Assessing Progress toward Affirmative Action Goals in State and Local Government: A New Benchmark

Prior studies of the status of minorities and women as employees of state and local government have come to some very discouraging conclusions about the progress, or lack thereof, these jurisdictions are making toward achieving a more broadly representative public service. This study employs a criterion that has not previously been used to assess the performance of state and local governments as employers of minorities and women: the performance of private sector firms as employers of minorities and women. Analysis reveals that, compared with the private sector, state and local governments have compiled a relatively impressive record as equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employers.