Monday, October 3, 2022
Staying the Course Towards Recovery: Smart Fiscal Decisions Coupled with Strategic Investment Yield 2023 ‘Stability Budget’ 
Today, Mayor Lightfoot gave her 4th annual budget address to announce the FY2023 City Budget. The balanced FY2023 budget signals a strong turnaround of City finances and proposes continued investment in key areas amidst ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

For the second year in a row, the budget includes no new taxes but continues to strategically invest in building a safer, more equitable Chicago. The Mayor’s ‘Stability Budget’ combines a bold vision for Chicago’s future with fiscal responsibility. 

The 2023 budget reflects 4 major financial accomplishments: 
  • The increase of pension funding by $1 billion 
  • The reduction of city debt by $377 million 
  • The clearance of deferred infrastructure maintenance by funding a $1.2 billion Chicago Works program 
  • The creation of nearly $3 billion in new financial value for the city 
As further manifestation of the City’s strong economic recovery from the pandemic, the 2023 Budget estimates a $260 million increase in revenues since the budget forecast was released.   

The 2023 Budget also sustains funding for historic programs and investments made in the FY2022 Budget, including the $1.2 billion dedicated through the Chicago Recovery Plan (CRP). 

New investments in the 2023 Budget include:
  •  $3.1 million investment for reproductive healthcare
  • An additional investment of over $10 million for homelessness and other supportive services
  • $7.5 million for improvements to City processes around hiring, procurement and IT
  • $13.5 million for public safety.   

Mayor Lightfoot’s budget focuses on: 
  • Preventing Violence: For 2023, the City is continuing the significant investment that began in 2022 in initiatives that directly contribute to the development of thriving and safe communities, utilizing American Rescue Plan, bond, local fund, and other grant-funded resources. Investments in thriving communities drive community safety and help bridge the opportunity gaps facing low-income youth and families. 
  • Revitalizing Communities: To achieve equitable economic recovery it is necessary to provide targeted relief and neighborhood development resources to businesses and communities hardest hit by the pandemic. These investments provide targeted support to Chicago’s small business and commercial corridors to drive economic recovery to revitalize communities.  
  • Ending Poverty: Since the beginning of her tenure, Mayor Lightfoot has made investments that cement Chicago’s position as a hub of anti-poverty and economic mobility innovation. From unwinding the cycles of fines and fees that strip wealth from mostly black and brown families to seeding and nurturing wealth creation, the City is investing in tools that help undo decades of disinvestment.  

  • A few of the key investments include: 
  • NEW investments in reproductive and sexual health access and education totaling $3.1 million. 
  • $74.3 million in investments supporting violence prevention and reduction. 
  • $323.7 million to address historic and systemic inequities in Chicago’s housing landscape. 
  • $150 million to maintain and expand youth programming and services. 
  • $200 million in investments to support services to persons experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, which includes an increase of over $10 million for 2023. 
  • $78 million in mental health services for Chicagoans. 
  • More than $120 million to support community development along commercial corridors 
  • More than $85 million to bring City-owned vacant lots into productive use 
  • $60 million to support small businesses, non-profits, and community wealth building models 
  • $50 million to invest in local parks, arts and culture 
  • $20 million to support business development and tourism promotion 
 
