from Mark Smith, Advocate, California Builders Alliance
Aecom to lead venue infrastructure for 2028 Olympics
Aecom has been appointed as the Official Venue Infrastructure Partner for the LA28 Olympics and Paralympics, providing architecture, engineering and construction management. The company will provide infrastructure for over 50 sports and 800 events, building on its experience from previous Games in London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo. Full Story: Global Construction Review (UK)
Construction industry backs labor secretary confirmation
Lori Chavez-DeRemer has been confirmed as Labor Secretary, with bipartisan support and drawing positive reactions from business and labor groups in the construction industry. Associated General Contractors of America's Brian Turmail says the group hopes to work with the agency to improve mental and physical safety concerns and "ensure that all construction workers have an equal opportunity to compete for federal construction work." Full Story: Engineering News-Record (tiered subscription model)
Duffy: Infrastructure isn't social justice tool
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has rescinded memos from the Biden administration that called for the integration of social justice and environmental considerations in infrastructure projects. The memos called for disadvantaged communities to be involved in project planning and environmental impacts to be addressed. Duffy criticized them as burdensome and without statutory basis. Full Story: Transport Topics
Construction CEOs unite to address suicide prevention
Executives from Bechtel, Turner Construction, Kiewit, Clark Construction, Fluor and Skanska met at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention headquarters in New York City to address the suicide rate among construction workers, which is 75% higher than the general male population. The newly formed CEO Advisory Council is working with the foundation, backed by a $7 million commitment over five years from Bechtel to address the issue. Full Story: Engineering News-Record (tiered subscription model)
EPA to redefine WOTUS after Supreme Court ruling
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans to redefine the Waters of the US rule under the Clean Water Act in response to the Supreme Court's 2023 decision in the "Sackett v. EPA" case. The agency will seek a "definition that is simple and durable and withstands the test of time," said the EPA's top official. Full Story: Bloomberg Law
The pandemic might be over, but material cost hikes aren't
In the five years since the beginning of coronavirus pandemic, elevated material costs persist as US demand outpaces domestic production, forcing contractors to rely on expensive imports that are increasingly affected by tariffs and supply chain challenges. "Supply chain conditions have improved, with many providers reporting greater availability and shorter wait times," said Rob Mineo, managing director at FMI Capital Advisors. "However, while the situation has normalized to an extent, there is no definitive metric to confirm a full return to pre-pandemic conditions. Many operators continue to place equipment orders well in advance as a precautionary measure against potential future disruptions." Full Story: Construction Dive
Researchers slash time, costs in concrete projects
Through its collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation and Maricopa County, Arizona State University has developed concrete solutions that drastically reduce project timelines and expenses. The implementation of ultra-high-performance concrete has enabled bridge repairs to be completed in just 10 days instead of six months, while the use of fiber-reinforced concrete in light rail projects has cut installation costs by two-thirds.
Full Story: Arizona State University
States push to redirect green funding to infrastructure
The Trump administration's decision to reduce green funding has sparked efforts by state officials to redirect these funds to traditional infrastructure projects. The reallocation is seen as more favorable under the current political climate, with an emphasis on road and bridge repairs over environmental initiatives. Full Story: Roll Call
L.A. residential construction to surge 25% post-wildfires
As a result of the wildfires, the Los Angeles residential construction sector is expected to increase by 25% from 2025 to 2026, driven by the demand for rebuilding homes and businesses, according to ConstructConnect. However, the rebuilding effort faces challenges, including a shortage of skilled labor, potential delays and increased costs for materials and adherence to strict fire safety regulations. Full Story: ConstructConnect
Balfour Beatty sees 26% rise in US order book for 2024
Balfour Beatty's US order book grew by 26% in 2024, contributing to a total order book increase of 12%. The company plans to focus on states with projected growth of 7% annually until 2029, particularly buildings business in the government, aviation and education markets. Full Story: Construction Briefing
Self-storage construction to slow
Self-storage development is expected to slow significantly, with construction starts on pace to fall 20% this year compared with 2023, according to Yardi Matrix. The under-construction pipeline fell 6.7% year over year, with most projects expected to be completed by early 2026. Full Story: GlobeSt (free registration)
Outdated payment practices cause cash flow issues
The construction industry faces payment delays, with 71% of subcontractors experiencing late payments from general contractors, according to PYMNTS. The average payment cycle reaches 57 days, often forcing subcontractors to cover expenses out of pocket. A major contributor is the reliance on manual processes, with 69% of construction firms still using paper checks. Full Story: PYMNTS
Funding gap for US water systems may hit $194B by 2030
US water systems are expected to see a $194 billion shortfall in funding by 2030 amid aging infrastructure, rising operational costs and climate-related challenges, reports McKinsey & Co. The report asserts that state and local leaders can help address the issue by optimizing existing funding, prioritizing resilience and enabling operational efficiencies. Full Story: McKinsey
ICYMI: Why veterans are a perfect fit for construction careers🎖️
Discipline. Leadership. Problem-solving. Veterans have what it takes to excel in construction—but are we doing enough to bring them into the industry and building the culture they need to succeed? Listen to our latest #ConstructorCast episode as experts break down the path from service to the jobsite. 👉 Listen now!
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Mark Smith
Advocate
California Builders Alliance
5370 Elvas Avenue ǀ Sacramento, CA 95819
Cell: 916.335.5072
Email: mark.smith@calbuilders.org
Email: mark@smithpolicygroup.com
