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Hard to believe it's been nearly 50 years since 1976, and even harder to believe how many icons from that era are hitting the big 5-0 in 2026. Apple computers, the Big Gulp, Jelly Belly jelly beans (the buttered popcorn flavor can respectfully retire now 🤢), and Whac-a-Mole are all still going strong. Not bad. I also want to give a special shout-out to any of our members celebrating the big milestone this year. Cake and ice cream are absolutely on me 🎂🥳
While MBEX isn't turning 50, we are celebrating 137 years of supporting Minnesota's commercial construction industry. That's a legacy we're proud of, and on January 21 at our Annual Meeting & Luncheon, we'll be sharing the next chapter of the Exchange. Big things ahead, and we can't wait to share them with you 🎉
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Whoops! Forgot to Renew Your Membership? - The holidays are busy; we understand! Give Julie a call at (612) 381-2627 to provide payment information over the phone. Prefer to send a check? No problem! We'd still like to know payment is on the way, so we can temporarily reinstate your Plan Room access. I'll keep this reminder in a couple more upcoming issues, but then that'll be it until it's time for 2027 renewals 😉
2.) Project Stress Index - The PSI closed at 102.1 in December, marking an 18.7% decline from the previous month, as all three stress indicators moved lower. Abandonments led the decrease, falling 27.2% from November levels, while bid date delays and on-hold activity declined by 12% and 10%, respectively.
3.) Member Recognition From Our Feeds - Congratulations to our members making moves and shaking up the industry:
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Trevor Behar, PE, was promoted to Senior Vice President of Digital Operations at McGough.
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Casey Mitschke, Director of Preconstruction at Adolfson & Peterson, was recognized in Commercial Construction & Renovation magazine as one of their 2025 CCR Men's and Women's Award honorees.
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Egan Company was honored with a Culture of CARE Impact Champion Award by the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota on January 14.
4.) Staying Toasty - Rather than rely on double- or triple-paned windows, startup LuxWall has developed windows that use a vacuum to block heat transfer, the same way your Yeti tumbler keeps a drink ice-cold or steaming hot, cutting energy use by up to 45% when compared to single-pane windows.
5.) Don't Be That Guy - Consider this your official reminder to make that doctor's appointment 🩺 🩻 👍
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Inside Issue No. 2:
• GC Connections: Join us for Meet the Estimators on February 4
• Minnesota Infrastructure: Walz's $907M infrastructure proposal for 2026
• Top Women: Congrats to all recognized as Finance & Commerce's Top Women in Construction
• Shifting Regulations: Breaking down the biggest regulatory, funding, and market forces shaping water and wastewater utilities in 2025
• Upcoming Events: Bluebeam Revu courses (2/10 - 2/20); Online Plan Room Demo (2/19) and Regional Member Meetups in Duluth (3/4) & St. Cloud (3/11)
• Five Headlines: Contractors share mixed industry expectations for 2026; the real AI talent war is for plumbers & electricians; Chin straps may become more common on hard hats; Unpacking construction financial statements; and Congress proposes funding cuts for lead pipe replacements instead of delivering promised IIJA funds
• Project of the Week: Affordable 180-unit apartment project in Bloomington
• Industry Event: Business Elevation Workshop - From Compliance to Confidence: Mastering Safety & Health Plans - Wednesday, February 4 - MnDOT Small Business Resource Center (Blaine)
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of January 14-20
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Meet the Estimators, Project Managers & More
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Looking for the best way to kick off your 2026 networking?
Don't miss Meet the Estimators, a top-tier industry event where subcontractors, suppliers, and construction pros come together to connect with key decision-makers from generals and prime contractors.
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Date: Wednesday, February 4
Time: 2:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Gresser Companies (3 Checkered Flag Boulevard, Shakopee, Minn., 55379)
Cost:
• MBEX Members: Free
• MCA Members: Free
• MSA Members: Free
• G.C. Council: Free
• Non-Members: $15 per person
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This event brings you face-to-face with estimators and project managers, the people behind bidding and procurement decisions. It's a chance to learn firsthand how they approach projects, what they're looking for from partners, and best practices to help you stand out when pursuing work.
Expect plenty of casual conversations, chances to ask your questions, and opportunities to build relationships that could pay off all year long. Whether you're trying to understand better how bids are evaluated or want to introduce your company to the right folks, this is a networking event you'll want to be at.
