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Public Works and Private Construction Outlook - Tomorrow

By Dustin Steiner, Vice President, Government Affairs

Join us as AGC of America's Ken Simonson provides a 2025 vision of the economy and what it implies for public works and private construction, both nationally and in the San Diego region.

Ken will review recent population trends and their implications for construction demand and labor supply. He will present national and California-specific results from the latest AGC of America outlook survey, and he will comment on likely policy developments and how they could affect construction and construction materials over the coming year.

AGC members and public agency representatives are encouraged to attend this FREE seminar from 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.

Please RSVP here. Spots available! REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 1 PM TODAY

Shutdown Day 6

By Dustin Steiner, Vice President, Government Affairs

The federal government officially shut down last Wednesday at midnight, and there appears to be no end in sight. The longest shutdown on record occurred in 2018 and lasted 35 days. Historically, shutdowns are about winning the public relations battle, as policy fights aren’t generally settled by the stand-offs. The 2018 iteration, for example, revolved around border wall funding, which never really materialized – at least not in the way the White House wanted. The policy fight is generally not the issue, but more the means by which one party tries to win the PR fight. In this case, the majority party (Republican) needs to pass a continuing resolution (CR), which keeps the federal government funded at FY 2024 levels for a specified period of time (current language is Nov 21), while the minority party (Democratic) can hold up the process by putting something on the negotiating table in exchange for their votes.

For their part, the Democrats have made this about Obamacare subsidies. Obamacare was (and likely still is) popular among the electorate. Due to filibuster rules in the Senate, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) needs 60 votes to move forward on a CR. On Friday, Reps again tried their “clean” CR, while Dems countered with their Obamacare CR – both failing. Republican budget hawk Rand Paul (R-KY) has continuously voted against the Rep bill, which makes Thune’s job that much more complicated. Three Dems have crossed the aisle: John Fetterman (D-PA), Angus King (I-ME), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), which means Thune and Co. still need five more…which is far easier to write than to accomplish.

As our political system (and society as a whole?) continues to circle the social media drain, the memes, reels, and rhetoric have ramped up with each side trading photoshopped images and videos. Even future presidential candidate Gavin Newsom has gotten in on the action by posting an altered video of Vice President JD Vance dressed like a minion. Not to miss out on the fun, conservative parody site The Babylon Bee's founder, Kyle Mann, took to the X/Twittersphere to point out their successful lawsuit against a Newsom law banning such practices. Not to be lost in all of this, the government is supposed to do its job! It’s supposed to pass appropriations bills prior to the end of the fiscal year to run the government for the next year. You know that thing that you all do routinely to run your business? What a concept! Now get off my lawn!

Trump is leaning in by canceling projects in blue states, furloughing thousands of federal workers, threatening mass layoffs, and dubbing this the “Democrat Shutdown™” (complete with trademark emoji). Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) have also dug in and said they will not budge without some kind of subsidy extension. Shutdowns get harder and more unpopular by the day; the question is, who will make the first move, and how will each side spin a PR victory out of the stand-off?

San Diego CSEA Safety Awards Applications Now Open!

Each year, the AGC San Diego Chapter, in partnership with AGC of America, recognizes outstanding companies in the industry for their passion and commitment to safety through the Construction Safety Excellence Awards – Sponsored by WTW | Willis and Starr Insurance.

Click this LINK and complete the application by December 31, and you will automatically be entered in the local and national competition.

To compete locally ONLY or to receive assistance in walking through the application, reach out to our AGCSD Safety Director Vince Hundley at vhundley@smartsafetygroup.com, or call 619‑572-1030.

Join our safety committee today to get insider knowledge and mentorship on completing the application from our most knowledgeable members.

Don't miss this opportunity to nominate your organization for these prestigious awards!

Help Us Recognize the Best! - Starting with Specialty Members' Council

Members! It's time to nominate those who are making a difference in the industry! 

By Katie Hammock, Director of Meetings & Events

Have someone in mind who participates in AGC and the industry in such a way that it would be a shame if they didn't get recognized? Check out the categories below and let us know.

These members will be recognized in front of the newest board officers and our members at the annual Installation Dinner & Awards in January! Categories below.

• Construction Industry Excellence Award - This award recognizes a company that demonstrates the highest level of integrity and ethics in their business practice, and that goes beyond the norm with their commitment to supporting the AGC, the construction industry, and the community. This award is presented to a company that has earned a prominent level of respect among its peers, customers, vendors, and subcontractors.

• Construction Industry Professional Award - This award will recognize an individual’s professional performance and achievements, and their dedicated support of the AGC by committee involvement and participation. This award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond the normal expectations of their company in their efforts to support the industry and the members of the AGC.

• Construction Industry Leadership Award - This award will recognize an individual’s leadership by championing, participating, and supporting the AGC through their association involvement, attendance at events, and committee participation. They are a strong promoter of the AGC within the construction industry, both public and private. They actively support the construction industry and the community as a whole. They lead by example and expect their company’s management and staff to do the same.

Send us an email today to add them to our list of nominees! 

Thanksgiving Food Drive - Help us Give Thanks to Our Military Families

Join AGC's San Diego’s Build & Serve Charitable Alliance in helping Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) with its Thanksgiving Dinner Program. Each year, STEP donates items to local military families facing financial hardship to help them prepare a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. AGC is collecting non-perishable Thanksgiving dinner items to support this effort.

We ask that your office set up a collection box for STEP's requested non-perishable items and deliver them to one of our four locations by Thursday, October 30. Together, we can ensure that military families enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving holiday.

See the flyer for the drop-off locations and requested items.

2025

October 7 - AGC of America's Public Works & Private Construction Outlook - AGC HQ

October 16 - CLC Cool Cars Classic & Mixer - AGC HQ

October 28 - Build San Diego Awards - Marriot Marquis - San Diego Marina

November 4 - Get to Know AGC SD - AGC HQ

December 6 - Christmas in Coronado - Hotel Del Coronado

OCTOBER MEETINGS

October 22 - 11:45 AM - Port Liaison - Port office 

October 22 - 11:30 AM - SDGE Liaison Committee - Lakeside

October 23 - NOON - Meetings & Events - 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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