Statement from the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rollback of the DBE Rule | Communities

The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (MD Black Caucus) is deeply disappointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to eliminate race- and gender-based presumptions in its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program—a move that dismantles decades of progress toward equity and opportunity for Black businesses and other historically marginalized entrepreneurs.This rule change ignores a simple truth: race still matters in America’s economy. Structural barriers and discrimination continue to limit access to capital, contracting opportunities, and business growth for Black owners. Federal programs like DBE were created because the playing field was not—and is still not—level.“By abandoning these long-standing commitments, the federal government is retreating from its responsibility to ensure fair participation in public contracts,” said Black Caucus Chair Jheanelle Wilkins. “The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland will not retreat with it.” We remain steadfast in our work to expand access, opportunity and wealth creation for Black businesses across Maryland.

DBEs and ACDBEs with current contracts or subcontracts should not be removed from those contracts. Prime contractors and consultants must honor contracts and concessions agreements with all subcontractors consistent with relevant contract provisions, nondiscrimination law and applicable Maryland contract law.We will continue to stand with Maryland’s Black business community and will work closely with the Moore–Miller Administration and state partners to ensure that Black businesses can transition, adapt and develop strategies to pivot and compete, despite this setback at the federal level. Our focus remains on building sustainable pathways for growth, innovation, and equity so that Maryland’s Black-owned firms can not only survive but thrive in a changing economic landscape.

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