Who will be present at this event (so far)?
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
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- Adolfson & Peterson Construction
- Bauer Design Build
- The Boldt Company
- CBS Construction Services
- Diversified Construction
- Donlar Construction
- Dering Pierson Group
- Flannery Construction
- Greystone Construction
- JE Dunn Construction
- JT Egner Construction
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- Knutson Construction
- Kraus-Anderson
- Loeffler Construction
- Market & Johnson
- McGough
- Mortenson
- PCL Construction
- RJM Construction
- RJ Ryan Construction
- Roers Companies
- Ryan Companies
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES / SUBCONTRACTORS
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- A-1 Mobile Storage Service
- Biffs
- Cemstone
- Commercial Drywall
- Dart Portable Storage
- Gresser
- H21 Group
- Kraft Mechanical
- KW Insulation & Scaffold
- Mavo Systems
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- Minneapolis Glass
- RAM Construction Services
- Rapids Wholesale Food Service Equipment
- Rise Innovations
- Sage Presence
- Sun Control of Minnesota
- The Concrete Guy
- Veit
- Wipfli
| | | This event is hosted in partnership between us (MBEX), the Minnesota Construction Association (MCA), and the Minnesota Subcontractors Association (MSA). | | |
Governor's 2026 Capital Budget Recommendations
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Governor Tim Walz has officially rolled out his infrastructure wish list ahead of the 2026 Legislative Session.
The proposed $907-million plan leans heavily into fixing what we already have while also putting real dollars toward public safety, water, and transportation projects across the state. Like most big-ticket infrastructure efforts at the Capitol, this is a bonding bill, meaning it relies on the state's bonding capacity to fund long-term investments and will be debated, negotiated, tweaked, and debated again throughout the session.
Here's how the $907-million proposal breaks down at a high level:
- $316-million asset preservation, including $140-million for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota
- $172-million for water and road projects
- $99-million for economic development and affordable housing
- $52-million for dam safety repairs, outdoor recreation, and environmental protection efforts
The proposal also calls out several specific projects that could translate into real opportunities for the construction industry, which we've highlighted below.
Corrections - Asset Preservation - $52M
- Recommended for asset preservation to repair and renew state correctional facilities, which include, but are not limited to, safety hazards and code compliance issues, perimeter security upgrades, tuck pointing, roof replacement, window and door replacement, and abatement of hazardous materials.
BCA Bemidji Regional Office & Laboratory Expansion - $47M
- Recommended to renovate and expand the Bemidji Regional Office and Forensic Science Laboratory. The project would include renovation of the existing facility built in 2001 and a new building expansion on an adjacent parcel of land being acquired by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Capital Complex Security Upgrades (Phase III) - $41M
- Recommended for design, construction, and equipment to increase physical security in and around the Capitol Complex
Centennial Office Building Demolition - $20M
- For the demolition of the Centennial Office Building (COB) in anticipation of redevelopment and to relocate the cellular Distributed Antenna System serving the Capital Complex from the COB to the Freeman Building.
St. Peter Water & Sewer Replacement - $19M
- Recommended to upgrade and replace the water, sanitary, storm sewer, and street light infrastructure at the St. Peter campus.
Transportation Building Consolidation & Remodel - $10M
- Recommended to design, construct, and remodel the Transportation Building. This funding will allow MnDOT to renovate existing workspaces, vacate space that can then be used by other agencies, reduce lease costs, improve energy efficiency, and enhance security.
Duluth Hangar Design - $4M
- Recommended in general obligation bonds to design a facility to replace three existing, 66-year-old steel aircraft shelters that do not meet current standards and pose multiple safety hazards.
East Grand Forks Potato Inspection Facility Updates - $1M
- For asset preservation projects at the Department of Agriculture's East Grand Forks Potato Inspection Facility, which oversees seed potato certification, laboratory analysis, surveys, and inspections required for sale and export, and federal crop insurance grading.
| | | The 2026 proposal's total capital investments include $700-million in general obligation bonds and $207-million in other funding sources, including appropriation bonds, general fund cash, user-financed general obligation bonds, and trunk highway cash and trunk highway bonds. | | | Top Women in Construction Finalists | | |
Finance & Commerce has revealed its finalists for the sixth annual Top Women in Construction Awards. The following women are well respected in Minnesota's construction industry, both on the job site and behind the scenes.
