Board extends MWBE program sunset to Dec. 31, 2026, after procedural fix

The Board of Aldermen moved to perfect and extend the sunset date for the city’s minority‑ and women‑owned business enterprise (MWBE) program to Dec. 31, 2026.

The alderwoman from the 8th, sponsor of Board Bill 19, said the bill simply pushes the program’s sunset date so the city can finish stakeholder work and craft a stronger successor ordinance. Colleagues supported the extension but one member asked for the prior ordinance text to be attached (a charter requirement). The sponsor and clerks agreed to add the full text as an exhibit; because the attachment required a procedural step, the board voted to reconsider and to send the bill back to perfection so that the exhibit could be added. The bill was later perfected after the exhibit was added and votes in committee and on the floor.

Supporters said keeping the MWBE program in place is important to preserve contracting protections for minority- and women-owned firms during a period of significant new construction and recovery work in the city.

Ending: The perfected bill will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2026, while staff and council continue stakeholder work on a long-term program design.