MOVING MOUNTAINS A Year of Opportunity H


appy New Year to AGC of California members, partners, and industry colleagues. I am honored to serve


as your 2026 President and look forward to working with you to strengthen our associa- tion and advance the future of construction in California. Even as our market remains dynamic, we


must recognize the mounting headwinds fac- ing our industry. Labor shortages and volatile material costs, compounded by global trade uncertainties and shifting tariffs, are placing real pressure on margins and capacity. Tese challenges are intensified by the state budget deficit, which threatens public works funding, and by slow, complex permitting processes that delay critical housing and infrastructure. To stay on schedule and on budget, we must


reinforce our workforce, advocate for efficient, contractor-focused policies, and accelerate innovations that improve productivity. Fortunately, California is at the center of


a powerful wave of specialized investment that presents exceptional opportunities. Federal infrastructure funding is driving a


strong pipeline of transportation, water, and energy-resilience work, while the private sec- tor is fueling rapid growth in AI data centers, advanced manufacturing, and clean-energy facilities. This shift favors members with specialized expertise and rewards those who embrace modernization — such as modular construction and AI-enabled project man- agement — with meaningful advantages in productivity, safety, and delivery.


Our Priorities for the Year Ahead As we enter 2026, AGC of California will focus on several priorities that address the challenges and opportunities shaping our industry. • Strengthening California’s Workforce Pipeline: Labor scarcity remains a serious threat to project delivery. We will expand Build California, deepen training


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CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026


partnerships, grow apprenticeship pathways, and support mental health and safety to ensure a strong, prepared workforce.


• Increasing Our Advocacy Strength: With budget deficits, complex permitting, shifting tariffs, and material volatility, strong advocacy is essential. AGC will push for policies that streamline approvals, stabilize public works funding, reduce regulatory burdens, and ensure federal infrastructure dollars flow efficiently into California projects.


• Accelerating Innovation: Te rise of AI, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and clean-energy infrastructure requires rapid modernization. We will champion tools and methods that enhance productivity, safety, and competitiveness.


• Expanding Engagement & Access: AGC’s strength comes from an active, inclusive membership. We will broaden outreach to small and diverse businesses, expand leadership and mentoring opportunities, strengthen committee participation, support the AGC PAC, and more.


A Call to Engage I encourage each of you to deepen your engage- ment with AGC this year, whether by attending events, supporting advocacy efforts, joining a committee, mentoring the next generation, or inviting a colleague to become a member. Our strength comes from the collective participa- tion of contractors across California. Together, we will continue building a strong,


resilient, and inclusive industry — one that creates opportunity, drives innovation, and delivers the infrastructure our communities depend on.


Ryan J. Aukerman


Ryan J. Aukerman, President , AGC of California


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Published bi-monthly for members of the Associated General Contractors of California 3095 Beacon Boulevard West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422 www.agc-ca.org


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