VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The Virginia Beach City Council voted Tuesday on a study looking into whether businesses owned by minorities and women are at a disadvantage in winning contracts with the city.
The study was approved for $424,000 according to a city official.
NFL Hall of Famer Bruce Smith raised the issue several months ago.
Virginia Beach city staff has selected Denver-based BBC Research and Consulting to conduct the study.
The study is expected to take about a year.
Council will also be updated on the Central Beach Entertainment District, which includes the proposed arena, proposed field house and the former Dome site.
During the meeting officials said construction on the proposed arena could start as early as August.
