunity to join leaders from Sound Transit, Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, and Washington State Department of Transportation as they signed the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) pledge. The EIP pledge is a commitment to improving diversity in public contracting by creating opportunities for historically underutilized businesses to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by creating more prime, joint venture and equity contracting opportunities for these firms. Agencies and companies that sign the pledge commit to going above and beyond existing requirements and practices. Espousal Strategies supports local, regional, and state agencies in their efforts to help small businesses grow and connect people with careers in infrastructure, including outreach and technical assistance for minority-owned firms as well as planning, policy and outreach to increase workforce diversity. Many of our clients and partners have signed the EIP pledge, including Oregon Department of Transportation, Washington State Department of Transportation, City of Seattle, WSP, and COMTO National Office. We are inspired and encouraged to see these commitments grow into a national movement that is removing barriers and expanding opportunities for historically underutilized businesses?and communities across the country.?
The Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) continues to build momentum behind our mission to build generational wealth and reduce the racial wealth gap by improving public infrastructure contracting practices to create more prime, joint venture and equity contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (#HUBs). Yesterday, EIP Co-Chairs Phil Washington, John D. Porcari, and Rick Jacobs, welcomed six new signatories of the #EIPPledge: King County, WA, City of Seattle, Sound Transit, Port of Seattle, Community Transit, and Hill International, Inc. These new partners are committed to advancing equity in infrastructure and transportation, ensuring that our communities are uplifted through inclusive and fair opportunities. Thank you King County Executive Dow Constantine, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Sound Transit CEO Goran Sparrman, Port of Seattle Executive Director Stephen P. Metruck, Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz, and Hill International President Mike Smith for your leadership and dedication! Our celebration was further enriched by the powerful insights shared by Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool, Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Roger Millar, Sound Transit Deputy CEO Terri Mestas, Advisory Council Chair and HNTB Corporate President for Mobility and Infrastructure Equity Diana C. Mendes, AICP, and Commissioner Toshiko Grace Hasegawa, Vice President of the Port of Seattle Commission. We were also honored to have previous signatories join us in the Joni Earl Great Hall to celebrate this momentous occasion. Thank you to HNTB Chairman & CEO Robert Slimp; Advisory Council Member and STV President & CEO Gregory Kelly; AECOM's Senior Vice President and Regional Business Line Leader for Transportation, Andrew Liu, Lochner Northwest Region Director Marvin Thomas; WSP in the U.S. Senior Vice President Stuart Sunshine; TYLin Americas Aviation Sector Leader Peter Aarons; and Turner Construction Company Senior Vice President Chris Killian, for contributing to this vibrant atmosphere of the signing! #EquityinInfrastructure | #MakingCommunitiesBetter
