Leon County Ends Diversity Program

Leon County’s 30-year-old program connecting minority and women-owned businesses to government contracts is shutting down—4 to 3 vote—thanks to a new state law banning local funding for diversity initiatives. The program was a lifeline for entrepreneurs, opening doors to procurement and leveling the playing field. One commissioner lamented being forced to end it by state mandate, despite his long support. Though the program ends, county leaders vow to keep supporting minority businesses through new avenues. Leon County ranks high nationally for Black-owned businesses, so the foundation remains strong—even as the conversation shifts to new strategies ahead of the law’s January 2027 deadline. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c8a6569736365509