AGC Northern District Report: New Immigrant Worker Protection/I-9 Audit Law | Resiliency in Turbulent Times: How Contractors Can Prepare for What's Next | Rebuilding Construction: Why Disruptors Are Betting On Women

Join fellow Northern District HR and management professionals for an interactive roundtable discussion focused on the evolving workforce, compliance, and employment law challenges facing Washington's commercial construction industry.This peer-to-peer conversation will provide an opportunity to share practical experiences, discuss emerging state and federal requirements, and exchange strategies for managing workforce issues while maintaining successful project operations.
Discussion topics may include key workforce, compensation, compliance, and retention issues affecting employers, including hiring practices, prevailing wage requirements, HR administration, immigration-related protections, supervisor liability, and the impact of evolving employment laws and regulations.

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, learn how other companies are responding to changing regulations, and gain valuable insights that can help strengthen your organization's HR and workforce practices. We look forward to a lively and productive discussion. FREE to AGC Members. Register today!!

When an emergency happens on a jobsite, in the office, or in the field, the first few minutes can make all the difference. While most organizations hope they never face a serious incident, preparation and training determine how effectively people respond when the unexpected occurs.
Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on what actually happens during the critical moments of an emergency, before first responders arrive. This session will provide practical guidance for leaders, supervisors, and employees seeking to strengthen their organization's emergency preparedness and build a lasting culture of safety.
This presentation reviews the complete workplace emergency response process, from recognition and 911 activation through recovery and preparedness. Participants will learn practical approaches to improve communication, strengthen leadership, and build employee confidence, helping create a safer workplace where everyone is prepared to act when every second counts. FREE to AGC Members. Register today!

New requirements under Washington’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act (HB 2105) take effect this fall, creating new responsibilities for employers when federal agencies conduct Form I-9 inspections and other immigration-related workplace enforcement activities.
Join AGC and representatives from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. for a contractor-focused virtual webinar explaining the new law and what employers should do to prepare. The discussion will focus particularly on new employee notification and posting requirements, required notices following I-9 inspections, restrictions involving access to worker records, and other employer compliance obligations. Questions or need help? Contact AGC Lobbyist Michele Willms. Register TODAY!

Plan to join Lauren Gubbe, AGC of Washington Director of the Group Retro Program, for a practical and informative discussion focused on Experience Modification Rate (EMR) management and effective claims management strategies. This program is designed to help contractors better understand the factors that influence their workers' compensation costs, improve claim outcomes, and strengthen their overall safety and risk management performance.
AGC Retro Participants will receive their prospective 2027 EMR at the meeting, and if you are not in the AGC Retro program, we will send you a release to obtain your 2027 prospective EMR before the meeting so you can have it in hand to walk through the calculation or you can just use the example EMR worksheet we will provide.
Come and learn how EMRs are calculated, how workplace injury claims impact future insurance costs, and the proactive steps employers can take to manage claims effectively from injury occurrence through resolution. Lauren will also provide insights into common claim management challenges, best practices, and opportunities available through AGC of Washington's Group Retro Program.
Why Participate?

• Gain a better understanding of how your EMR affects competitiveness and project opportunities.

• Learn strategies to reduce workers' compensation costs and improve claim outcomes.

• Understand the employer's role in the claims process and return-to-work programs.

• Identify opportunities to improve safety performance and financial results.

• Receive expert guidance from AGC of Washington's Group Retro Program leadership.

• Network with fellow Northern District contractors and share best practices.

