Impact Report Highlights
HACIA’s work in 2025 reflects the final year of a multi-year strategic framework that guided programs, advocacy, and membership efforts. By focusing on member value, organizational stability, and the future of the construction industry, HACIA has put into action a strategic plan that strengthens partnerships and advances equity in the construction industry.
Membership
In 2025, HACIA’s membership program served as a key access point for contractors, professional service firms, and industry partners seeking opportunities within the construction ecosystem. Serving our 280 members, HACIA provided more than 330 one-on-one technical sessions and presented 17 projects across our membership meetings throughout the year.
Engagement extended beyond events, with committees, professional service forums, and Mujeres de HACIA providing ongoing opportunities for peer learning, leadership development, and relationship building among businesses at varying stages of growth.
Programs
HACIA delivers impact through a connected set of programs designed to support individuals, businesses, and members while advancing equity across the construction industry. Over 300 individuals completed our Workforce Development and Business Capacity programs throughout 2025, creating pathways into careers, strengthening business capacity, expanding access to opportunity, and driving system levels change.
Workforce Development
HACIA’s Workforce Development programs create pathways into construction, clean energy, and professional careers by preparing individuals with the skills, certifications, and exposure needed to succeed in a highly competitive industry. These programs focus on increasing access to opportunity for individuals who have been historically underrepresented in construction and related fields.
Business Capacity
HACIA’s Business Capacity programs are designed to help small and diverse-owned businesses grow, scale, and compete within the construction, clean energy, and professional services ecosystem. Through a-la-carte workshops, cohort-based education, and one-on-one coaching, HACIA equips entrepreneurs with the tools and strategies needed to operate effectively, pursue contracts, create jobs, and contribute to regional economic growth.
Events
HACIA’s events serve as a critical platform for connection, learning, and access within the construction industry. In 2025, 22 total events brought together contractors, professional service firms, public agencies, and industry leaders to share information, build relationships, and create pathways to opportunity.
Through a combination of large scale convenings and targeted programming, HACIA events connected members to decision makers, procurement insights, and upcoming project opportunities. These spaces supported meaningful dialogue around industry trends, certification requirements, workforce needs, and policy priorities affecting diverse businesses.
HACIASEF
The HACIA Scholarship and Education Foundation (HACIASEF) supports students pursuing education and career pathways connected to the construction industry and related fields. Through scholarships, recognition, and exposure to industry professionals, HACIASEF helps reduce financial barriers while creating meaningful connections between students and the construction community.
Scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership potential, and a clear interest in careers that strengthen the construction and professional services industries. As of the conclusion of 2025, HACIASEF has awarded $665,000 in scholarship funds, reflecting a sustained investment in education, workforce development, and economic mobility.
Advocacy
In 2025, HACIA advanced a focused legislative and policy agenda centered on equity, accountability, and opportunity within Illinois’ construction and infrastructure sectors. Through ongoing engagement with lawmakers, public agencies, and industry partners, HACIA helped shape policies that expand access for minority and women owned businesses and strengthen pathways into construction careers.
A major advocacy milestone was the passage of HB 1224, a landmark retainage reform that modernizes payment practices on state construction projects. The legislation aligns Illinois with federal standards by ending the automatic withholding of retainage on all contracts. Retainage may now be applied only when a documented project issue exists. HB 1224 applies to projects overseen by the Capital Development Board and public universities.
This reform delivers meaningful cash flow relief for small, minority, and women owned contractors while preserving protections for the state when performance issues arise. By removing unnecessary financial strain on well performing projects, HB 1224 improves access to state construction opportunities and promotes fairer participation for diverse firms.
Read the Full 2025 Impact Report
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