The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus (CABC) is expressing our profound disappointment and firm opposition to the sudden termination of CTA based security contracts involving African American subcontractors, effective Friday, April 17, 2026. The abruptness of this decision—delivered with no notice and no clear plan of action—is a betrayal of the city’s commitment to equity.
By terminating these services, the CTA is effectively putting over 70 African American security officers out of work with less than a week’s notice. These are men and women from our wards who have provided essential public safety services, often in the most challenging environments.
While we recognize the CTA’s need to comply with federal safety mandates, we find it unacceptable that the “Security Enhancement Plan” comes at the direct expense of Black-owned businesses and workers. The displacement of these officers will have a ripple effect:
• Economic Impact: It undermines the growth of Black-owned security firms that have invested in local hiring.
• Safety Gap: It removes experienced personnel who understand the communities they serve before replacement law enforcement resources are fully integrated.
• Community Trust: It signals that the CTA views its Black workforce as expendable in the face of administrative shifts.
We call upon the CTA to immediately suspend the Friday evening deadline. We request an urgent meeting between the CABC, CTA leadership, and the affected subcontractors to develop a transition strategy that includes job placement opportunities or contract extensions.
The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus
Alderwoman Stephanie D. Coleman (16th Ward)
Chairwoman
