South Side Contractor Faces Challenges Amid Ongoing DBE Program Attacks

Introduction
In a profound statement from the heart of Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, Melissa Hurley, the Vice President of Cable Communications, Inc. (CCI), has shared the urgent need for support amid mounting threats to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. This initiative, established over 40 years ago, serves as a critical lifeline for minority- and women-owned businesses, empowering them to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Understanding the DBE Program
The DBE program was introduced to rectify historical discrimination faced by minorities and women in the business sector. Through its initiatives, it has allocated $37 billion towards leveling the playing field for these businesses, creating countless opportunities to succeed in industries often dominated by larger firms. However, recent efforts by the Trump Administration to declare the DBE program unconstitutional pose significant risks to these hard-won advantages.
On May 28, a Consent Order was signed between the US Department of Transportation and the plaintiffs, Mid-America Milling Company and Bagshaw Trucking, challenging the legality of the DBE program. A coalition of minority- and women-owned businesses, represented by various advocacy groups, is actively defending the program to ensure its continuation.

CCI’s Response to the Threat
Melissa Hurley is particularly concerned about the potential for the program's dissolution, which would dramatically reduce CCI's ability to compete for federally funded projects. Founded in 1989 by her mother, Susan Hurley, CCI has been a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and a DBE specializing in electrical communications. The company has thrived for 38 years thanks to opportunities provided by the DBE program, which directly accounts for 30% of their jobs and plays a crucial role in their overall operations.

With the possible elimination of the DBE program, this legacy organization faces severe financial repercussions and risks closure, jeopardizing the livelihoods of its 35 employees. Melissa reflects on this potential reality: “If the DBE folds, and WBE and MBE are next, the gravity of the situation would lead to significant small business closures.”

Community Impact and Advocacy Efforts
The implications of dismantling the DBE program extend significantly beyond CCI. Other minority and women contractors throughout Illinois stand on the precipice of losing vital government set-aside programs that have guaranteed work for many years.
Melissa, alongside her mother, has long contributed to women's advocacy in the industry through various organizations such as WCOE (Women Construction Owners and Executives) and FWC (Federation of Women Contractors). In her role, Melissa is spearheading efforts to raise awareness among other businesses affected by these changes, urging them to participate in campaigns to defend the DBE program and encourage legislators to reinforce such initiatives.

Conclusion
As the challenges to the DBE program intensify, CCI stands at a critical juncture. The survival of not just their business but many others in the community may hinge on the program’s fate. Melissa Hurley’s commitment to advocacy and her plea for collective action underscore the urgent need for support to ensure the longevity of minority- and women-owned enterprises in an increasingly hostile environment. The fight to preserve the DBE program is not merely about one company; it is about protecting the diverse fabric of the business community that strengthens Chicago and beyond.