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The Season of (Political) Giving

By Dustin Steiner, Vice President of Government Affairs

There are officially 10 shopping days until Christmas and only 169 days until every politico’s favorite holiday: Election Day! Yes, that’s right; 2026 is an election year and the primary is mere months away. Do you like politics? AGC San Diego has you covered! Do you hate politics? AGC San Diego has you covered! AGC’s Infrastructure Political Action Committee (PAC) meets with people running for office and makes contributions in support of pro-infrastructure candidates and ballot measures.

In fact, AGC’s PAC is one of the top business PACs in San Diego. Over the past two election cycles, we have contributed to almost 50 local candidates who won their elections. We have also helped pass school bonds and sales tax measures equating to well over half a billion dollars in local infrastructure dollars! We work hard to build relationships with candidates and elected officials on both sides of the aisle, and those efforts are paying dividends as we continue to navigate the multitude of regulatory challenges in D.C., Sacramento, and here in San Diego, but we cannot afford to let up!

2026 promises some big races as long-time incumbents State Senator Brian Jones and Supervisor Jim Desmond are termed out, and several previously endorsed candidates like County Assessor Jordan Marks, Assemblyman David Alvarez, and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann are running for re-election. We also expect several local ballot measures.

We have been busy building our campaign war chest, but we need your help! Will you join us in 2026 with a contribution? We have made it easy to set up a one-time or recurring payment by clicking here.

‘Tis the season!

GCs: We Need You to Vote! 

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and with that comes limited time for every task. In an effort to help you out this season, we've moved our annual meeting online; all you have to do to attend the Teams meeting on December 18 is register. 

Can't make it? Take 2 minutes and complete our survey by or before THIS THURSDAY! 

We need 70+ contractors to vote to get a majority and pass this through, so we really do need all the votes we can get! 

Want to make the AGC Board President your proxy so you don't need to vote at all? Fill out this form here.

Training Camp: Top 10 Mistakes Contractors Make with California Public Works Compliance

By Adrianna Lopez, Director of Labor Relations

California Public Works compliance can be complex, and even experienced contractors can make costly mistakes. Understanding these common pitfalls is essential to avoiding penalties and keeping projects on track. Here are the top 10 mistakes to watch out for:

1.   Using the wrong wage determination applicable to the project

Selecting the wrong wage determination can result in either underpayments or sometimes unnecessary overpayments.

2.   Using the wrong craft (misclassification)

Be sure to review the published Scope of Work on the DIR website to ensure that the craft you select matches the actual work to be performed on site.

3.   Failing to consider increases

Not only can this result in underpayment to workers, but it also cuts into profit if not considered at the time of bid.

4.   Assuming an apprentice won’t be dispatched

Failure to include the cost of hiring an apprentice for 20% of journeyman hours by craft can result in an expensive mistake should an apprentice be dispatched.

5.   Not submitting the DAS 140 form to all applicable programs by craft on time

These forms are required to be sent (with proof of submission) to all applicable programs found in the listing by county of this website, within 10 days of contract execution or no later than the first day on site- whichever comes first.

6.   Not meeting required apprentice hiring goals

Use of apprentices is required, at a ratio of 20% of Journeyman hours for each apprenticeable craft used.

7.   Failure to remit timely training contributions

Training contributions are paid to either a DIR-approved apprenticeship program or to the California Apprenticeship Council. Penalties may be assessed for contributions made later than the 15th of each month for the previous month’s hours by craft and by project.

8.   Lapse in registration or failure to register with the DIR

Contractors must be registered and in good standing to bid on, or work on, a Public Works project. Penalties may be assessed to the contractor, the hiring contractor, and the Awarding Body if registration is not current at the time of bid.

9.   Not monitoring subcontractor compliance and taking corrective action when there is a compliance concern

You may be jointly liable for unpaid wages and penalties if your subcontractor is not in compliance with prevailing wage mandates.

10. Not adhering to craft overtime, travel, and holiday requirements

Each craft has its own working rules, holidays, and travel provisions, AND these rules may vary depending on job location and wage determination. Be sure to carefully review these working rules and published holidays regularly to ensure that there are no wage violations, which could result in costly penalties.

Avoiding these mistakes requires proactive planning, thorough review of compliance requirements, and ongoing monitoring of your team and subcontractors. By addressing these areas upfront, contractors can reduce risk and maintain smooth project execution.

2026

January 20 - Installation Dinner & Member Awards - Hilton San Diego/Del Mar

February 5-8 - Winter Conference - Big Sky Montage

February 12 - Meet Your GC with Dempsey Construction

Your New Year's Resolution....Join a Committee in 2026

Join now!

About Monday Morning Quarterback

AGC San Diego Chapter's Monday Morning Quarterback is a "hot off the press" and to the point Monday morning briefing on the important issues facing San Diego's construction industry. It is prepared by AGC Chief Executive Officer, Eddie Sprecco, and Vice President Government & Industry Relations, Dustin Steiner.

Please contact Eddie Sprecco or Dustin Steiner with your comments, or with information that should be conveyed to the industry through this service. Well over 3,000 individuals employed by AGC member firms are part of this system.

AGC San Diego Chapter, Inc.

The VOICE of Construction

(858) 558-7444

agcsd.org

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