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Election Wrap-up

By Dustin Steiner, Vice President Government & Industry Relations

Last Tuesday was Election Day. Most states hold elections in even number years, but there are a handful who do them in odd number years. Generally, these off-year elections show signs of momentum or spell trouble. Tough to say there was much of either. In red Kentucky, current Governor and political legacy, Andy Beshear coasted to re-election and held his ground as one of only three Democrats to serve as Governor of Republican-leaning states. In Mississippi, incumbent Governor Tate Reeves held off a challenge from Brandon Presley, who is a distant relative of one Elvis Presley. In Virginia, the popularity of Governor Glenn Youngkin, who won a surprising victory just two years ago, wasn’t enough to win over the legislature in what has been a deeply red, deeply blue, and lately deeply purple state.

In San Diego, it was special election day as we only had races in three parts of the County. The biggest was at the County Board of Supervisors where Monica Montgomery Steppe prevailed with over 60% of the vote, fending off Amy Reichert in the run-off. Supervisor Montgomery Steppe shifts the balance of power left, in what has been a 2-2 Board since Nathan Fletcher’s resignation last Spring. In what may be her first chance to politic at the County level, the next Chair of the Board will be chosen in just a few weeks. Current Chair Nora Vargas likely wants another shot at it since her year was largely mired by the Fletcher scandal and then a deadlocked Board. The other Democrat, Supervisor Lawson-Remer is likely also angling for the seat of power as she faces a tough re-election battle in 2024 against former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. Will Supervisor Montgomery Steppe throw her support behind one of them? Or will she, fresh off the momentum of winning a special election, throw her own proverbial hat in the ring? And, where do the two Republicans on the Board go? Will Supervisors Desmond or Anderson cut a deal and support one of the Democrats? The Chair of the Board is largely a ceremonial role but gone are the days when this vote was simply a formality.



In Chula Vista, they selected a new City Attorney for the second time in a year. In November 2022, voters elected Simon Silva who unexpectedly passed away during the campaign. This race featured three candidates including the 2022 runner-up, Dan Smith Diaz, former City Attorney Bart Miesfeld, and private attorney Marco Verdugo. As of press time, it appears very likely that Verdugo will claim victory as he held a nearly 300-vote advantage and things have been trending his way since Tuesday. Chula Vista is the second largest city in the county.

Up north, following years of jostling with the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA), the Fallbrook Public Utilities District and Rainbow Municipal Water District took their cases to the voters and asked them to formally separate from SDCWA in an effort to save $7.7 million a year (according to a LAFCO analysis) by switching to Riverside’s Eastern Municipal Water District. While perhaps not surprising, it was certainly overwhelming as almost 95% of voters in each district voted to secede. Is this a harbinger of things to come for the SDCWA? The geographical location certainly helped in this case, but there is more here than meets the eye. 

Lastly, in what may be the biggest story of last week, Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced he would not seek re-election. Senator Manchin is a legend in West Virginia. A former governor who has bucked the political trend and continued to be elected as a Democrat in the deeply red state, Manchin also leaves a legacy of compromise and bipartisanship that is becoming far too uncommon in today’s political climate. His retirement almost assuredly means a Rep pick-up in WV and recalibrates the national scales for the respective parties as they try to gain control of the evenly divided body. Is this the end of the road for the 76-year-old Senator or might he launch a longshot bid for the White House in 2024?  

Inquiring minds want to know. 

County Unveils Construction Program

By Mike McManus, Director of Engineering Construction & Industry Relations

The County is in the process of developing two multi-year capital plans.  The first is the 5-year Public Works Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) which focuses primarily on civil infrastructure. The second is called the County Capital Plan which covers improvements to county buildings and facilities including county parks.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for developing the Public Works Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which includes improvements to roads, bridges, sewer systems, stormwater and flood control systems, airports, and other infrastructure that serves the public good. Each year, DPW reviews and revises its forecast of planned and potential public infrastructure capital projects and updates the CIP. In October and November, DPW staff has been hosting a series of community workshops to inform the public of the plan and get community input.

The 5-year CIP 2025-2029 includes 196 projects, many of which are in the works right now. During the 5-year period of the plan, we expect about $1 billion to go out to bid. Many of the projects are under $1 million and present a great opportunity for small businesses in this region to participate in building and rebuilding our civil infrastructure.

The County of San Diego is also in the process of developing a multi-year County Capital Plan. The plan includes improvements and new construction of county office buildings, fire stations, sheriff stations, live-well centers, and parks. The public has been invited to review and comment on the plan. The staff is scheduled to present the Capital Plan to the Board of Supervisors in March 2024. 

The total program of construction projects in the County Capital Plan is expected to be over $1.2 billion over the 6-year period of the plan. There are 44 major projects that are in planning or design phase and headed for construction. The building projects will be developed for advertising by the Department of General Services and the parks by the Department of Parks and Recreation.  Additionally, the Department of Public Works is slated to put out about $250 million in projects over the plan period, designed to help the County meet the state’s stormwater mandates.

Surprisingly, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has a large slate of projects included in the Capital Plan. DPR has 27 projects in planning or design, that are estimated to be over $300 million in construction work. Some of the highlights are the $65 million San Luis Rey Park and the Otay Valley Park estimated to be a $60 million construction project.

The Department of General Services (DGS) is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of county buildings and facilities. DGS is planning to deliver 16 major projects over the 6-year period of the Plan. Over $650 million in vertical construction work. Some of the highlight projects are:

Ramona Sheriff Station                 $35 million

Conversion of Psych Hosp.           $60 million

New Vista Jail                                $250 million

Bonsall Sheriff Station                   $70 million

Behavioral Health Center              $55 million

There is a large County of San Diego construction program, over $2 billion, coming in the next few years. Building and engineering contractors should take a look at the construction opportunities at the County.

