NAMC NATIONAL UPDATE
This NAMC National Update highlights leadership, advocacy, and engagement—from the 2026 Legislative Forum and newly elected Executive Officers to key policy developments and upcoming opportunities to make your voice heard.
NAMC Call to Action: Defending Minority Contracting Opportunities
By Wendell R. Stemley, NAMC President Emeritus
On October 1, 2026, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), led by Edward Blum, filed a federal lawsuit challenging Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York City’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program. The lawsuit alleges that the City’s certification requirements and contracting preferences violate federal equal protection and civil rights laws and seeks to prohibit race- and sex-based certification and contracting benefits.
In response, NAMC has met with its legal counsel to develop a strategy for working with its local chapter and New York City officials to defend the City’s program and protect contracting opportunities for minority businesses.
NAMC calls on its chapters nationwide to take proactive action by engaging local government officials, reviewing existing minority business programs, and helping ensure those programs are legally defensible. As legal challenges to minority contracting initiatives continue, coordinated action is essential to preserving opportunities for minority contractors.
Target 2.0: No More Apologies. We Want Opportunities
NAMC calls for Target 2.0 to address opportunities for minorities– not apologies. Recent controversy surrounding a Target Halloween costume and the reported decline in the company’s stock price highlight the importance of corporate accountability. Target generates a substantial portion of its $26B quarterly revenue from consumers in diverse urban and suburban communities, where its stores often serve as major retail destinations.
Through Target 2.0, NAMC is calling for corporations to move beyond apologies and demonstrate meaningful commitments to the economic well-being of the businesses and communities that support their success. This includes expanding contracting opportunities, strengthening local businesses, and ensuring that corporate investment contributes to lasting community economic growth.
NAMC will address this issue with John Hulbert, VP, Investor Relations for Target.
NAMC Leadership
NAMC Announces 2026–2027 Executive Officers
The National Association of Minority Contractors is proud to announce its newly elected Executive Officers for the 2026–2027 term, led by National President Ugo Nwagbaraocha. The new leadership team was elected on September 15, 2026, during NAMC’s National Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C.
Pictured, from left: Anthony Udeagbala, National Treasurer; Ruben Mercado, Jr., Executive Vice
President; Wendell R. Stemley, President Emeritus; Ugo Nwagbaraocha, National President; Frank
Lemos, National Secretary.
NAMC looks forward to the leadership and service of its newly elected Executive Officers as they continue to work to advance the association’s mission to preserve and expand opportunities for minority contractors nationwide.
2026 Legislative Forum & Federal Policy Update By Wendell R. Stemley, NAMC President Emeritus
Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Protect Opportunity.
NAMC extends its appreciation to its National Board of Directors and the congressional offices that participated in the 2026 NAMC Legislative Forum, held September 14–15 in Washington, D.C. The Forum provided an opportunity to address critical issues affecting minority and small contractors and strengthen engagement with federal lawmakers.
NAMC thanks the offices of Congresswomen Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Dina Titus (NV-01), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), and Joyce Beatty (OH-03); Congressmen Mike Quigley (IL-05), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), and Gil Cisneros (CA-31); and Senators Raphael Warnock (Georgia) and Jacky Rosen (Nevada).
Discussions focused on proposed SBA size standard changes, the future of the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, infrastructure investment, workforce development and apprenticeships, the underutilization of minority women in construction, and rising costs and regulatory challenges.
Key Federal Policy Developments
DBE Program: NAMC led efforts to secure bipartisan support for DBE Program authorization; however, action on the measure was subsequently postponed. A September U.S. Department of Transportation final rule replaced race- and sex-based presumptions with individualized determinations of social and economic disadvantage. The changes reportedly expand eligibility to 38 ethnic groups, including white male-owned firms that demonstrate individual disadvantage. NAMC remains concerned that these changes could undermine the program’s historic purpose of addressing barriers faced by minority- and women-owned businesses.
SBA Size Standards: NAMC continues to monitor proposed changes, including a $100 million revenue threshold and a shift from revenue-based to employee-based size standards. The changes could allow businesses with 500 to 2,000 employees, depending on the industry, to qualify as small businesses. A final rule may be issued in December 2026, although delays remain possible. NAMC remains concerned about the potential impact on genuinely small and emerging contractors.
Federal Contracting: As federal policies and funding priorities evolve, NAMC urges contractors to exercise due diligence before entering federal contracts, particularly when funding commitments or project completion timelines remain uncertain.
Continued Advocacy and Engagement
NAMC will build on the Forum’s discussions, maintain engagement with congressional offices, and monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting minority contractors. Members and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as Congress approaches key year-end deadlines.
IMPORTANT DATES & UPCOMING EVENTS
2026 General Election
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Decisions made at the federal, state, and local levels directly affect the construction industry, small businesses, infrastructure investment, and contracting opportunities.
NAMC encourages members and stakeholders to make their voices heard by participating in the 2026 General Election.
Be informed. Be engaged. Vote.
2027 Midwinter National Board of Directors Meeting, Houston, Texas – February 23-24, 2027
NAMC National will convene its 2027 Midwinter National Board of Directors Meeting in Houston, Texas, February 23–24, hosted by the NAMC Greater Houston Chapter.
Mark your calendar and watch for additional meeting details.
58th Annual National Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin – June 28-30, 2027
NAMC National will bring its 58th Annual National Conference to The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, June 28–30, 2027.
The NAMC Wisconsin Chapter serves as this year’s Host Chapter.
Save the dates and watch for additional conference information.