Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity meeting, June 3, 2025
- When: Tue, Jun 3, 2025, 10:15 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928505/video/1086172247
- Transcript: full text (4,523 words, official captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Contracting Oversight and Equity, chaired by Alderperson Emma Mitts, approved its Rule 45 reports for January through May 2025 and accepted a substitute ordinance amending the Municipal Code to make the veteran-owned business enterprise program permanent. Sponsor Alderperson Gilbert Villegas said the ordinance codifies a six-year pilot, adds certification reciprocity, and allows a veteran participation goal of up to 3 percent on top of existing minority- and women-owned business goals. The mayor's Director of Veteran Affairs, a representative of a veterans chamber of commerce and a Department of Procurement Services attorney spoke in support, and members asked about precedent elsewhere, ward-level veteran services, and the rules and shortfall process to follow. No public commenters signed up, and the substitute ordinance was recommended for passage by voice vote.
Topics: veteran-owned business enterprise program, contracting goals, MBE/WBE participation, veteran services, procurement rules
Agenda items discussed
- 10:55 Approval of Rule 45 reports for January through May 2025: passed
- 11:20 Substitute ordinance establishing a permanent veteran-owned business enterprise participation program: passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Emma Mitts (chair): Read the substitute ordinance into the record and said the city should be supporting veterans, asking the department to ensure compliance. (15:11); Said many veterans do not know where to get services and asked how the city can better connect with them. (18:54); Asked how long it would take the department to transition to the new program. (34:48)
- Gilbert Villegas (alderperson): Explained the ordinance removes the pilot designation and allows goals of up to 3 percent for veteran firms in addition to existing MBE and WBE goals. (13:15); Said veteran-owned businesses contribute over $200 billion in payroll nationally, mostly through small businesses. (20:17); Said the city started with a 1 percent goal, is moving to 3 percent, and aims to be the most veteran-friendly city in the country. (24:33)
- Julia M. Ramirez (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas and veteran affairs staff for monthly ward services and expressed interest in working with the veterans chamber. (22:18)
- Walter R. Burnett (alderperson): Commended Alderperson Gilbert Villegas and asked whether the program sets a precedent or exists elsewhere in the country. (23:51); Said he supports the ordinance fully and thanked the administration. (26:00)
- Samantha Nugent (alderperson): Thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas and the Director of Veteran Affairs for their work with veterans in the 39th Ward and said she supports the ordinance. (26:24)
- Michelle A. Harris (alderperson): Praised Alderperson Gilbert Villegas persistence on veterans issues and said the ordinance will help veterans across the city. (27:12)
- Jason C. Ervin (alderperson): Congratulated Alderperson Gilbert Villegas and asked whether VA services would return to wards on a monthly basis. (28:32); Asked whether the program would function like the 26 and 6 percent goals and whether there would be liquidated damages and a shortfall process. (33:34); Asked that proposed program rules come back to the committee for review. (35:34)
Exchanges between members
- 22:22 Alderperson Julia M. Ramirez credited Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for his veteran services work.
- 23:54 Alderperson Walter R. Burnett commended Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for focusing on veterans.
- 24:33 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas answered Alderperson Walter R. Burnett question about precedent for the program.
- 26:28 Alderperson Samantha Nugent thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for his work on behalf of veterans.
- 27:17 Alderperson Michelle A. Harris thanked Alderperson Gilbert Villegas for his work on veterans issues.
- 28:40 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin congratulated Alderperson Gilbert Villegas on the ordinance.
- 28:54 Alderperson Jason C. Ervin said, contrary to Alderperson Michelle A. Harris remark, the boulder is not at the top because Alderperson Gilbert Villegas will keep pushing.
- 29:24 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas answered Alderperson Jason C. Ervin question about ward-level veteran services.
- 32:22 Alderperson Gilbert Villegas responded to Alderperson Jason C. Ervin question about his next initiative, describing a planned veterans hub.