Why Future Policy Matters

Arizona’s construction industry is the backbone of the state’s growth. Every new school, hospital, and highway reflects the strength of the companies and people who build them. But as the state grows, so do the policy challenges that shape the industry’s future.

From infrastructure funding to workforce development to labor regulations, decisions made in the coming years will determine whether Arizona contractors have the flexibility, resources, and support to meet demand. That’s why the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) has made advocacy for the future a top priority.

---

Infrastructure: Investing in Arizona’s Growth

Arizona’s population is expanding, and with it comes the need for new infrastructure. Roads, bridges, utilities, and public facilities require ongoing investment. Without it, growth slows and communities suffer.

ABA advocates for:

• Smart Funding. Ensuring state and federal budgets prioritize infrastructure that meets real demand.
• Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). Expanding opportunities for collaboration between government and private contractors.
• Efficient Delivery. Supporting methods like design-build and CMAR to deliver projects faster and more effectively.

Infrastructure investment isn’t just about concrete and steel, it’s about creating opportunities for contractors, strengthening Arizona’s economy, and keeping the state competitive.

---

Workforce Development: Building the Next Generation

The workforce shortage remains one of the greatest challenges facing Arizona’s construction industry. Without enough skilled professionals, projects face delays, higher costs, and greater risks.

ABA works to ensure that policies support:

• Apprenticeships. Funding and recognition for earn-while-you-learn programs like ABA’s Electrical Apprenticeship Program.
• Career Education. Support for technical training programs that prepare high school and college students for construction careers.
• Workforce Outreach. Initiatives that introduce construction careers to women, veterans, and underrepresented groups.

Strong policies in workforce development create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet Arizona’s growing needs.

---

Labor Regulations: Protecting Flexibility and Fairness

Contractors need flexibility to stay competitive. Overly restrictive labor regulations can increase costs, limit opportunities, and stifle innovation. ABA advocates for policies that strike the right balance between worker protection and contractor flexibility.

Key issues include:

• Right to Work. Protecting Arizona’s status as a right-to-work state, ensuring worker choice and fair competition.
• Prevailing Wage Mandates. Challenging mandates that raise costs and create barriers for smaller contractors.
• Safety Standards. Supporting practical, effective safety regulations that protect workers without imposing unnecessary burdens.

By staying engaged, ABA ensures Arizona’s labor environment remains fair, competitive, and supportive of growth.

---

Project Delivery Methods: Keeping Arizona Competitive

How projects are delivered matters just as much as how they’re funded. ABA advocates for a broad range of project delivery options, including design-build, CMAR, job order contracting, and P3s, that allow contractors to compete on value, efficiency, and innovation.

These methods give Arizona contractors the flexibility to choose the best approach for each project, ensuring better outcomes for clients and taxpayers alike.

---

Looking Ahead: Policy Challenges and Opportunities

The future of Arizona construction will be shaped by:

• Population Growth. More people mean more housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure.
• Sustainability. Policies around energy efficiency and green building will create both challenges and opportunities.
• Technology. From BIM to AI-driven project management, emerging tech requires supportive policies to reach its potential.
• Economic Shifts. Construction is sensitive to interest rates, inflation, and budget priorities, areas influenced by government action.

ABA is committed to staying ahead of these trends, ensuring members have a strong voice in shaping the policies that define the future.

---

Why Advocacy is the Key to the Future

Arizona’s contractors can’t afford to wait for policies to be decided without their input. Advocacy ensures that:

• Infrastructure is funded and delivered efficiently.
• Workforce programs meet the needs of employers and employees alike.
• Regulations protect workers while preserving flexibility.
• Contractors have the freedom to innovate and compete.

Through its advocacy work, ABA keeps Arizona’s builders at the center of the conversation.

---

How Contractors Can Prepare for What’s Ahead

The future is shaped by those who engage. Contractors can prepare by:

1. Staying informed through ABA’s advocacy updates.
2. Joining the Government Affairs Committee to help shape priorities.
3. Supporting the PAC to strengthen the industry’s voice in elections.
4. Investing in workforce and innovation programs that align with advocacy goals.

