Melissa Hurley Advocates for DBE Program Preservation at CCI

Melissa Hurley, Vice President of Cable Communications, Inc. (CCI), addressed the potential dissolution of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. Established four decades ago, this $37 billion initiative aims to mitigate historical discrimination against minority- and women-owned businesses. On May 28, plaintiffs from Mid-America Milling Company and Bagshaw Trucking, alongside the US Department of Transportation, announced a Consent Order alleging that the program is unconstitutional.

A coalition of minority- and women-owned businesses, represented by Democracy Forward and other legal partners, filed opposition to the proposed consent order on June 18, which threatens to undermine the program and limit the voices of affected businesses.

CCR, a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and DBE contractor headquartered in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood, noted the vital role of the DBE program in enabling competitive bidding for federally funded projects. Without it, CCI faces financial strain that could lead to closure, impacting its 35 employees.

Hurley remarked, “If the DBE folds and WBE & MBE are next, small business closures would be profound.” CCI relies on the DBE program for 30% of its projects, while 65% come through the city’s Workload Balancing Engine (WBE) program and 5% from private work.

The implications of the DBE program's potential dissolution extend beyond CCI, with minority and women contractors throughout Illinois preparing for significant changes or loss of government initiatives that have historically supported their operations.

For over 25 years, Melissa and her mother, Susan Hurley, have championed women's advocacy in the construction sector, participating in numerous organizations aimed at supporting women in business. Hurley encourages collaboration among impacted businesses and has actively engaged lawmakers to advocate for sustaining the DBE program and similar initiatives.