Whether you are an owner, executive, safety professional, human resources manager, or operations leader, this session will provide valuable tools to help protect your workforce and your bottom line. FREE to AGC Members. REGISTER TODAY…

From economic uncertainty and shifting public policy to workforce challenges and rising costs, contractors are being asked to navigate a rapidly changing business environment. The companies that succeed in the years ahead will be those that can adapt quickly, make informed decisions, and stay focused on what they can control.
Join Hart Hodges, Director of Western Washington University's Center for Economic and Business Research; Jerry Vanderwood, Chief Lobbyist for AGC of Washington; and Tom Doll, Executive Business Consultant with TD Partners, for a candid discussion about the economic, political, and business forces shaping the construction industry today.
Hart Hodges will provide insight into economic conditions and what they may mean for contractors in the coming years. Jerry Vanderwood will share perspectives on legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting the industry. Facilitated by Tom Doll, the discussion will connect these external trends to the practical leadership, financial, and operational decisions construction companies must make to remain competitive and resilient.
Through audience participation, live polling, and Q&A, attendees will leave with a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead, and practical insights to help their organizations respond pro-actively with confidence.
Whether you are an owner, executive, CFO, project manager, estimator, superintendent, foreman, or emerging leader, this program will provide valuable perspective on where the industry is headed and how your company can prepare for success in 2027 and beyond.
Because while no one can predict the future, the most successful contractors are building organizations that are ready for whatever comes next. FREE to attend for AGC Members REGISTER TODAY…

(From Association of WA Business) Gov. Bob Ferguson’s new Economic Development Council — the state’s first dedicated economic development body in 20 years — convened for the first time on Wednesday. The 26-member council, which includes business, labor, educational and tribal leaders, will advise the governor on a statewide economic development plan, due in June 2027.
In a social media post, Gov. Ferguson said Washington is a great place but we cannot take our strengths for granted. "It was valuable to hear from members directly, and start the conversation on strategies to further grow our economy," Ferguson said.
The business members include leaders of small, family-owned companies and some of the state’s largest employers, across aerospace, manufacturing, agriculture, retail, technology and more.
AWB President Kris Johnson will serve on the council along with Washington Roundtable President Rachel Smith, who is the chair. At the first meeting, Johnson shared how he views the council’s work and opportunities ahead.
For too long, he said, economic development has been treated as an event rather than an ongoing activity. READ MORE…

(From Construction Business Owner) The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 7.1% from July 2025 to July 2026 as numerous input prices accelerated to multiyear highs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) of government data. Association officials called for reduced and stable tariffs for construction inputs, along with prompt enactment of a highway and transit funding bill.
"Construction firms are being hit with outsized cost increases for a host of materials and also labor," said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. "Unless there is relief from tariffs or additional funding for highway and transit projects, both private and public construction work face cutbacks." READ MORE…

(From Forbes) The skilled trades are facing a silent epidemic, a massive brain drain as Baby Boomers and Gen-X workers retire. But inside this crisis lies one of the greatest economic opportunities of our time: the rise of women in the trades. Historically underrepresented in blue-collar industries, women are entering construction, engineering, and specialty trades in growing numbers, representing the industry’s most critical talent pool. However, capturing this momentum requires capturing institutional knowledge, modernizing jobsite culture and building inclusive operational systems before retiring experts walk off the job.
According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), 41% of the U.S. construction workforce is expected to retire by 2031. Furthermore, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) estimates the U.S. construction industry must attract approximately 349,000 net new workers in 2026 alone just to keep supply and demand in balance. READ MORE…

For the complete on-line Fall 2026 class list and registration click here

Remote Foreman Training Program - FTP

Sep 15; 4:30pm - 7:30pm | Remote Class

MS Project 1: Building a Schedule

Sep 16; 12:00pm - 4:30pm | AGC Building Seattle - Emerald Room

Remote Supervisory Training Program - STP Unit 1: Leadership & Motivation

Sep 21; 5:00pm - 8:00pm | Remote Class

Remote P6 for Construction: Construction Scheduling

Sep 23; 10:00am - 4:00pm | Remote Class

Design Build Workshop

Sep 24; 8:30am - 3:30pm | AGC Seattle Building 2nd Floor Conference Center

Gain Your Competitive Edge: AGC EDGE
Introducing AGC’s Live Virtual Training
-- the same high-quality learning experience and expert instruction you expect from AGC's in-person classroom training, but from the comfort of your home or work computer.