LINK TO BUDGET DOCUMENTS AND WEBSITE can be found here
OUTREACH AND EVENTS
Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line Congress Racine Pre - Proposal Meeting and Meet & Greet
JLM Center 2622 W Jackson, Chicago, IL
October 4, 2022 | In-Person Registration: 12:45 pm
Pre-bid will start promptly at 1:00 pm
The CTA is pleased to announce our in-person Congress Racine pre-proposal meeting Join us at the JLM Center located at 2622 W Jackson to learn about project details and meet potential prime contractors to partner with on upcoming opportunities! Please note: Masks are strongly encouraged. For further questions, please reach out to diversity@transitchicago.com.
Cook County's Source Grow Grant Program
To help small businesses in pandemic recovery
October 3-31, 2022 | Applications open! 
The Source Grow Grant provides $10,000 grants to small businesses, prioritizing those owned by historically excluded populations and in sectors hard hit by the pandemic.
Your business is eligible if it:
  1. Is a for-profit business in Cook County, IL
  2. Has less than 20 full-time employees
  3. Has operated and conducted business since 2020
  4. Has experienced a negative financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The Future of Affirmative Action for Minority Businesses: A Case Study of MENA Americans
October 11, 2022 | 12:00 pm
Presenters from various fields will explore the history of the "Middle East/North Africa" designation, the inclusion of MENA in the Chicagoland community, current legal developments and legislative initiatives being undertaken. I will be presenting on inclusive policies that I pushed forward at the MWRD. 
2022 INSURANCE INDUSTRY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP SYMPOSIUM
Raising Your Insurance Industry IQ to be Partner Ready
October 12-13, 2022 | Virtual Event
Day 1 | Oct 12 | 8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Day 2 | Oct 13 | 8:30 am to 11:00 am
Join us virtually for two half-day sessions of intentional engagement and exposure with insurance industry leaders and professionals. Featuring keynote speakers, panelists, 2-way engagement workshops, business matchmaking, and critical industry insights to empower you for future growth opportunities.

Designed to build supplier insight into Insurance Industry trends including Regulatory, Technology and Innovation. This event will focus on elements which are key to gaining business opportunities by understanding trends and requirements related to your solutions. Hear from and meet with leading Insurance companies.
2022 BUSINESS EXPO
"Make the Connection!™ Build Your Future"
October 20, 2022 | 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
The 2022 Business EXPO "Make the Connection!™ Build Your Future" will have:
  • Hundreds of guests who'll have an opportunity to network and hear from high-ranked leaders in the business community and elected officials at the opening breakfast. 
  • An exhibit floor featuring dozens of businesses showcasing their products and services.
  • Excellent networking opportunities with business professionals from all sectors.
  • Workshops at no cost.
  • Procurement one-on-one matching sessions
DPS VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
We are now offering our workshops virtually. View the full workshop schedule at www.chicago.gov/dpsevents. To request an accommodation, please contact DPS Public Affairs at dps.accommodations@cityofchicago.org.
WE ARE FAMILY! DOING BUSINESS WITH SISTER AGENCIES (CPD & CTA)
October 5, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Guest Speakers from CPD & CTA
Interested in doing business beyond the City of Chicago but unsure where to start? This workshop welcomes guest presentations that outline the roles and responsibilities of how to do business with the City of Chicago’s six sister agencies: Chicago Public Schools (CPS), City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), Public Building Commission (PBC), Chicago Housing Authority (CHA), Chicago Park District (CPD) and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
YOUR BUSINESS IS CERTIFIED: NOW WHAT?
October 19, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Your business is certified; what are your next steps? This workshop will provide valuable information to newly certified firms on how to compete for City contracts and provide information on resources available to certified firms. Are you prepared to meet with prime contractors? Have you considered joint venturing on contracting opportunities? Are you attending pertinent networking events? Come hear advice from subject matter experts to better market your business, compete for, and earn City contracts.
ePROCUREMENT 101
October 20, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
DPS is continuing on the next phase of start-to-finish purchasing modernization via implementing a comprehensive eProcurement system. eProcurement applies digital technology to the acquisition of goods and services. It will allow DPS to collaborate with City Departments to create solicitations and contracts online, greatly reducing the time it takes to complete procurements. Come watch a demonstration and learn about iSupplier registration, how vendors will submit bids and proposals online, and how to view contracts and payments.
HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED - DATE CHANGE
October 25, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
DPS is the certifying agency for the following certifications: Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-Owned Business (VBE), Business Enterprise for People with Disabilities (BEPD), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE). This workshop will provide detailed information on who is qualified to be a Chicago-certified firm. Learn what documents are needed when you submit an application and how to avoid the most common mistakes in the certification process. Subject matter experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions about common certification topics.
PROCUREMENT FUNDAMENTALS: DOING BUSINESS WITH THE CITY - DATE AND TIME CHANGE
October 25, 2022 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Do you have questions about becoming a successful bidder on City contracting opportunities? Unsure where to begin? This informational workshop highlights the role and responsibility of DPS in the City’s purchasing process. Come learn about different procurement methods and the laws which govern the procurement process. Once completed, you will better understand what it takes before you start the bidding process and your responsibilities after you have won a contract with the City of Chicago.
BUILDING CHICAGO! CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTING OVERVIEW
October 26, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
A construction-focused workshop, providing an overview of the bidding process and highlighting programs related to construction opportunities. This includes the Small Business Initiative (SBI), Mid-size Business Initiative (MBI), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Apprentice Utilization Bid Preference, and many more. Additionally, learn about the Job Order Contract (JOC). This is another delivery method for the City of Chicago to procure construction services. JOC is a firm, fixed price, competitive bid with indefinite quantity, delivery method designed to produce a large number of multi-trade, repair and rehabilitation projects, as well as minor new construction projects quickly.
CONTRACTING 101: HOW TO RESPOND TO A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
October 27, 2022 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This workshop teaches business owners how to respond to a City of Chicago RFP using advice from seasoned professionals, you will learn specific details about what evaluators look for in an RFP and how to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of a winning bid. Attend this workshop and learn how to navigate RFP specifications efficiently.
WEEKLY BID OPPORTUNITY LIST
Bid Opportunity List for the Week of October 3, 2022
The weekly Bid Opportunity List (BOL) is the resource to find currently advertised contracting opportunities with the City of Chicago. The information on the BOL is subject to change.

