On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, hundreds of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) leaders, legislators, industry experts, and stakeholders from across New York State convened in Albany for a powerful and inspiring 2026 MWBE Advocacy Day. Under the rally cry “Empowered. Expanded. Enforced.”, the day focused on moving beyond basic compliance toward true economic equity and the full enforcement of Article 15-A.
The annual event, co-hosted by Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Senator James Sanders, Jr., Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Senator Robert Jackson, Assemblymembers Amanda Septimo, Clyde Vanel, Kwani O’Pharrow, Jenifer Rajkumar, Rebecca Seawright, Carrie Woerner, Jodi Giglio, and Chantel Jackson, aimed at expanding opportunity and equity for MWBEs in State and City contracting. These leaders, with major MWBE stakeholders, will stand united to call for stronger oversight,fairer contracting practices, and the economic justice our communities deserve.
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The event builds on historic, back-to-back record-breaking years of MWBE spending and support. New York State recently achieved a record 31.86% utilization rate, delivering over $3.3 billion in payments to MWBEs, the highest in state history and the fifth consecutive year surpassing the 30% goal. Simultaneously, New York City awarded a staggering $6.9 billion in total MWBE contracts during the most recent fiscal year. To further streamline these opportunities, the discretionary purchasing threshold has officially been raised to $1.5 million, making it easier for agencies to “Buy MWBE” directly.
The 2026 Advocacy Day served as a definitive call to action to ensure Equity is a Reality for these businesses. By focusing on rigorous enforcement and legislative accountability, the coalition remains dedicated to ensuring every MWBE has a fair and equitable seat at the table.
