How Contractors Can Influence Policy Through ABA

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.

Advocacy Overview

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.
Become A Member

Contractors Have the Power to Shape Arizona’s Future

Public policy will always influence Arizona’s construction industry. The question is: will those policies be shaped with contractor input—or without it?

Through the Arizona Builders Alliance, contractors have the tools, platforms, and partnerships to make their voices heard. By joining committees, supporting the PAC, and engaging in advocacy events, members ensure that construction’s perspective is impossible to ignore.

The future of Arizona’s construction industry isn’t just decided at the Capitol, it’s decided by the contractors who choose to get involved.

Advocacy Overview