Please visit www.chicago.gov/bids for the latest updates on current solicitations.
Please be advised that all contracts awarded on March 10, 2021 and beyond will include Terms related to compliance with Executive Order 2021-2. These terms include quarterly reporting requirements for the projected and actual utilization of M/WBE firms.
Business Diversity Program and Utilization Report Deadline 

The EO requires the BDPR to be submitted by July 1st of each calendar year. Therefore, if you have not already completed your report for this year, please do so today. 

***PLEASE NOTE*** - If you filed a BDP report last year, the credentials you used will not grant access to the microsite this year. Starting in 2022, contractor representatives are required to register in the Business Diversity Reporting system. This will allow each vendor the convenience of being able to leave and come back to Business Diversity Program reports in progress, find reports uploaded in previous years, and keep a historical record of the reports going forward. Click on the Vendor Registration link to register. Once registered, you can simply log in to get access to previously submitted reports, continue working on in-progress reports for the current year, and upload new reports.

Thank you for your attention to advancing the administration's leadership in ensuring that the private sector is an equal and accountable partner in building a more diverse Chicago.   
RESOURCES FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY
Resource Navigators

The City of Chicago has established Small Business Resource Navigators to provide 1:1 assistance to small businesses looking for support. For more information, click here.

Information on Chicago Reopening Guidelines

Mayor Lightfoot released industry-specific guidelines for businesses, employees, and customers to follow as the city prepares to begin safely reopening. Industry-specific guidelines include details such as how businesses can engage in healthy interactions between workers and customers, maintain safe working spaces and conditions, and design and monitor workplace operations to create flexibility and maintain safety for employees and customers. Guidelines can be found at www.chicago.gov/reopening.
DPS RESOURCES ONLINE
DPS believes that everyone should have a chance to participate in government business. Including participation in bidding on a contract, being a supplier, becoming a certified vendor, or even learning how to do business with the City.

Our DPS website provides information to inform our vendor community of procurement news, outreach, initiative, and programs. Visit www.chicago.gov/dps to learn about the following: