"True equitable development cannot be realized until all segments of the community have an opportunity to share in the wealth created by economic development projects. The Women Builders Council applauds Borough President Helen Marshall and the Bloomberg Administration for their responsible and inclusive plans for Willets Point Re-Development that will create good jobs and take advantage of the multitude of talents and skill sets of women and minority business firms.

The Women Builders Council has been pleased to work with the Borough President Marshall and her staff on this issue. She has been longtime and consistent advocate for W/MBEs. She welcomed and included many of the WBC recommendations in the final version of the plan. Mayor Bloomberg and Deputy Mayor Lieber understand well the positive aspects of involving W/MBEs in the economic development process.

The Women Builders Council has long advocated plans that would increase the capacity of women in the construction and building fields. It is so important to move beyond the governmental sector for economic opportunities; we must be involved in the private sector’s plans for development.