Black Contractors Association Issues Statement on City’s M/WBE Pause, Tornado Relief

Date Posted: July 24, 2025

Posted In: Discussion, News, People,

“Deliver the message to the right mailbox,” is the message conveyed by the Advancing American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA), a black contractors association in regarding local reaction in the wake the St. Louis Development Corporation’s decision to temporarily pause new M/WBE certifications due to pressures from the federal government.

“The Advancing American Business & Contractors Association (AABCA) understands St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer’s decision to temporarily halt the city’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) certification program,” the statement read.

“This does not include the city’s MWBE inclusion program on city projects. The move comes amid intense pressure from the Trump administration, which has threatened to revoke federal funding from U.S. cities that continue to enforce diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.”

Federal Threats

As the city and advocates seek legal remedy to the federal threats, the people of St. Louis cannot afford service cuts. This is especially because thousands of residents are continuing to recover and rebuild after the deadly May tornado, the organization noted.

“This is a deeply difficult but necessary decision, and we stand with Mayor Spencer in choosing to prioritize the survival and stability of the city during this critical time,” said Makal Ali, president and co-founder of AABCA. “President Trump has made it explicitly clear that cities defying his DEI ban will face the full weight of federal funding cuts. With St. Louis still reeling from the devastating tornado and urgently in need of federal recovery dollars, this pause is a protective measure—not an abandonment of equity.”

In the statement AABCA stated a continued commitment to assisting small businesses obtain certifications for public contracting and ensuring all qualified firms are not shut out of opportunities under shifting national policies.

“Let’s be clear — this is not surrender,” Ali said. “It’s a strategic move to ensure the city keeps its doors open, its services funded, and its people safe. We call on allies in Congress and the judiciary to intervene against federal overreach and help cities like St. Louis restore inclusive policies without sacrificing essential funding and hurting everyday citizens.

“Let’s strategize and direct our anger at the right source – and that isn’t on North Tucker Boulevard, but 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” Ali said