The CTA created two advisory committees to gain outside perspectives and assist in building upon its established foundation of including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), and other historically excluded communities in our contracting opportunities. The advisory committees are made up of various stakeholders that review the CTA’s DBE, SBE, and Workforce Initiatives programming and make recommendations to strengthen them.
DBE Advisory Committee
The mission of the Chicago Transit Authority’s DBE Committee is to serve as a forum for fostering open communication about the concerns of DBE firms, small businesses, the general contracting communities and others to establish a level playing field.
Bringing together a cross section of individuals representing interests directly involved in, or affected by, the DBE Program, the Committee provides recommendations to the CTA’s DBE Liaison Officer (DBELO) and relevant departments on operational and administrative changes proposed to the DBE Program. The Committee serves as a forum through which concerns of DBE firms, small businesses, general contractors, and others may be brought to the attention of the CTA, regarding policy and planning of the DBE Program.
Membership
The membership of the Committee consists of:
- Six (6) Certified DBE Firms
- Three (3) non-DBE firms
- Four (4) Business Support Organizations
- CTA DBELO and/or
- CTA Diversity Programs Department staff
The term for committee members is two years with no limit on the number of terms a member can serve. Members may serve consecutive terms if nominated and voted on by the Committee members during elections.
Nominations for the Committee are solicited in late summer of odd numbered years and elections for the Committee members are held in early fall of that same year. Nominations to the committee are submitted by the current Committee members; if you are interested in serving on the Committee, please contact a current Committee member to request that they submit your organization during the nomination period.
2026 DBE Advisory Committee
DBE Advisory Committee Meetings
The DBE Advisory Committee meets 6 times per year.
Workforce Advisory Committee
The mission of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Workforce Advisory Committee is to review and provide recommendations to CTA on their workforce initiatives with the intent to increase and maximize access to union construction jobs, connect residents from historically excluded communities and economically disadvantaged areas to job training and development opportunities, create equitable, harassment-free worksites, and promote retention and advancement of underrepresented workers.
Membership
The membership of the Committee consists of:
- Two (2) contractor assist agencies
- Two (2) construction firms and/or contractors
- Four (4) building trade unions
- Three (3) community organizations
- CTA Pre-Apprenticeship Providers and Placement Partners
- CTA Director of Diversity Programs
- Manager of Workforce Initiatives
- CTA Diversity Programs Department staff
The term for committee members is two years with no limit on the number of terms a member can serve. Members may serve consecutive terms if nominated and voted on by the Committee members during elections.
Nominations for the Committee are solicited in late summer of odd numbered years and elections for the Committee members are held in early fall of that same year. Nominations to the committee are submitted by the current Committee members; if you are interested in serving on the Committee, please contact a current Committee member to request that they submit your organization during the nomination period.
2026 Workforce Advisory Committee
Workforce Advisory Committee Meetings
The Workforce Advisory Committee meets 6 times per year.