These finalists are being recognized in seven categories for their innovative approaches to industry development, community involvement, and business integrity.
Congratulations to all finalists, especially those part of MBEX member companies!
**denotes MBEX Member
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COMPANIES TO WATCH
Amber Beach
Beach Transport
Autumn Dean
Copeland Building
Envelope Consulting
Kristelle Rampersad
Everest Seamless Gutters
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INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP
Lynn-Briggette Boerger
Colorful Concept Painting
& Custom Finishing
Babette Buckner **
Moltron Builders
Amanda Dudek **
Ironmark Building Company
Jamie Tharp
PulteGroup
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OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE INDUSTRY
Kelsey Bull **
McGough
Lauren Grebinoski **
Veit
Orlanda Klinkhammer
Minnesota Department
of Transportation
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OUTSTANDING PROJECT MANAGEMENT / ESTIMATING
Joanie Firnhaber
Cushman & Wakefield
Abigail Jorgensen
The Boldt Company
Brea Koebele **
Benike Construction
Alicia Liebel-Berg
Frana Companies
Katie Nelson
Frauenshuh
Wendy Running
Burns & McDonnell
Jessica Veit **
Veit
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UNSUNG HERO
Hanika Alemayehu **
Flannery Construction
Karissa Dunham **
Sun Control of Minnesota
Betsy Jostock **
Harris
Erica Kegler **
McGough
Dana Schlegel **
Kraus-Anderson
Allie Zeman **
Adolfson & Peterson Construction
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OUTSTANDING TRADESPERSON / CRAFTSWOMAN
Rebecca Heustess **
Grazzini Brothers & Company
Tiffany Jahangiri **
Harris
Jennifer Stueber **
Veit
Nicole Tveiten **
Mortenson
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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Lindsey Johansen
Crowe Companies
Damaris Melo-Gyasi
Design By Melo
Erin Neils **
Egan Company
| | | Category winners and an overall Top Woman in Construction will be announced at a gala on Saturday, March 7, at International Market Square in Minneapolis, and they will be featured in a special Finance & Commerce publication. | | |
What Happened in the Water & Wastewater Sector in 2025
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If 2025 proved anything, it's that the rules of the game didn't just change; they showed up on job sites, schedules, and budgets in very real ways.
From permitting and funding uncertainty to AI-driven demand and shifting delivery models, owners and contractors alike had to adjust on the fly.
The following highlights break down the biggest regulatory, funding, and market forces that shaped the year and why they mattered long after the headlines faded.
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Permitting Stopped Being Theoretical
In 2025, permitting reform jumped off policy slides and into real project schedules. Federal "streamlining" narrowed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews and promised faster timelines, but it also reduced public input and made it harder to predict which projects would actually qualify for fast-track treatment.
Meanwhile, updates to Army Corps Nationwide Permits quietly reshuffled the deck, forcing owners to reassess which projects could move smoothly and which might get stuck in individual review. On paper, things looked faster. In practice, they felt riskier, pushing more owners toward front-loaded planning and flexible delivery models.
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Sackett Moved from Courtrooms to Job Sites
For Clean Water Act permitting, 2025 was the year Sackett became an everyday reality.
The EPA and the Army Corps embraced a narrower definition of federal waters, with a proposed WOTUS rule poised to lock that approach in. That reduced federal permitting in some cases, but also left major gaps as states responded very differently, creating a patchwork of rules that can change dramatically once you cross a border. Fewer permits doesn't always mean less risk, it just shifts where the risk lives.
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WRDA met the IIJA Hangover
Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) authorizations kept rolling in, but the funding certainty behind them did not.
As Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) dollars began to taper, some Corps-supported projects advanced while others slowed or stalled entirely. The takeaway is blunt: authorized doesn't mean funded, and funded doesn't mean fully built. With a potential "2026 cliff" looming, local sponsors felt pressure to move faster, bring matching dollars, and stack multiple funding sources.
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AI, Data Centers & Water Collided
AI-driven data center growth officially became a water story in 2025. Massive cooling demands pushed utilities to scrutinize water sourcing, wastewater capacity, and long-term tradeoffs, especially in stressed regions.
Public pushback followed, along with calls for transparency and, in some cases, pauses on new facilities. By year's end, a tentative partnership emerged as tech companies and utilities explored how AI could both strain systems and help manage them better.
