BUILDING YOUR NETWORK Addressing what he described as a


historic capital investment – amount- ing to approximately $100 billion in infrastructure projects allocated from federal and state funds in preparation for hosting the global event – Villaraigo- sa emphasized the need to streamline permitting processes and accelerate vital projects by embracing alternative delivery methods that foster innovation and collaboration. “We want to look at design-build,


progressive design-build, job order con- tracting, construction management, public-private partnerships – the whole gamut of delivery methods to move these projects ahead,” he commented. “Let’s think about alternative methods of de- livery that will get California moving into the 21st


century and create middle


class jobs.” Following Villaraigosa’s address, a panel session comprising moderator Mark Kempton, Kempton Strategies, Justin Fornelli, chief of program delivery for Metrolink, and Sharon Gookin, dep- uty chief executive officer at LA Metro, highlighted the challenges and oppor- tunities they face in preparing for the 2028 games. Te panelists pointed out the importance of strong collaboration with the contractor community in order to meet their ambitious program goals and create the necessary transportation infrastructure to host an event of this magnitude. “It is going to take all of us to realize this vision not only for the Olympics but the transportation needs in Southern California for the long-term,” Fornelli commented. “Having skilled contractors that understand how to work in confined spaces, around operating railroad lines, contractors that can think outside the box in how to construct projects in a unique environment, is really going to be key for us being successful.”


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023


“Let’s think about alternative methods of delivery that will get California moving into the 21st century and create middle class jobs.” - Antonio Villaraigosa, infrastructure advisor to State of California and former LA Mayor


Te CM/GC contracting method and


progressive design-build are two newer delivery approaches the agencies plan to employ in order to deliver their programs, according to the panelists. Gookin noted the benefit of both approaches is to get contractors on board projects much earlier and in a more collaborative role, “working together to advance project solutions in a way that is in the best interest of the builder and the agency.”


Opening Session Tackles Generational Motivation CONSTRUCT 2022 attendees heard from several other engaging speakers and panelists throughout the three-day conference.


Opening general session keynote


speaker Gordon Fowler, founder and senior partner, 3fold Communications, offered a compelling, interactive pre- sentation on generational motivation in the workplace, providing clear and actionable insight for construction em- ployers as they seek to effectively build, recruit and retain strong teams in a highly competitive market. Fowler examined the often-competing demands, values, and unique preferenc-


es of today’s workforce teams that can include up to five different generations, defined from oldest to youngest as Insti- tutionalists, Baby Boomers, Millennials, Generation X and Gen Z. Citing an array of surveys, statistics and personal anecdotes, Fowler not- ed that a large percentage of younger employees highly value flexible work environments, a diverse and inclusive workplace, and personal development op- portunities that are directly tied to career advancement. Additionally, companies that are mission-, vision- and value-driven are also more likely to attract and retain younger workers, he noted. “You’ve got to be able to align your vision, your values, what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” Fowler said of construction employers. “Employees coming in want to know the job they are doing is going to make a difference and have an impact on the world.”


Opportunity to Learn, Grow and Connect CONSTRUCT 2022 offered ample op- portunities for participants to learn and connect, with a special focus on the many students in attendance. A student chapter


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