Permitting Reforms - City of Oakland
from the Oakland Chamber of Commerce
Capitol Update 08.08.2025
from Mark Smith, Advocate, California Builders Alliance
SB 61 - 5% retention payments - signed into law by the Governor
We are pleased to inform you that Senate Bill 61 (Cortese)— a key piece of legislation championed by the California Builders Alliance —was signed into law by Governor Newsom on July 14, 2025. This major victory follows years of advocacy by our organization and partners dedicated to improving payment practices in the commercial construction industry. This landmark legislation addresses longstanding financial challenges faced by construction contractors and subcontractors working on privately financed projects.
Mid-Year Outlook: Key Trends Shaping the Construction Industry in 2025
Construction Activity Hits a Plateau in 2025
The second half of 2025 brings a mixed picture for the construction industry. Overall spending has leveled off as high interest rates and policy uncertainty weigh on new projects, particularly in the commercial and manufacturing sectors. While infrastructure work continues to see funding, its long-term outlook remains uncertain.
Labor Market Cools
Capitol Connection Q&A for Contractors - Week of 8/4/2025
By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services
You can’t win the license ‘trifecta’ without these absolute essentials in the barn. Another contractor will discover his company’s time has run out in Nevada. To avoid a last minute scratch in their license future, some ‘back up’ talent needs to be ready to ride in the present…