Why Contractor Voices Matter

Public policy decisions shape every aspect of Arizona’s construction industry. From tax codes and labor laws to infrastructure funding and procurement rules, lawmakers make choices that directly affect contractors’ businesses. But too often, those decisions are made without the perspective of the people who know the industry best, the builders.

That’s why the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) exists. Advocacy is one of ABA’s three core pillars, and it’s built on the principle that contractors deserve more than representation, they deserve real influence. When contractors engage through ABA, their voices carry weight in the conversations that determine the future of Arizona’s construction industry.

---

A Member-Driven Advocacy Model

ABA doesn’t set its advocacy agenda in a boardroom far removed from the industry. Instead, it’s built by contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers who live the challenges and opportunities of construction every day.

This member-driven model ensures that ABA’s advocacy reflects real-world concerns and delivers outcomes that matter most to the industry.

---

The Government Affairs Committee: Shaping Policy Priorities

The heart of ABA’s advocacy work is the Government Affairs Committee. This member-led group plays a central role in:

• Reviewing Legislation. Members examine proposed bills and policies to determine their impact on contractors.
• Setting Priorities. The committee identifies the most important issues and recommends legislative priorities to the ABA Board of Directors.
• Engaging Lawmakers. Before and during the legislative session, committee members meet directly with elected officials to share construction’s perspective.
• Monitoring Outcomes. Throughout the year, the committee tracks policy progress and adjusts strategies as needed.

Participation in the committee gives contractors a direct seat at the table, ensuring their voices are heard where decisions are made.

---

Political Action: Strengthening the Industry’s Influence

Policy outcomes are shaped not only by debate but also by elections. Through the ABA Political Action Committee (PAC), contractors can strengthen the industry’s influence in Arizona politics.

• Candidate Support. The PAC contributes to candidates who share ABA’s values of free enterprise, fair competition, and infrastructure investment.
• Industry Alignment. By pooling resources, members amplify their impact and ensure construction’s priorities are taken seriously.
• Stronger Voice. PAC involvement sends a clear message: Arizona’s builders are organized, engaged, and invested in the state’s future.

When contractors support the PAC, they help elect leaders who understand and support the construction industry.

---

Voter Education: Empowering Contractors at the Ballot Box

Elections matter—but they matter most when contractors vote with knowledge. ABA provides members with a nonpartisan voter guide that outlines where candidates stand on critical construction issues. This empowers contractors to:

• Vote with confidence. Understand which candidates align with the industry’s needs.
• Educate teams. Share insights with employees and peers to broaden awareness.
• Strengthen outcomes. When contractors vote strategically, pro-construction candidates are more likely to win.

Knowledge is power, and ABA ensures members have it when it counts most.

---

Advocacy Events and Direct Engagement

Beyond committees and PACs, ABA provides multiple opportunities for members to engage directly with policymakers:

• Legislative Briefings. Stay updated on the latest bills and industry issues.
• Candidate Forums. Meet and question those running for office.
• Capitol Visits. Join other contractors in meeting with lawmakers to share industry perspectives.

These events make it easy for contractors to move from “interested observers” to active influencers in the political process.

---

Why Contractor Engagement Matters

When contractors participate in advocacy, the entire industry benefits:

• Stronger Results. Lawmakers are more likely to act when they hear directly from constituents.
• Better Policies. Contractor input ensures laws reflect the realities of construction.
• Shared Responsibility. Advocacy isn’t just ABA staff’s job, it’s a collective effort.

The more members engage, the stronger ABA’s voice becomes and the better the outcomes for all Arizona builders.

---

How to Get Involved

Here are practical steps contractors can take today:

1. Join the Government Affairs Committee. Help shape ABA’s advocacy agenda.
2. Support the PAC. Contribute to candidates who support construction.
3. Use the Voter Guide. Stay informed and cast votes that strengthen the industry.
4. Attend Advocacy Events. Meet lawmakers and share your story.
5. Stay Connected. Regularly review ABA’s advocacy updates and alerts.

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:

1. Join the Government Affairs Committee. Provide direct input on legislative priorities.
2. Support the PAC. Contributions amplify the industry’s influence with lawmakers.
3. Stay Informed. Use ABA’s voter guide and advocacy updates to track progress.
4. 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.

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.