![[photo, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/25ind/images/1198-1-1783b.jpg)
In 1980, the Office of Minority Affairs was created (Chapter 25, Acts of 1980). It replaced the Office of Minority Business Enterprise of the Department of Economic and Community Development.
By affording economic opportunity to all citizens and including minority-owned firms in the State procurement process, the Office of Minority Affairs strengthens business development in Maryland. To strengthen such firms, the Office provides them with technical and management assistance, and promotes and coordinates programs. The Office encourages State agencies to strive for 25-percent minority participation on all procurements and contracts as authorized by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR, Title 21; Chapter 339, Acts of 2001). On matters affecting minority employment, rights, and interests, the Office advises the Governor and assists minority citizens, as authorized by the Governor.
The Office is directed by the Special Secretary of Minority Affairs, who is appointed by the Governor (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-301 through 9-306).
William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., Baltimore, Maryland, April 2007. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
INTERDEPARTMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR MINORITY AFFAIRS
The Committee has twenty ex officio members (Code State Government Article, sec. 9-303.1).
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GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL FOR HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES
The Governor's Council for Historically Underutilized Businesses was authorized in February 2004 (Executive Order 01.01.2004.16). The Council advises the Office of Minority Affairs on matters relating to minority businesses. It also further assists and consults in this area upon request of the Governor or the Special Secretary of Minority Affairs.
The Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs was created within the Office of Minority Affairs in 1986 (Chapter 719, Acts of 1986). The Committee advises the Director of the Office of Minority Affairs on proposals to promote minority businesses in Maryland and the hiring of minority persons in the State.
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