Join us at the NAMC 57th Annual National Conference, where industry professionals, business leaders, and policymakers from across the country come together to connect, collaborate, and lead. This year’s program features dynamic keynote presentations, engaging panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions designed to spark meaningful dialogue and drive solutions to the most pressing challenges in the construction industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your network, exchange ideas, and be part of shaping the future of the industry.
The National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and a coalition of minority and women-owned businesses and trade organizations achieved a significant legal victory after a federal court dismissed a case threatening the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
The lawsuit, Mid-America Milling Co. v. U.S. Department of Transportation, was originally filed by groups seeking to eliminate race and gender-conscious elements of the DBE Program. In September 2024, the court issued a preliminary injunction restricting the use of DBE contract goals in states where the plaintiffs operate.
In January 2025, however, President Trump’s executive orders proposed dismantling diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility-related programs across the federal government. In response, the coalition sought formal participation in the litigation to defend the interests of disadvantaged businesses and trade organizations impacted by the case.
The coalition requested that the court dismiss the lawsuit, and on March 19, 2026, the court granted the dismissal. The ruling represents a major victory for small businesses, minority contractors, women-owned firms, and organizations advocating for equitable access to contracting opportunities. Readers may review the ruling and learn more about the case through the related court documents.
The Democracy Forward legal team working on the case included Brooke Menschel, Adnan Perwez, Audrey Wiggins, Steven Bressler, and Robin Thurston. Sarah von der Lippe served as counsel for MBELDEF, while Doug McSwain worked on the case for Bricker Graydon Wyatt.
“Intervening in this lawsuit was never optional; it was a call to action. The government and plaintiffs tried to exclude the participation of countless taxpayers and job creators. That will never improve America’s position in the world economy. We must ensure that all business owners, of all races, from both urban and rural communities, have a fair chance to contribute to building our nation’s wealth and productivity. Anything else is injustice,” said Wendell R. Stemley, President of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC).
A federal judge also ordered the Department of Transportation to unfreeze the more than $16 billion designated for the Hudson River rail tunnel.
Thank you to our congressional members, but you must keep on pushing for a congressional hearing—and we will show up.
Also, a big thank you to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members and NAMC supporters Rep. Hank Johnson (GA) and Rep. James Clyburn (SC)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – $28,000,000.00
This award funds improvements to Terminal Concourses B and E for increased energy efficiency.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) – $28,000,000.00
This award funds the replacement of the roofing system and HVAC in Concourse D for increased energy efficiency.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – $17,568,000.00
This award partially funds improvements to the Energy Optimization Program.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) – $33,000,000.00
This award funds the modernization of approximately five public restrooms in Terminal Concourse 1.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) – $21,524,528.00
This award funds the final phase of the replacement of approximately 13 passenger boarding bridges.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) – $10,000,000.00
This award funds the expansion of Terminal 2, including a new ticket lobby, check-in area, baggage claim, and security area.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) – $8,700,000.00
This award funds the installation and replacement of up to eight existing passenger boarding bridges.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) – $6,977,600.00
This award funds the replacement of approximately nine passenger boarding bridges.
Portland International Airport (PDX) – $4,120,000.00
This award funds the rehabilitation, modernization, and/or expansion of approximately three public restrooms.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) – $17,568,000.00
This award partially funds improvements to Terminals D and E under the Energy Optimization Program.
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) – $8,000,000.00
This award funds 37 airside improvements to increase efficiencies in passenger movement and ADA accessibility.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) – $90,000,000.00
This award funds a portion of the new 860,810-square-foot Midfield Concourse B and connecting tunnel.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) – $9,000,000.00
This award funds the replacement of HVAC and related systems in Terminal D for increased energy efficiency.
Manassas Regional Airport (HEF) – $26,000,000.00
This award partially funds construction of a new BNATCS-equipped Airport Traffic Control Tower.
Alexander Field – South Wood County Airport (ISW) – $2,700,000.00
This award funds the 3,144-square-foot reconstruction of the terminal.
Please contact the NAMC national office with questions or comments.
Respectfully,
Wendell R. Stemley, CMAA
NAMC National President
On 05/26/26, the AFSP Illinois Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee is hosting a panel discussion addressing mental health and suicide within the construction industry.
We hope you will join us for this important conversation.
Stronger Foundations: Building Diversity, Equity, and Wellbeing in the Construction Industry will feature a presentation of Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Construction Industries followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with industry leaders.
Panelists Include:
Teresa Britton, IGP, CIP
Director, Legal Operations
ComEd
Maria Campobasso MA, CADC
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Rosecrance Therapies
Curtis L. Thompson
President
National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) Chicago
Travis Gorman
Business Agent
Roofers & Waterproofers Local 11
If you have questions for our panelists, please submit them here and we will make sure to include and address them during our live panel discussion. You may also submit questions anonymously during the event through the Q&A feature.
Please register today at unplugged-with-afspil-
Positioned to Win: Navigating Change and Opportunity in the Construction Industry
The National Association of Minority Contractors proudly announces the 57th Annual National Conference & Awards Ceremony — happening June 16–18, 2026 at the iconic Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This isn’t just another conference — this is where connections are made, deals are sparked, and opportunities are claimed.
🔹 Network with top contractors, executives, and decision-makers
🔹 Gain real industry insight that moves your business forward
🔹 Be in the room where partnerships are built
Judge Ruled in favor of NAMC and the co-plaintiffs. A temporary injunction is hereby granted to preserve the status of the HUB Program
A Texas judge has temporarily blocked sweeping changes to the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, delivering an early legal victory to a coalition of minority-owned businesses and civil rights advocates who argued the move threatened both economic opportunity and the balance of power in state government.
In an order issued Monday, Judge Amy Clark Meachum of the Travis County District Court granted a temporary injunction against Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, halting enforcement of emergency rule changes to the program. The ruling centers on a fundamental question of governance: whether a state executive can alter a law passed by the Legislature through administrative action.
“It is well settled law that the executive branch enforces the law but cannot alter pre-existing law,” Meachum wrote in her decision, adding that the comptroller “lacks the authority to determine the constitutionality” of the statute underpinning the HUB program.
We Must Stay Focused On What Truly Matters
Another truly impactful event took place this week for our students of all races and genders. Visiting the Touchpoint Community Center was an eye-opening experience.
A special thank you to Tim Regan, CEO of Whiting-Turner; Calvin Butler, CEO of Exelon Corporation; and Tamla Olivier, President and CEO of BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric Company) for her inspiring message, and to Jim Simpson and Dennis Smith of the NAMC DMV Chapter.
Wendell Stemley, NAMC President, stated, “Nothing we do is more important than what we do in developing our young people through the NAMC student chapters. We must always strive to find ways to motivate those underrepresented in our industry.
We cannot get lost in the confusion surrounding DEI— our students, workers, and vendors need us now more than ever.
Many minority students are on campuses where they are isolated in small groups, or at HBCUs that are often under-resourced and underfunded. We serve as a bridge to the industry, helping to shine a light on this resource gap. We must remain focused on the mission—with or without government support—and that mission is developing our youth.
The industry is facing a shortage of engineers and skilled workers— those are the hard facts. The student chapter program is growing, and schools are collaborating and engaging with chapter partners.”
Participating institutions included:
The Myers-Lawson School of Construction, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA); Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, FL); Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL); Prairie View A&M University (Houston, TX); University of Maryland (College Park, MD); and Morgan State University (Baltimore, MD).