Morgan station under construction

Diversity Programs

About Diversity Programs at the CTA

The mission of Diversity Programs is to create an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion by promoting dialogue with the contracting community and other stakeholders that will improve the CTA’s ability to level the playing field and establish diversity as a critical component of the CTA’s contracting practices.

Diversity Programs will achieve these goals by certifying eligible firms as Disadvantaged and/or Small Business Enterprises (DBE/SBE), assessing attainable DBE & SBE contracting goals, creating opportunities for DBEs & SBEs to network with large contractors, establishing programs for DBEs & SBEs to grow in capacity & capability, connecting interested individuals with job opportunities on CTA contracts, and advocating for policies that reduce barriers for both DBEs/SBEs and job seekers on our contracts.

Schedule a one-on-one consultation with us by emailing [email protected] or a manager directly.

Small business events

For small business owners to learn about upcoming opportunities on CTA projects and to network with prime contractors seeking subcontractors

  • Jul
    23
    Wednesday

    Diversity Programs Q3 Outreach Event

    July 23, 2025
    10am – 12pm
    (Doors open at 9:45am, Presentation starts at 10:15am)

    Olive Harvey College
    10001 S Woodlawn Ave
    Chicago, IL

    Exciting opportunities await! Join us for an exclusive session where we’ll be sharing details about upcoming projects to upgrade the Chicago Transit Authority’s infrastructure.

    This is your chance to learn how your firm can partner with us to help keep Chicago moving. Whether you're in construction, professional services, or other related industries, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

    Register 

  • Jul
    30
    Wednesday

    Driving Small Businesses the Distance: CTA DBE Certification Process

    July 30, 2025
    10am

    Zoom

    Register 

  • Aug
    27
    Wednesday

    Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Strategic Business Planning

    August 27, 2025
    10am

    Zoom

    Register 

  • Sep
    24
    Wednesday

    Driving Small Businesses the Distance: Master the CTA Invoice & Payment Process

    September 24, 2025
    10am

    Zoom

    Register 

  • Nov
    19
    Wednesday

    Diversity Programs Q4 Outreach Event

    November 19, 2025

    Daley College
    7500 S Pulaski Rd
    Chicago, IL

    Details and registration forthcoming

Workforce events

For tradespeople seeking work on CTA projects with CTA contractors

  • Sep
    12
    Friday

    Workforce Initiatives Q3 Outreach Event

    September 12, 2025

    Discover Center
    8560 S Cottage Grove Ave
    Chicago, IL

    Details and registration forthcoming

  • Nov
    5
    Wednesday

    Workforce Initiatives Q4 Outreach Event

    November 5, 2025

    Truman College
    1145 W Wilson Ave
    Chicago, IL

    Details and registration forthcoming

Pre-apprenticeship fairs

Information on training for the construction trades

  • Oct
    22
    Wednesday

    Fall Pre-Apprentice Fair

    October 22, 2025

    JLM Center
    2622 W Jackson Blvd
    Chicago, IL

    Details and registration forthcoming

U.S. Department of Transportation Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is advancing its commitment to equity and access to contracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). In doing so, U.S. DOT has recently announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would strengthen these programs’ regulations. This recent rulemaking allows DBEs and ACDBEs to have the ability to find resources to new program features, in addition to updating standards when certifiers are assessing eligibility. Read the press release 

Mentor-Protégé Program

Through hands-on and classroom training experience, the Mentor-Protégé Program strives to develop working relationships between DBE firms and prime contracting firms that have successfully participated in and/or completed CTA contracts.

Program description and application (PDF)