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Illinois Tollway reports rising DBE, BEP and veteran participation and sets 2026 priorities
Summary
The Tollway’s chief of diversity told the board’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee that 2020–2025 spending with DBE, BEP and veteran firms grew materially, Move Illinois is nearing completion and the department will prioritize electronic data capture, workforce outreach and expanded small‑business support in 2026.
Marlene, the Tollway’s chief of diversity, told the Diversity & Inclusion Committee on March 19 that the agency has increased contracting with disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and veteran‑owned firms over the past six years.
"In all, the Tollway has paid more than $1,600,000,000 to construction and professional services firms over the past six years," Marlene said, adding that roughly $941 million went to construction and $638 million to professional services. She reported a six‑year annual average DBE participation of about 23.2% for construction and 47.7% for professional services and said veteran…
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