ADVOCATING FOR THE INDUSTRY Continued from page 13


and Central California region include the ongoing issues surrounding COVID including HR issues and vaccine mandates, which impact members as well as state and local governments and agencies. Local sales tax initiatives are also on the horizon, including possible ballot initiatives in Sacramento, Fresno and Placer counties. “We’re looking at how can we best help infrastructure keep that energy going so that we don’t miss a beat,” Smith said. And why does he see it as


important for AGC members to engage and advocate for their interests, working alongside the AGC team? “Tere’s a saying in politics: you are either at the table or on the menu,” Smith said. “Te only way you are going to make sure your voice is hard is making sure you are with a group that is advocating together. What AGC has been able to do is help organize and focus that voice. Te way we are going to be strongest as an industry is moving forward with one voice.”


Elias Garcia, Government Affairs Manager, Southern California


Working as a policy staffer for three


years at the California State Assembly provided Elias Garcia with an under- standing of how advocacy works and why it is important. He brings this under- standing to his role representing AGC and member companies before Southern California policymakers, in addition to managing AGC’s Building Division among other responsibilities. Like every other region in


California, COVID-related issues have 14 November/December 2021


“It is through members taking an active role in engagement, whether at a city council meeting, attending an AGC Building Division forum, or in meetings with our agency partners to discuss issues of mutual interest, that they can help AGC accomplish something on behalf of the whole industry.” – Elias Garcia


been a dominant topic in his region over the past year, as have material pricing and supply chain issues. Long-term, workforce development challenges and finding ways to partner with local agencies to develop the next generation of construction workforce is a key part of his advocacy efforts on behalf of Southern California AGC members. What does Garcia see as effective


ways for members to engage with AGC, and why is it important that they do so? “Oftentimes, government agencies


and elected officials tend to do things without consulting the industry on how it impacts us, so a lot of time we end up playing defense,” Garcia said. “Our members are the real experts; they are the boots on the ground when it comes to construction,” he added. “It is through members taking an active role in engagement, whether at a city council meeting, attending an AGC Building Division forum, or in meetings with our agency partners to discuss issues of mutual interest, that they can help AGC accomplish something on behalf of the whole industry.”


Rosa Trevizo, Government Affairs Manager, Bay Area


Representing AGC and member


companies before Bay Area policy- makers is a major part of Rosa Trevizo’s role at AGC. She also manages the Utility Infrastructure Division and responds to regional policy and regulatory concerns from members, providing updates at district and regional board meetings. Trevizo


brought prior experience in the political arena including work with a statewide California political organization and a stint with the North State Building Industry association when she joined AGC’s Government Affairs team in early 2020. “Relationships are key to advocacy,”


she noted. “Building, having and owning those relationships will allow you to have a “foot in the door” when important conversations are needed to be held. Working with elected and government officials on industry issues is essential to the success of our industry.” Treviso is working to help AGC


grow its footprint in the Bay Area region and continue to build on existing relationships with a variety of agencies and elected officials, and pointed out that member engagement is critical. “Our members are essential to


the work we do, and the work our members do can be affected by policies created by elected officials on various governing boards,” she said. “It’s important for our members to engage early on in the process so we can educate and have a voice in creating an outcome favorable to all parties involved.” 


California Constructor


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