On February 19, 2026, HACIA hosted a Congressional Roundtable focused on recent USDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program changes and equitable access to federal contracting opportunities.
The roundtable brought together HACIA member firms and members of the Illinois Congressional delegation for a candid and productive conversation on the real-world impacts of these changes. We were honored to welcome U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Richard J. Durbin, Congressman Jesús G. García, and Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez, who each took time to listen, engage, and discuss pathways forward.
During the discussion, HACIA members shared firsthand experiences navigating federally funding contracting opportunities, the benefits of the DBE and similar programs, and need to implement initiatives that support small businesses. This critical discussion highlighted both challenges and opportunities within the current system. These on-the-ground perspectives are vital in shaping policies that ensure small and diverse contractors can continue to compete, grow, and contribute to federally funded projects.
Events like this are essential to HACIA’s mission. They create a direct line between our elected officials and the businesses most impacted by policy. Too often, regulations are shaped without fully understanding how they affect contractors on the ground. By bringing our members into the conversation, HACIA helps ensure that policies are informed by real experiences, leading to more practical, equitable outcomes.
This type of engagement also strengthens the collective voice of our network. When members come together to share their challenges and insights, it amplifies the need for fair access, transparency, and accountability in public contracting. It is through this collective advocacy that meaningful progress can happen.
HACIA remains committed to advancing opportunities for small and diverse businesses across the construction industry. But this work is only possible with the active participation of our members.
If you are interested in being part of conversations like this and helping shape the future of the industry, we invite you to join HACIA’s membership and advocacy efforts. To learn more, contact membership@haciaworks.org
You can view the full photo album and watch the event recap video below to see highlights from the discussion and hear directly from participants.