Articles

from Mark Smith, Advocate, California Builders Alliance

SB 61 - 5% retention payments - signed into law by the Governor

by Robert Guenther, Venbrook Insurance Services
 

By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services

Getting from buyer to owner in multiple licensed states might require a little SOS help to arrive as expected. Another contractor wants to use a long arm to pick up electrical work, and our final question really answers itself with a confidence booster…

from the Oakland Chamber of Commerce 

from Mark Smith, Advocate, California Builders Alliance 

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.

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

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…