Jan - Mar 2021 | Insights to Opportunity
www.houstontx.gov/obo | Page 8
CITY OF HOUSTON PROGRAMS
Title VI: Addressing Discrimination
Applications Still Open for Fleet Safety Program Small businesses that operate at least two vehicles are welcome to apply for FOCUS on Fleet Safety – a free program that provides leadership, training and telematics. This program will help businesses develop and execute a safety vision and learn fleet safety best practices from leaders in the industry.
By: Julie Garay The City of Houston is committed to diversity and fair employment, which has led to the implementation of programs and regulations that promote inclusivity and unity. One of those programs is administered in the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). The Title VI Program, Plan, and Assurances, coordinated by Ky Willson, has the mission to ensure no person is subject to discrimination in the administration and execution of any City program, activity, or service. This program is based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As stipulated by the United States Department of Labor, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964 states, “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
TITLE VI: Ky Willson coordinates the City’s Title VI Program. For more information, go to houstontx. gov/obo/title-vi.html or contact Ky.Willson@houstontx.gov.
“The City of Houston seeks to ensure equity in access to its programs, activities, and services so that every citizen has the greatest opportunity to achieve and obtain the foundations necessary for self-sufficiency and success,” said Willson. As the program coordinator, Willson is responsible for monitoring and ensuring city-wide compliance with the Title VI Program requirements, including complaint management, training, and outreach.
To qualify, businesses must operate in Houston and vehicles must be single unit class 2 and above -- e.g. Ford F-250s, box trucks, Sprinter vans and larger, no tractor trailers. FOCUS on Fleet Safety is partnership with Together for Safer Roads (TSR) and part of the City of Houston’s Houston Vision Zero Action Plan. TSR is committed to leveraging member companies’ collective private sector intellectual capital and expertise to advance best practices for companies and fleets. To apply for the program go to https://bit.ly/392VKua.
DANDELION: Disaster Relief Funds Helps Business Pivot Continued from page 4 “The hardest-hit businesses may also be eligible for a second PPP loan,” said Gonzalez. “Those who need assistance
can reach out to SBA resource partners at SCORE and the Small Business Development Center.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE FOLLOWING: Overview of Disaster Programs: www.sba.gov/disaster Overview of First Draw PPP Loans: Paycheck Protection Program First Draw Loans: Overview (www.sba.gov) Overview of Second Draw PPP Loans: Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Loans: Overview (www.sba.gov) List of PPP Lenders in Houston: PPP_Lenders_in_the_Houston_District_ in_2020_01-19-2021.pdf (www.sba.gov) Resource Partner Contact Information (free business advising): Resource_ Partner_Contact_Information.png (www.sba.gov)
SERVICE IS KEY: Dandelion Cafe offers socially distant dine-in services.
