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CapMetro staff proposes 25.5% DBE goal for 2026–2028; consultant cautions on national legal challenges
Summary
Capital Metro staff and consultant proposed a 25.5% DBE triennial goal for federal fiscal years 2026–2028 (10.5% via race‑neutral measures) and noted public outreach produced 90 attendees and no written comments; consultant Colette Holt warned of pending legal challenges to race‑based contracting nationally.
Capital Metro staff presented a proposed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) triennial goal and explained the FTA goal‑setting process and legal context at the June 23 meeting.
Carlos Balderas, manager for small business programs, reviewed program administration and current attainment levels, saying FY25 attainment is low and was depressed by a very large demand‑response procurement. He then introduced consultant Colette Holt, who outlined the regulatory steps for establishing a DBE goal (a step‑1 base figure, potential adjustments to reflect availability absent discrimination, and an allocation between race‑neutral and race‑conscious measures).
Holt said the proposed overall goal for federal fiscal years 2026–2028 is 25.5%, with 10.5% expected to be met through race‑neutral measures and the remainder through race‑conscious contract goals. She noted that the agency conducted public outreach (90 attendees, no written comments) and will submit the goal to the Federal Transit Administration by the August 1 deadline.
Holt also summarized the national legal environment, noting pending lawsuits that have sought to enjoin certain executive orders and that a preliminary injunction in one case affected only two plaintiffs; she said the DBE program itself remains intact for most contracts but advised the agency to monitor litigation and federal guidance.
Board members asked whether changing federal guidance or litigation could affect CapMetro’s process; Holt recommended staying tuned to federal developments and noted the agency’s submission would be accompanied by the public outreach record.
