AGC-CA Shifts to Political Offense to Advance Industry Interests


BY CAROL EATON I


n an ongoing effort to advocate for the California contractor and serve as the voice of construction in the Golden State, AGC of


California is renewing its focus of building and strengthening relationships with elected officials at all levels of government. This approach is particu- larly important at a time of considerable turnover and the influx of many new faces at the state capitol following the November general election. Chris O’Connor, AGC of California’s vice


president of engagement and legislative affairs, believes that this period of transition offers AGC of California and its members a unique opportu- nity to educate state and local lawmakers about the pivotal role construction plays in building communities throughout California. A political veteran himself, O’Connor began


his career as congressional staff in Sacramento and on Capitol Hill before working in U.S. for- eign policy at the U.S. State Department. Having moved back to California several years ago to join the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (a business organization that engages senior private sector leaders on various policy issues), he helped lead a number of successful ballot measures and in- frastructure policy efforts throughout the region. O’Connor joined AGC of California in 2018 and was promoted to his current position this May. He is now charged with leading AGC of California’s regional team in the north, as well as the organization’s legislative and political affairs across the state. California Constructor caught up with O’Con-


Chris O’Connor


nor recently to talk about AGC of California’s current legislative strategy, the leading role the association plays in construction industry advocacy, and how the AGC of California Polit- ical Action Committee (PAC) supports making a difference in those efforts.


California Constructor: What is AGC of Cal- ifornia’s strategic direction in the legislative arena, and what are some of its top legislative priorities for 2023?


Chris O’Connor: Our top priority is amplifying how AGC of California and our members engage


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2022


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