Policy Wins That Shape Arizona’s Construction Industry
Why Policy Wins Matter
In construction, success is measured by results. That’s as true in advocacy as it is on the jobsite. For Arizona’s contractors, policies passed at the state and local level directly affect everything from project costs to workforce availability. Without strong advocacy, unfair mandates or burdensome regulations could put contractors and the entire industry at risk.
The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) exists to ensure that doesn’t happen. By uniting more than 380 member companies, ABA amplifies the voice of Arizona builders and delivers real policy outcomes that strengthen the industry. These advocacy wins aren’t abstract; they’re measurable victories that protect free enterprise, improve efficiency, and create opportunity for contractors across the state.
Procurement Reform: Expanding Access and Efficiency
One of ABA’s most significant policy achievements has been procurement reform. In the past, restrictive rules limited how projects could be awarded, often favoring the lowest bidder regardless of quality or efficiency. ABA led the push to expand access to multiple delivery methods, including:
- Design-Build. Encourages collaboration between designers and contractors to improve efficiency.
- Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). Provides flexibility for complex projects while controlling costs.
- Job Order Contracting. Streamlines smaller projects and ensures quicker delivery.
By securing these reforms, ABA gave contractors the ability to compete fairly, deliver higher-quality results, and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent more effectively.
Public-Private Partnerships: Unlocking New Opportunities
Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) open the door for collaboration between government entities and private contractors. ABA played a central role in advancing legislation that allows Arizona to use P3s more effectively.
This policy change has created new pathways for funding and delivering critical infrastructure projects, helping Arizona meet its rapid growth while giving contractors new opportunities to showcase their expertise.
Contractor Payment Law: Protecting Fairness and Cash Flow
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any construction company. Delayed or unfair payment terms can cripple contractors, especially small and mid-sized firms. ABA successfully crafted one of the strongest contractor payment laws in the nation, which:
- Enforces strict payment timelines.
- Protects contractors’ rights to prompt and fair compensation.
- Provides legal recourse when payment obligations aren’t met.
This win has provided Arizona contractors with stability and confidence, ensuring they can focus on delivering projects rather than chasing payments.
Prevailing Wage Mandates: Defending Free Enterprise
Prevailing wage ordinances can increase costs, limit competition, and put smaller contractors at a disadvantage. When such mandates threatened Arizona builders, ABA stepped up.
Through legal and legislative action, ABA successfully blocked illegal prevailing wage ordinances, protecting free enterprise, ensuring fairness, and keeping costs competitive for contractors and taxpayers alike.
Fall Protection Policy: Preserving Arizona Standards
When Federal OSHA challenged Arizona’s fall protection standard, ABA led the coalition to defend it. By preserving the 6-foot fall protection rule, ABA protected a policy that balances worker safety with practical jobsite operations.
This outcome safeguarded contractors from unnecessary regulatory burdens while keeping Arizona’s jobsites safe and compliant.
Advocacy in Action: Results That Matter
These policy wins demonstrate what happens when Arizona contractors unite under one voice:
- Lower project costs. Procurement flexibility and competitive practices save money.
- Improved efficiency. Modern delivery methods streamline projects.
- Greater fairness. Strong payment laws and blocked mandates ensure a level playing field.
- Safer jobsites. Advocacy balanced regulatory oversight with practical safety standards.
These aren’t just political victories; they’re real-world outcomes that benefit contractors, workers, and the Arizona communities they serve.
Why ABA Gets Results
ABA succeeds because advocacy is member driven. Contractors identify the issues that matter, and ABA staff and partners like Policy48 turn those priorities into action. By collaborating with industry partners, including AGC of Arizona, ASA, CFMA, and others, ABA ensures that construction’s voice is one policymakers cannot ignore.
How You Can Be Part of Future Wins
Policy victories don’t happen by accident, they happen when contractors engage. Here’s how members can help shape the next round of wins:
- Join the Government Affairs Committee. Provide direct input on legislative priorities.
- Support the PAC. Contributions amplify the industry’s influence with lawmakers.
- Stay Informed. Use ABA’s voter guide and advocacy updates to track progress.
- Share Your Story. Policymakers listen when contractors explain how policies impact their business.
When members get involved, ABA’s voice grows stronger and so does Arizona’s construction industry.
Advocacy Wins Build Arizona’s Future
Every project in Arizona depends on fair policies that support growth, competition, and safety. The Arizona Builders Alliance has a proven record of delivering those policies.
From procurement reform to contractor payment protections, ABA’s advocacy work ensures Arizona’s construction industry has the freedom and stability it needs to thrive. When ABA wins, contractors win, and so does the future of Arizona.