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Collaborative Delivery Became the Default
With regulatory uncertainty, funding volatility, and inflation still hanging around, collaborative delivery models moved from "nice alternative" to standard practice. Progressive design-build, CMAR, and selective P3s gave owners a way to manage risk early, align teams, and avoid painful change orders later.
State laws and guidance continued to open doors, making these approaches accessible well beyond mega-projects. By the end of the year, the question wasn't if collaborative delivery would be used but which model fit the project best.
| | | Understanding permitting risks, jurisdictional boundaries, state-level requirements, and water, energy & community impacts will help contractors be better positioned to win and deliver on projects. | | | |
A valuable benefit of an MBEX membership is invitations to our social and educational events; by being an employee of a member company, you, too, can take advantage and attend any and all MBEX-sponsored events.
** indicates a newly added or updated event
** February 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
This session teaches attendees how to navigate menus, toolbars, panels, shortcuts, and key settings. Attendees will also get hands-on with markup and measurement tools, plus insider tips that boost speed, accuracy, and proficiency. Sign Up Here
** February 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
This session introduces standard measurement tools and markup customization options to help convert highlighters into powerful takeoff tools. With emphasis on the Markups List and workflow tips, this session helps estimators improve speed and accuracy from day one. Sign Up Here
** February 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
Learn to create custom columns, embed formulas, organize information, and export or live-link Excel templates. Sign Up Here
** February 17 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
This streamlined course guides attendees through best practices for managing messy PDFs. Learn how to clean up page labels, reorder sheets, add hyperlinks, and automatically track revisions with speed and consistency. Sign Up Here
** February 18 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data
This focused session for office and jobsite pros teaches attendees how to create custom punch symbols, embed field photos and videos, and build summary reports. From QA / QC to install tracking, this session delivers consistency and clarity across documentation workflows. Sign Up Here
February 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Sign Up Here
** February 19 - Bluebeam 6: For Administrative Professionals
This course, designed specifically for administrative professionals, focuses on document prep and control tasks often overlooked in traditional Bluebeam software training. Learn to combine PDFs, apply redactions, use digital signatures, and manage key admin workflows. Sign Up Here
** February 20 - Bluebeam 7: For Civil Workflows
Learn to calibrate, plan, and profile sheets with differing X-Y scales, visualize cut / fill quantities, create combined maps from multiples PDFs, and streamline survey tracking. Sign Up Here
March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
We're coming to a city near you in March 2026! In partnership with the Electrical Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, and The Builders Group, we hope you'll join us for a casual get-together to network with fellow members and connect with these organizations. Register Here
March 11 - Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
We're coming to a city near you in March 2026! In partnership with the Electrical Association, the Minnesota Concrete Council, and The Builders Group, we hope you'll join us for a casual get-together to network with fellow members and connect with these organizations. Register Here
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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OUTLOOK 2026
🤨 Contractors Have Mixed Expectations for Industry in 2026
Contractors had significantly smaller bidding prospects for 2026 compared to last year; however, demand for data centers, power, and health care facilities remained strong, according to an Associated General Contractors of America survey. Construction firms described the impact that tariffs and immigration enforcement have had on their businesses as they wrestled with workforce challenges. (Finance & Commerce)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | TRADES WORK
🪠 The Real AI Talent War is for Plumbers & Electricians
AI companies like Meta and OpenAI have been offering multi-million-dollar pay packages to top talent, hoping to lure the best researchers and engineers away from their competitors. But there's another dimension of the AI talent wars that has garnered far less attention: the massive shortage of electricians, plumbers, and heating and cooling technicians in the U.S. who can build the physical data centers that power AI. (Wired)
JOBSITE SAFETY
⛑️ Why Chin Straps on Hard Hats Could Soon Become a More Common Sight
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is currently developing an update to the ANSI / ISEA Z89.1 standard. Under the proposed changes, which have not yet been finalized, a new "plus (+)" marking would be introduced to both Type I and Type II helmets. This revised standard aims to address rotational forces and impacts, suggesting that rotational forces increase the risk of traumatic brain injury (TBI). (Construction Briefing)
BUSINESS MATTERS
🔎 Unpacking Financial Statements in Construction
It's no surprise that financial data and analysis are sometimes lower on the priority list, particularly when business is plugging along, contracts are being signed, and contracts in progress are on schedule. However, the information within financial statements can shed light on performance levels, highlight opportunities, and suggest areas for improvement. (Construction Business Owner)
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY | LEAD PIPES
🚱 States Say They Need More Help Replacing Lead Pipes; Congress May Cut the Funding Instead
The Senate is taking up a spending package passed by the House of Representatives that would cut $125-million in funding promised this year to replace toxic lead pipes. The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act promised $15-billion over five years to fund the replacement of service lines that are made of or contain lead. This spending package heading to the Senate would repurpose the slashed $125-million for wildland fire management. (Grist)
| | Affordable Apartment Project Advances in Bloomington | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
A 180-unit apartment building is a step closer to being built in Bloomington after the Bloomington Planning Commission recommended approval for rezoning and platting of the site.
