Phoenix Returns Priority To Blind Vendors Following Lengthy Dispute

PHOENIX -- Following a long-running dispute with the state, the city of Phoenix has signed a contract with the Arizona Department of Economic Security that allows blind vendors to take back business in dozens of public buildings.

At the center of the conflict between Phoenix and blind advocates was Arizona's version of the federal Randolph-Sheppard Act that gives operators who are blind priority to manage vending machines and cafeterias on state, county and city property, according to AZcentral.com.

In 2014, Phoenix reportedly solicited bids for vending providers without offering the opportunity to blind vendors first. Additionally, the bids were to be evaluated based on how much revenue the operator could generate, among other criteria, AZcentral.com reported. State law prohibits the city from collecting money from blind vendors, prompting objections from the state.

The city reportedly received no qualifying bids and pulled the request. City officials began negotiating with DES, but friction built when the city included a long list of requirements for vending operators.

DES officials said the issue was resolved after the Arizona Attorney General's Office reminded the city that state law gives such operators priority to run vending sites on city property. Phoenix and DES have signed a contract to ensure priority to blind entrepreneurs to operate vending machines at dozens of facilities throughout the city.

While some blind vendors operate vending machines in Phoenix buildings, many machines have been run by other companies.