How the Associated Builders and Contractors Advocates for Its Members

When we talk about the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) advocating for its members, what does that really mean?

For many contractors一especially small and mid-sized business owners一the answer may not always be obvious. That’s because it happens while you’re focused on all the details that go into running your business.

Whether it’s managing projects, taking care of employees, or winning new work, the last thing you have time to do is track hundreds of legislative proposals, monitor regulatory changes, or figure out how to make your voice heard at City Hall, in Sacramento, or in Washington, D.C.

That’s where ABC comes in.

Advocacy means making sure the concerns of contractors are represented wherever decisions are being made that affect your ability to compete, grow, and create jobs. At the local level, ABC monitors issues that impact contractor businesses in the San Diego area一from city council decisions and local regulations to ballot initiatives and policies that affect the entire construction industry.

At the state level, we track legislation, elections, and policy proposals that can have a direct impact on your business. At the federal level, we stay engaged with issues coming out of Congress and the White House, including policies that influence federal contracting, workforce requirements, and the competitive landscape for merit shop contractors.

Right now, the California State Legislature and Congress are in recess, but we’re still working hard behind the scenes meeting with lawmakers and encouraging them to file bills that help our industry and fight against those that hurt us.

At the state level, ABC continues to advocate on issues that directly affect our members. We have worked to oppose legislation that would require project labor agreements and specific workforce requirements on certain types of construction projects, because these policies can limit competition and make it harder for many contractors to participate.

At the federal level, ABC has continued fighting to ensure that federal projects remain accessible to all qualified contractors. When project labor agreement requirements are placed on federal projects, ABC works to challenge those restrictions and protect opportunities for merit shop contractors.

Impactful Results for Contractors

One of the reasons I became involved with ABC一first as a contractor member and now as CEO一is because I experienced firsthand the value of being part of a larger organization that could advocate on behalf of businesses like mine.

When I owned a security systems firm, I understood the challenges contractors face. We knew there were policies and regulations that could impact our business, but we didn’t have the time or resources to hire a lobbyist or follow every issue moving through government.

ABC made those connections on our behalf and, in doing so, amplified our voice.

A great example is ABC’s work to protect fair competition. We partnered with the business community to successfully advocate against policies that would have increased costs for businesses and residents, including efforts to repeal a local trash tax. We also worked as part of a coalition to address unnecessary fees that affected the community.

For contractors specifically, ABC has also worked to keep opportunities open for merit shop businesses of all sizes. One example was ABC’s successful effort to challenge project labor agreement requirements that limited who could compete for certain public projects. By advocating for open competition, ABC helped ensure that qualified contractors — large and small — had the opportunity to bid on work.

What’s Keeping You Up at Night?

The construction industry continues to face major challenges and opportunities一from workforce development and compliance requirements to regulations that affect how businesses operate. ABC will continue advocating on the issues that matter most to our members.

But effective advocacy starts with listening. What challenges are making it harder to run your business? What regulations or requirements are creating unnecessary barriers? What issues do you see on the horizon that could impact your company, your employees, or your ability to compete?

Your input helps shape our advocacy strategy. The more we understand what our members are experiencing, the better we can represent you. If there are issues affecting your business that you think ABC should be watching, I want to hear from you. Please reach out to me directly at shandon@abcsd.org.

ABC exists to serve our members, not just by providing resources and training, but by making sure your voice is heard wherever decisions are being made to maximize your business’ chances for success.