Real Estate Equities proposed the four-story project that would have a range of affordability, between 30% to 70% of the area median income, according to planning documents.
The property, being affordable, complies with Bloomington's Opportunity Housing Ordinance, which allows for a handful of alterations to the property, including a reduction of open space, a height bonus, parking stall reduction, alternative exterior materials, and expedited plan review.
Located at 9555 Lyndale Avenue South, the property sits just off Interstate 35W in south Bloomington.
The 180-units would be split between 36 one-bedroom units, 104 two-bedroom units, and 40 three-bedroom units. Amenities on the site would include a fitness room, a community room, and a children's activity room. The in-unit accessories would include stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and an in-unit washer / dryer.
According to planning documents, the city code would normally require 346 parking stalls, though under the OHO's parking reduction, the developer only needs 295 stalls. The proposed number is 318 stalls.
The project also requires the demolition of Wixon Jewelers.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: Rendering by Urbanworks Architecture of the planned 180-unit apartment building in Bloomington by Real Estate Equities. | |
From Compliance to Confidence: Mastering Safety & Health Plans
Presented by MnDOT's Office of Civil Rights
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DATE: Wednesday, February 4
TIME: 12:00pm - 2:30pm
LOCATION:
COST: No fee to attend.
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Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the rules and the risks of not having a safety plan, and they will get practical tools to build a safer, stronger business.
In this session, attendees will learn:
- How to create effective safety and health plans.
- How to build a safety plan for the whole company and for specific projects.
- How to prepare for OSHA visits and know what to expect.
- How to use templates and examples to create your own safety paperwork.
- How to avoid common mistakes by looking at real-life examples.
- How to create a weekly safety message and plan for responding to accidents.
- Why a strong safety plan gives your business a competitive advantage.
This session, designed for small construction businesses, includes a presentation, interactive breakouts, and networking with other business owners.
Presenters include Keith Juliar (MnDOT) and Tom Binsfield (Rock Leaf Water Environmental).
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 1/12/2026 - 1/16/2026: 115
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 1/12/2026 - 1/16/2026: 50
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 1/20/2026: 442
• Total New Projects in the Online Plan Room as of 1/20/2026: 376
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 1/14/2026 - 1/20/2026.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
Notice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Manager.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• February 4 - Meet the Estimators
• February 10 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• February 11 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• February 12 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• February 17 - Bluebeam 4: Document Management & Best Practices
• February 18 - Bluebeam 5: Collecting Field Data Using Bluebeam Revu
• February 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• February 19 - Bluebeam 6: For Administrative Professionals
• February 20 - Bluebeam 7: For Civil Workflows
• March 4 - Regional Member Meetup: Duluth
• March 11- Regional Member Meetup: St. Cloud
• March 19 - Online Plan Room Demo
• April 15 - Spring Social
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) does not assume responsibility for its completeness or accuracy. You are urged to check your own sources in addition to the information contained in this publication. This issue contains plans and other bidding information received prior to and including the date noted above. The project data within this newsletter is intended for member company's and their employees use only.
2025 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Heidi Sedlacek, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota; Vice President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Treasurer - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Past President - Mike Carlson, Max Gray Construction
2025 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; Allie Brady, Veit; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Amanda Eiynk, BUILD Renewables; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; and Nate Sapik, Benson Electric Company
MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Manager; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & Plan Room Support; Shauna Baska - Project Reporter & Bidders Lists; Ka Yang - Addenda & Apparent Lows; Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil & Michelle Siegel - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Independent Event Planning Contractor
You are receiving this email because you are employed by a current member company in good standing or have indicated you wanted to receive MBEX's Weekly Bulletin. Unsubscribe from the Weekly Bulletin
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