STV’s team is celebrating more clients signing on to the landmark Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) Pledge. Two recent signing ceremonies marked a substantial step toward growing equity and access for historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.
In Chicago, the EIP saw its largest signing event to date, with nine signatories joining, including Metra, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and the Illinois Tollway. Two weeks later in Seattle, five more public entities, including Sound Transit, King County and the City of Seattle, added their names to the pledge. With these new commitments, the EIP now boasts a total of 74 signatories.
The EIP is a landmark partnership aimed at fostering generational wealth within the AEC industry by creating more opportunities for historically underutilized businesses. STV was among the first professional services firms to sign the pledge in 2022, with STV board member John D. Porcari being one of EIP’s co-founders and STV CEO Greg Kelly, PE, sitting on EIP’s Advisory Council.
“As we work to advance the goals of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it’s essential that we bring more diverse voices to the table,” said Liz Justison, PE, PMP, president of the Transportation West region at STV. “By creating more opportunities for historically underutilized businesses, we are helping to build generational wealth and drive systemic change across the infrastructure sector. These businesses contribute invaluable local knowledge and expertise; they truly understand their communities. This isn’t just about offering them a piece of the pie—it’s about ensuring they have a seat at the table from the start, so that our projects reflect the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.”
The Chicago signing ceremony, held on August 16, was hosted by Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Dorval Carter, Jr. at the House of Hope on Chicago’s Far South Side. The event followed CTA’s announcement of the construction contract for the Red Line Extension (RLE) project, a multi-billion-dollar investment that promises to transform the Far South Side. CTA was one of the founding five signers of the EIP Pledge.
“We’re proud to see Chicago take a lead in expanding the EIP pledge, strengthening the commitment to equity in infrastructure across the Midwest,” said Kitts Christov, STV senior vice president and Midwest district manager. “This pledge ensures that more local businesses can participate in key projects, which ultimately benefits both the community and the industry as a whole.”
The Seattle signing event was held at Union Station’s Joni Earl Great Hall, a key public space in the city that offered an iconic backdrop for such an important cause. The ceremony came on the eve of Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link opening, marking a milestone week for the agency.
“Seattle is synonymous with diversity, equity and inclusion, so it’s no surprise that some of city’s most influential transit agencies have signed the Equity in Infrastructure Project Pledge to drive even more inclusion in the infrastructure industry in the Pacific Northwest,” Kelly said. “By committing to this pledge, organizations like Sound Transit, King County and the Port of Seattle are leading the way and ensuring that our transportation projects reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. STV is honored to stand alongside our clients in this important effort so, together, we can create more opportunities for more local businesses and build a more equitable future for all.”
