In 2015, the City of Cincinnati established the Department of Economic Inclusion (DEI) in response to a Disparity Study that identified significant disparities in City contracting practices. The study revealed an underutilization of minority- and women-owned businesses across various contract types, including prime contracts for construction, professional services, and services and supplies, as well as subcontracts for construction and professional services.

To address these disparities and promote greater economic participation for minority- and women-owned businesses in City contracts, the City enacted Cincinnati Municipal Code (C.M.C) 324. This legislation authorized the creation of the City's Economic Inclusion Program, overseen by DEI. The department collaborates with Procurement and other City departments to set subcontracting goals for minority- and women-owned businesses, reinforcing the City’s broader inclusion efforts.

DEI administers Business Certification Programs, certifying vendors as Minority-owned (MBE), Women-owned (WBE), or Minority Women-Owned (MWBE) under C.M.C. 324. The certification process and eligibility criteria, governed by both C.M.C. 324 and 342, are detailed on the Department’s website for businesses interested in becoming certified City vendors.