County official accused of profiting from minority program
Reported by: Angie Holdsworth
Email: aholdsworth@abc15.com
Reported by: Josh Bernstein
Last Update: 5:53 pm

PHOENIX, AZ -- A Maricopa County supervisor is under fire, accused of profiting from a program that's aimed at helping minorities and disadvantaged businesses.

A 25-page Goldwater Institute investigation indicates Supervisor Mary Rose Wilcox is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Federal Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program, also known as DBE.

That program is meant to level the playing field for businesses owned by minorities and women.

The investigation shows that in 2004, Host International, which handles all food and beverage contracts for Terminal 4 at Sky Harbor, gave Wilcox a $450,000 loan for a joint partnership with a Chili’s restaurant in Terminal 4.

That loan was to be repaid through restaurant profits. The Goldwater investigation alleges that Mary Rose Wilcox accepted a loan from Host International rather than putting up her own money for the location now occupied by Chili's.

The investigation alleges that is a violation of Phoenix city policy.

By teaming up with Mary Rose Wilcox and using her restaurant permit, Host International was able to meet the requirements set out for the minority program.

The report also states that Wilcox was not involved in the day-to-day business operations at the restaurant, which is required by federal regulations.

The Goldwater investigations alleges several other violations involving the DBE program.

Mary Rose Wilcox has issued the below statement.

We have done no wrong.

We have adhered to the agreement that was presented to us by our joint partner; this agreement (like all city contracts) is subject to regular monitoring and oversight by not only Host Marriott (HMSHost), but also the city.

With years of experience in our restaurant business, we believe we have been good, contributing partners with Host.


Sky Harbor spokesperson Alisa Smith issued the following statement on behalf of those who over see the program. An investigation began in 2007.


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets rules for how airports procure and administer contracts, including requirements for making business opportunities accessible to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). The City of Phoenix Aviation Department follows these rules in its procurement and management of concessions contracts.

The City of Phoenix is conducting an Airport Concessions Disparity Study to determine if DBE’s have had an equal opportunity to compete for and participate in the concessions opportunities at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The results of the Study will be used by the City to administer a concessions program that ensures equal opportunities moving forward.

The City regularly reviews contract compliance. If any deficiencies are found, they are pursued and corrected.


You can access the entire report at the Goldwater Institute website.


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