Northwestern University has announced that it has awarded $133 million in contracts to minority- and women-owned businesses as part of the Ryan Field redevelopment project. This was disclosed during a meeting with the Evanston M/W/D/EBE Development Committee, chaired by Alderman Bobby Burns.
The University aims to fulfill its commitment to allocate 35% of subcontracting work to these businesses, with a focus on local companies. So far, $27 million of the contracts have been awarded to local firms such as Continental Electric, Ozinga, and Illinois Masonry.
Alderman Burns highlighted the University's dedication: “Northwestern has committed to ensuring that 35% of all subcontracting for the Ryan Field rebuild will go to minority- and women-owned businesses, with a priority on Evanston-based companies.” He emphasized the productive nature of their partnership and its benefits for the community.
The presentation revealed that spending with minority contractors constitutes 35% of the total $382 million in contracts awarded so far. Northwestern plans to maintain this percentage through the project's completion, estimating over $200 million in spending with these businesses.
Pat Ryan Jr., from the Ryan Foundation, expressed his support: “It has always been critical...that an important legacy of the new Ryan Field project be economic empowerment and fostering social mobility for historically marginalized communities in Evanston.”
The stadium's reconstruction is expected to generate more than $659 million in economic impact for Evanston. This includes $208 million in contracts for local, women-, and minority-owned businesses, along with significant fees and tax revenue contributions.
Dave Davis, Northwestern’s executive director of Neighborhood and Community Relations, commented on their progress: “We are extremely proud of the strong partnerships we have forged so far... We appreciate the committee’s work and commitment to this project.”
Northwestern continues its collaboration with the committee and will provide updates on contract spending and hiring efforts at future meetings.