Advocating for Arizona’s Builders: How ABA Gives Contractors a Voice That Matters

Why Advocacy Matters in Construction

Arizona’s construction industry doesn’t operate in a vacuum. Every project, contract, and jobsite is shaped by public policy—whether it’s labor laws, tax regulations, or infrastructure funding. Decisions made at the Capitol and in city halls across the state directly affect contractors’ bottom lines, workforce stability, and long-term growth.

Without strong advocacy, contractors risk being left out of the conversation. That’s where the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) comes in. Advocacy is one of ABA’s three pillars (alongside education and impact), and it’s central to everything we do.

We don’t just represent Arizona’s builders, we amplify their voice, fight for fair policies, and make sure decision-makers understand the critical role construction plays in the state’s economy.

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How ABA Advocates for Arizona Builders

ABA’s advocacy work happens on multiple levels, with a single goal: ensuring Arizona contractors have the freedom, flexibility, and support they need to thrive.

Federal, State, and Local Representation

From Washington D.C. to the Arizona Legislature to local city councils, ABA works to protect and advance the interests of the construction industry.

Policy Priorities

Our advocacy focuses on the issues that matter most to contractors:

• Taxes & Regulations. Pushing for policies that encourage business growth and reduce unnecessary burdens.
• Fair & Open Competition. Promoting procurement practices that ensure quality work and value for taxpayers.
• Right to Work. Defending policies that protect worker choice and maintain flexibility.
• Infrastructure Funding. Supporting smart investments that create long-term opportunities.
• Prevailing Wage Mandates. Monitoring and challenging policies that increase costs or limit competition.
• Project Delivery Methods. Advocating for design-build, CMAR, P3s, and other methods that improve efficiency.
• Workforce Development. Partnering with education programs to ensure a skilled, job-ready workforce.

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Member-Driven Advocacy

One of ABA’s greatest strengths is that our advocacy agenda isn’t decided in a vacuum, it’s shaped by our members.

Government Affairs Committee

Each year, ABA’s Government Affairs Committee reviews legislation, identifies priorities, and recommends action to the Board of Directors. Members actively meet with lawmakers, testify on bills, and work alongside ABA staff to influence outcomes.

Political Action

Through the ABA Political Action Committee (PAC), members support candidates who share our values of free enterprise, workforce development, and infrastructure investment. PAC contributions give Arizona contractors a stronger voice in shaping the political landscape.

Voter Education

ABA publishes a nonpartisan voter guide that helps members understand where candidates stand on key issues. Informed contractors are empowered contractors.

By engaging directly, ABA members don’t just stay informed, they lead the conversation.

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Partnerships That Amplify Impact

ABA doesn’t advocate alone. We partner with other associations and coalitions to expand our influence and strengthen results.

• Policy48. As one of Arizona’s top government relations firms, Policy48 helps ABA connect with key decision-makers at every level.
• Industry Partnerships. We collaborate with groups like the American Subcontractors Association, AGC of Arizona, CFMA, and Central Arizona Home Builders Association to align priorities and amplify our collective voice.

These partnerships ensure that when ABA speaks, policymakers listen.

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Advocacy That Delivers Results

Advocacy isn’t just about meetings and talking points, it’s about outcomes. ABA members have played a direct role in securing major policy wins that have shaped Arizona’s construction industry:

• Procurement Reform. Expanded access to delivery methods like low bid, design-build, CMAR, and job order contracting.
• Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). Advanced legislation supporting collaboration and innovative project delivery.
• Contractor Payment Law. Crafted one of the nation’s strongest laws to protect contractor rights and ensure fair, timely payment.
• Fall Protection Policy. Preserved Arizona’s 6-foot fall protection standard when federal oversight was challenged.
• Prevailing Wage Mandates. Blocked illegal ordinances that would have increased costs and limited opportunities.

These victories demonstrate what’s possible when Arizona’s builders speak with one voice.

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Why Advocacy Belongs at the Center of ABA

Advocacy isn’t just one of ABA’s services, it’s a core reason members join. With 380+ member companies and decades of industry experience, ABA has the scale, credibility, and access to get results.

Contractors know that while they focus on building Arizona, ABA is working behind the scenes to protect their interests, fight for their future, and ensure construction remains a driving force in the state’s economy.

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How You Can Get Involved

• Join the Government Affairs Committee. Help shape ABA’s advocacy agenda and meet directly with lawmakers.
• Support the PAC. Strengthen the industry’s influence by contributing to pro-construction candidates.
• Use the Voter Guide. Stay informed and make your vote count.
• Attend Legislative Events. Participate in forums, meetings, and briefings that connect you with decision-makers.
• Share Your Story. Policymakers listen when contractors explain how laws impact their business.

When members get involved, ABA’s voice grows stronger and so does Arizona’s construction industry.