Illinois Tollway reports rising DBE, BEP and veteran participation and sets 2026 priorities

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 participation rose from 0.2% to more than 1%.

The presentation broke down 2025 specifics, including nearly $149 million paid to DBE and veteran firms in construction and professional services last year, and a substantial increase in dollars to African American‑owned firms. Marlene also reported that the Move Illinois program is about 84% complete with 91% of the budget confirmed.

Committee members asked for clarification about the Tollway’s role in the ROSIT insurance program and how it intersects with small‑business participation. Marlene confirmed the Tollway remains involved with the ROSIT program and reviews renewals to ensure they align with small‑business status and contracting scopes. "We are still actively involved in the ROSIT program that goes with our SVI program," she said.

Marlene outlined workforce and small‑business efforts: nearly 180 apprentices and job‑training participants were hired for construction programs in 2025 (including about 40 on active Tollway contracts), the Technical Assistance program serviced nearly 470 clients who submitted 80 bids or statements of interest on Tollway work, and small business initiative awards included almost $8 million across several contracts. She said the Partnering for Growth program produced 23 new professional‑services agreements in 2025 and helped proteges win their first Tollway prime contracts.

The chief emphasized outreach and bilingual training: the Tollway ran more than 14 webinars attended by over 800 people in English and Spanish and participated in nearly 180 events during 2025. For 2026, the department plans an electronic data capture system to better track goals and outcomes, broader workforce outreach to high schools and youth programs, and an expansion of small‑business supports.

The committee took no formal vote on policy changes; members praised the results and asked staff to follow up with ROSIT documentation and any additional program metrics. The committee adjourned after the presentation.