To see the complete list of upcoming projects click here.

Welcome New Members

The AGC Board of Directors and AGC staff would like to welcome the following new members to AGC San Diego Chapter.

ADLC

Conterra, Inc.

Hal Hays Construction, Inc.

Level Up Doors and Woodwork

Planera, Inc.

Sedano Ford of LM, Inc.

AGC's Motto: "It's Good Business to do Business with an AGC Member."

Procopio's 3rd Annual VIRTUAL Construction Law Forum

Please join industry speakers for a complimentary half-day virtual event on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. the forum will focus on the most pressing California construction law issues facing contractors, developers, and owners today.

https://www.procopio.com/procopios-annual-construction-forum/

Horizon Hills Materials Makes It BIG

Word is out that Rosemary’s Mountain Quarry is back in business and making it big. Fallbrook, California based Horizon Hill Materials is taking a visionary approach to aggregates production, and the company’s Rosemary’s Mountain Quarry was specifically planned to address the needs of a California geography that is now being impacted by an increase in adverse weather conditions.

https://rockproducts.com/2023/10/30/horizon-hill-materials-makes-it-big/

The AGC Affiliate Members Council Announces the 2023 Member Awards Nominations 

Deadline for Nominations is December 4!

It is time, once again, for the yearly “AGC San Diego Member Awards Recognition Program.” 

This program was designed to showcase member companies and individuals who support AGC, and who strive to be the very best they can be in the ever-challenging construction industry. All AGC members are encouraged to submit nominations.

Qualifications for an AGC member award include:

• Demonstrating Honest and Ethical Business Practices 
• Exemplifying the AGC Motto of Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility
• Involvement, Support, and Promotion of the AGC San Diego Chapter
• Being an Active Member of an AGC Committee

You can recognize these companies and individuals by nominating them for an “AGC San Diego Member Award.”

Below is a summary of the category descriptions. If you know of an AGC member company or individual deserving of one of these recognitions, don’t delay and send in a nomination form for them now. 

Click here for the nomination form.

The deadline to submit a nomination is December 4.

The prestigious pyramid awards will be announced at the AGC Installation Dinner on January 25, 2024.

Awards

Excellence in Marketing

The Excellence in Marketing Award is presented to the company that best exemplifies promoting the value of AGC Membership and participation within their company and to potential members. Additionally, the company promotes the value of utilizing AGC contractors within the construction industry. Can be self-nominated or by the Affiliate Council and will be voted on by the Affiliate Council Committee.

Good Business Award

“It’s Good Business to do Business with an AGC Member”

The Good Business Award is presented to the General or Specialty Contractor who best exemplifies the AGC motto, "It’s Good Business to do Business with an AGC Member." The company selected has an open-door policy for AGC members to have the opportunity to make their pitch, make payments to subcontractors and suppliers on time, and active in AGC San Diego. Can be self-nominated or by the Affiliate Council and will be voted on by the Affiliate Council Committee.

Affiliate of the Year Award - Company

The Don McKillop Affiliate of the Year Award - Individual

The Affiliate of the Year Award will be presented to a company and also an individual who exemplifies the AGC motto of Skill, Integrity, and Responsibility. They strongly support the role of Affiliates within the AGC, and actively promote the AGC through committee involvement and participation at AGC events. Can be self-nominated or by the Affiliate Council and will be voted on by the Affiliate Council Committee.

Members - Join us for the AGC Holiday Dinner Dance - Dec. 2

The AGC Holiday Dinner Dance is a San Diego construction industry tradition. For over 80 years, AGC San Diego members have been celebrating the holidays together during this elegant "black tie" affair.

Due to renovations at the Hotel del Coronado ballrooms, this year's event will be held at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines on December 2 and features entertainment by the crowd-pleasing and energetic band, "Republic of Music." Event ticket includes appetizers, a 4-course dinner, and entertainment.

Help us carry on the tradition of giving established more than forty years ago. Donated items for Rady Children’s Hospital are given to children throughout the year. In addition, at the Polinsky Center, children of all ages need everyday items to call their own. Suggestions include (unwrapped) new clothes, games, books, arts & crafts, toys, etc. Gift cards are also much appreciated! No stuffed animals, please! AGC will continue to collect toys after the Dinner Dance until December 11.

REGISTER

Nov. 14 - Build San Diego Awards Luncheon

Dec. 2 - Holiday Dinner Dance @ Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

Dec. 14 - Annual Meeting @ Paradise Point Resort

2024

Feb. 1 - 2, 2024 - Winter Conference - Four Seasons - Jackson, Wyoming

Mar. 19-22, 2024 - AGC Convention - San Diego - Marriott Marquis Marina - REGISTRATION OPEN

(EARLY BIRD CONVENTION REGISTRATION ENDS NOV. 17)

NOVEMBER MEETINGS

Nov. 15 - 7:30 AM - Build & Serve Charitable Alliance – Virtual

Nov. 17 - 11:00 AM - Technology Committee – Virtual

Nov. 17 - 9:30 AM - NAVFAC - Lakeside

Nov. 28 - 11:30 AM – Specialty Contractors Council – Lakeside

Nov. 29 - 11:30 AM - Workforce Development Committee – Lakeside

Nov. 30 - 8:00 AM - Union Signatory Contractors Committee – Lakeside

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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