The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program at Minnesota DOT (MnDOT) has seen a large cut in certified businesses. Down from 944 DBEs, the number is now less than half, at 305. MnDOT has also proposed reducing the DBE participation goal to 6.2%, down from the historical 15.3% for the Federal Highway Administration and from 8.7% to 2.8% for the Federal Transit Administration.

This has drastically reduced work output, with a 90% drop in Bush Cos. annual construction project pipeline. Bush Cos. is a minority-owned real estate development, construction management, and construction support services business.

Reduced participation goals have changed opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses in big-ticket transportation projects, including the $1.8 billion Blatnik Bridge replacement, which has seen only 2?E participation.

In contrast, as of November 2025, the $2.9 billion Green Line extension project in the Twin Cities achieved 23?E participation.

Recently, MnDOT received approval to resume DBE participation goals after the federal government issued the final rule.

Anne Meyer, MnDOT spokesperson, said, “After reevaluating businesses based on the new federal definitions, the number is now 305,” and MnDOT will “continue to partner with businesses in Minnesota and work to grow the number of DBEs across the state.”

The changes to the DBE program have led many minority- and women-owned businesses to avoid the certification process.