Author: Crystal Yates

Construction Management At-Risk (CM@R) is one of the most powerful and widely used project delivery methods in today’s design and construction industry. It offers owners the opportunity to involve the contractor early, manage costs more effectively, and foster collaboration throughout the project. However, these benefits come with unique risks and contracting considerations, and ConsensusDocs has just published an updated CM At-Risk contract, the ConsensusDocs 500. On October 16, 2025, register for this ConsensusDocs webinar featuring an expert panel for a 75-minute webinar, “Managing the Risk in CM At-Risk: Best Practice Considerations.” This session will provide practical insights into maximizing the…

The Trump Administration released its regulatory “to do list” for the near term—including redo of species regulations, the definition of waters of the United States, and management of forever chemicals. Twice a year the Federal Government publishes the Unified Agenda that provides transparency on those regulatory initiatives the agencies are advancing, the stage in the process, and projected completion dates. AGC of America tracks and responds to several environmental regulatory actions due to their relevance to the construction industry, highlighted below. Army Corps of Engineers Environmental Protection Agency Fish and Wildlife Service For more information, contact Melinda Tomaino at melinda.tomaino@agc.org.

AGC’s Contract Documents Forum is one of AGC’s largest forums and is holding a free 60-minute virtual Town Hall on October 13th at 3 PM ET. AGC members can register here for free. This engaging Town Hall will feature a micro presentation on Engineering-Procure-Contract (EPC) contracts and how EPC is different than design-build? In addition, there will be an overview on indemnification: What every contractor needs to know, followed by a discussion of various approaches. AGC’s General Counsel will also provide an Overview of AGC’s Legal Advocacy. The AGC Construction Law & Operations Committee will then provide updates on its activities,…

AGC of America recently joined 40 national and state business associations and employers in a letter to U.S. Secretary of Labor Chavez DeRemer requesting that the Secretary raise federal conformity and compliance issues with the Oregon Act (S916) that was recently enacted to permit the payment of unemployment compensation to striking workers while on strike. This legislation is contrary to federal requirements in Section 303(a) generally and specifically 303(a)(12) of the Social Security Act as well as 26 USC 3304 in the Internal Revenue Code. The letter requests that the Secretary raise federal concerns and require that the state of…

AGC is a proud sponsor of Construction Super Conference 2025, happening December 9–11 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in beautiful Bonita Springs, Florida! AGC members receive 15% off registration with the code EMRFCD at checkout through this registration link. This year’s conference features a keynote panel of General Counsel from AGC Member Companies and some of the largest construction companies in the country. The panel will be moderated by AGC In-House Counsel staff and include the chief legal officer at J.E. Dunn, Mortenson, Consigli, Bond Brothers, and Hoar Construction. Last year’s event was a milestone — the largest CSC in history — bringing…

AGC of America is recruiting for members to serve on the Environmental Committee and/or the Climate Change Working Group. AGC invites members to share their expertise by serving on committees and volunteer roles that address pressing industry issues. Volunteers are critical in advancing solutions, exchanging ideas, and shaping the future of construction. Submit your Volunteer Application by October 17 to be considered for 2026 Environmental Committee appointments. Committee terms begin April 1, 2026 and end March 31, 2029. Short-term volunteer opportunities on the Climate Change Working Group are available for one-year service terms (with annual recommitment) based on calendar year. Your involvement strengthens…

On August 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the return of its Guidance Portal website. The Portal houses all EPA guidance documents across all programs managed at EPA headquarters. Guidance documents include memorandums, policy letters and statements, handbooks, manuals, and other materials labeled guidance. Guidance documents are best practices for compliance recommended by an agency. They are not legally binding, but they often provide the best path to compliance with agency regulations. AGC is concerned that agencies sometimes use guidance as an indirect form of regulation and has long supported steps to increase transparency to prevent this. EPA…

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has partnered with the National Immigration Forum to launch a new citizenship and immigration support portal. The portal provides two key services: it offers employees of member firms and their immediate family members a way to find out if they qualify for citizenship and if so, help in completing their application. In addition, the portal provides employees of members firms and their immediate family members with questions about their legal status can use the service’s helpdesk to verify their status and connect with immigration service providers. Further details on the process and the following…

Join us in Fort Worth, Texas, October 14–16, 2025, for the AGC Workforce & HR Conference, the premier gathering for HR, training, and workforce development leaders in construction. This year’s agenda will tackle some of the most pressing workforce challenges facing the industry through sessions on: Alongside these critical topics for recruitment, retention, and leadership development, you will be able to connect with peers from across the country through networking opportunities and facilitated conversation led by industry leaders. Register by August 29 to lock in current rates before prices increase, and don’t forget to book your hotel by September 22nd!…

On August 15, 2025, AGC of America sent a letter to Pres. Trump seeking changes to the mandate for project labor agreements (PLAs) on large-scale federal construction projects and a meeting to collaborate further. AGC has long opposed government initiatives requiring or prohibiting the use of PLAs and maintains that PLA use should be left to the discretion of the contractor. (A copy of AGC’s formal policy on government PLA mandates is available here.) The letter discusses practical problems with the federal mandate and offers practical recommendations for easing the burden on contractors and for advancing economy and efficiency in…