Spring 2025 Government Affairs Bulletin
Spring 2025Government Affairs Bulletin AGC MA is your advocate on Beacon Hill. Last session we were the voice of the industry on legislation and regulations Highlights include: Tracking over 150 billsBuilding consensus on key issues like Project Labor Agreements, MBTA Communities Act, Responsible Contractor Language, and Wage TheftTestifying on 11 bills including the expansion of PLAs, expediting payment of change orders in public construction, facilitating diverse participation in the industry, wage
Build To Rent Projects Answer Housing Shortage, But Factor in the Risks
Build To Rent Projects Answer Housing Shortage, But Factor in the Risks By Michele L. Norton, AAI, CRIS Hub International There’s a national shortage in housing availability in the U.S. as soaring prices during a time of inflation and limited inventory keep the squeeze on renters and buyers alike. It’s particularly significant for single family homes. The cost/supply disparity has made Greater Boston one of the nation’s most expensive metropolitan areas, as the median single-family home price
White Paper: Enhancing Equity and Safety in Construction Workplaces
White Paper: Enhancing Equity and Safety in Construction Workplaces Executive Summary Using two years of data from the SAFE-T Survey, we have a clearer picture of the following: Over 90% of tradespeople clearly understand management’s commitment to safety from the office to field leadershipLess than 40% of tradespeople are getting daily instructions with a clear focus on safety1/3 of workers are taking risks to do their jobsAbout 75% of workers almost always feel a sense of belonging and usually
Evolving with the DEI Landscape: What Contractors Need to Know
Federal enforcement priorities are shifting—and construction companies, especially those working on public or institutional projects, are feeling the pressure. Whether you’re reviewing your hiring practices or responding to an owner’s request for diverse subcontractors, the rules around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are changing quickly. This guidance offers practical takeaways for contractors navigating today’s evolving legal and political environment. 1. Don’t Abandon DEI—but Do Proceed
Reflecting Reality: 4 Major Modifications in the AIA A133-2019 Update Lexie Rae Pereira, J.D./M.B.A
"It is no secret that the construction industry is sometimes slow to adopting technological advances; however, some contractors are quick to embrace change. By swiftly adapting to updates to the American Institute of Architects ("AIA"), some contractors have the ability to reap the benefits of embracing change. One of the most recent AIA updates involves the AIA A133-2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Constructor where the basis of payment is the Cost of the Work Plus
BEST PRACTICES FOR REDUCING RISK IN DESIGN-BUILD DELIVERY | Jason Theberge, Commodore Builders
As design-build becomes a more common method for delivering construction projects, it is critical to understand the best way to ensure project success and reduce risk. In choosing the design-build project delivery method, an Owner benefits by having a single point of contact and responsibility for a project. Design-build is also attractive to an Owner because it allows early input and collaboration between the construction team and design team, which leads to improvements on costs and schedule.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR V5 |Tom Dunn, Partner, Pierce Atwood LLP
Professional associations like the AGC are invaluable during challenging times like we have been experiencing with COVID-19. They provide community and a forum for discussion and sharing of resources. AGC MA has “hit it out of the ballpark” during the past few months with its programs and initiatives, including: The AGC MA Risk Forum highlighted by Molly Manson and Lexie Pereira. Through these bi-weekly calls, members engaged with attorneys and other professionals regarding the ever changing COVID-19
Safety Best Practices During COVID-19 | Shaun Carvalho, Vice President, Safety Shawmut Design and Construction
At Shawmut Design and Construction, the safety of our people and jobsites is our top priority. Following the first known confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S., Shawmut put protocols in place and closely followed the CDC for guidance. We created a cross-functional COVID-19 Crisis Team with a virtual command center that is constantly monitoring developments by the minute—helping to guide actions as necessary. By proactively tracking conditions, we provide constant guidance and communications to our on-site
CPPI Coverage: An Innovative Response to the Design-Build Dilemma Andy O’Brien, Construction Risk Partners
As Design-Build delivery continues to gain momentum in the construction industry, contractors are forced to reevaluate the measures they take to manage risk. Many contractors are simply unaccustomed to assuming ultimate responsibility for design-related risk on a project. Many more are surprised at how challenging it can be to adequately transfer the entirety of this risk down to the appropriate design professionals. It’s not uncommon that on even the largest projects, the prime design firms are only
Business NOT as Usual: Navigating Business Development during COVID-19 | Lisa Frisbie, AGC MA
It has been challenging for business development professionals to find ways to stay relevant and connected to clients and project management teams. In a Google search for best business development quotes, I was amazed at how many apply perfectly now. For example: “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” Sigmund Freud “Every problem is a gift — without problems we would not grow.” Anthony Robbins "All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." Michael John Bobak We are certainly
