AGC Northern District Report: Striking Workers Must Search for Work to Receive Unemployment Benefits | AGO shares guidance on I-9 audits; webinar Sept. 23 | AGC Build Washington Awards: Put Your Best Work in the Spotlight!

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!!

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 AGC of WA) Editor’s note: To read about AGC’s position on I-645, which will appear on the November ballot and would repeal Washington’s new income tax, please click here. If the tax remains in effect, AGC wants members to understand its implications. We thank AGC member Larson Gross for providing this important information.

Quick Tip 1: Know the Starting Line
Washington’s new 9.9% individual income tax begins January 1, 2028, with the first returns and payments generally due in 2029. For a construction-company owner, the $1 million threshold is not based on the company’s gross revenue, backlog, contract values, or annual billings. It is determined through the owner’s individual Washington tax calculation after applicable adjustments and the $1 million standard deduction.
Quick Tip 2: $1 Million of AGI Is Not the Whole Story
The calculation starts with federal adjusted gross income, but Washington then applies specific adjustments to determine Washington taxable income. For owners of S corporations, partnerships, or LLCs, the starting amount may include K-1 income, wages, guaranteed payments, investment income, and transaction proceeds. Construction owners should remember that project billings, work in progress, cash distributions, and taxable income are different measurements, so an owner may report taxable income even when cash remains in the business. READ MORE…

(From AGC of WA) Washington’s new law allowing striking workers to receive unemployment benefits will operate differently than originally planned following guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor.
The 2025 law allows striking workers to receive up to six weeks of unemployment benefits. Washington had planned to waive the normal job search requirement for workers while on strike.
However, the U.S. Department of Labor recently informed the state that waiving the requirement conflicts with federal unemployment insurance rules. As a result, striking workers must actively seek work and meet the same job search requirements as other unemployment benefit recipients to qualify for benefits.
AGC was part of a coalition that asked the U.S. Department of Labor for guidance on this issue. While the law remains in place, the federal guidance adds an important limitation on how benefits can be administered and could reduce its impact on construction employers affected by strikes.
AGC will continue to monitor implementation of the law and any additional guidance from the Employment Security Department. For more information contact AGC’s Michele Willms.

(From AGC of WA) Ahead of the state Immigrant Worker Protection Act taking full effect on Oct. 1, the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is providing guidance and materials to help employers meet obligations under the law. In addition, the AGO is providing a webinar for AGC members on the new law on Sept. 23. Registration and more info on the webinar available here.
The law requires that employers inform workers within five business days when federal agents have issued a notice to conduct an inspection of workers’ employment eligibility documents, known as I-9 forms. The Attorney General’s Office has now issued guidance to help employers meet their new legal obligations under RCW 49.97, as well as materials for businesses, including a mandatory workplace poster and model notice forms in multiple languages. READ MORE…

Maybe it’s an outstanding project your team delivered. Maybe it’s a safety program that is making a real difference. Or perhaps it’s an innovative idea, community initiative or leadership effort that deserves recognition. If you’re proud of it, enter it! The awards provide more than a trophy. Winning companies receive recognition through AGC of Washington, social media, the Daily Journal of Commerce, the Build Washington Awards program and the annual awards celebration.
Don’t assume someone else will enter. Tell your story, celebrate your team and put your best work in the spotlight.
Applications open September 21. Entries are due October 22, 2026. For more information and application details Click here.

(From Fox 13 Seattle) As a new school year begins and students evaluate future career paths, artificial intelligence is reshaping classrooms and everyday life. But amid the uncertainty surrounding AI, leaders in the construction industry hope more young people are inspired to enter the trades—just as the sector faces a massive labor shortage.
"I think it is the most important because these are the people doing it, you don’t got robots out here building houses for people or putting your plumbing in," said Matthew West, a high school student who has studied welding. "I think it’s really cool, I’ve learned a lot and I’ve met a lot of new people." READ MORE…

Did your project team go above and beyond to overcome challenges and successfully deliver a WSDOT project? It’s time to get recognized!
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Partnership for Excellence in Contract Administration Awards, a joint AGC/WSDOT program celebrating outstanding contractor-WSDOT partnerships and the project teams behind them.
The awards recognize project teams that demonstrate exceptional collaboration in delivering transportation projects safely, efficiently and professionally. Winning projects showcase what can happen when contractors and WSDOT work together to overcome challenges, communicate effectively, involve stakeholders and find innovative ways to keep projects moving.
Award categories are available for projects of varying sizes in Eastern and Western Washington, as well as statewide categories for Design-Bid-Build projects over $10 million and Design-Build projects.
Eligible projects must be administered by WSDOT and have major construction activities completed. Contractors and WSDOT Project Engineers are encouraged to work together on nominations, although either party may initiate the process.
Get your nomination turned in by October 2!
Winning teams will be honored at the AGC/WSDOT Annual Meeting on January 7, 2027, where contractors and WSDOT leaders from across the state will come together to recognize the year’s outstanding projects and partnerships.
2026 nomination forms are available on the WSDOT/AGC Industry Partners webpage (you will need to scroll down to find the information).
For questions, contact Mike Niedringhaus at Mike.Niedringhaus@aecom.com.

Calling All Women in Construction — Let’s Connect! NAWIC North End Mixer
Join NAWIC Puget Sound for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community at Aslan Brewing Company in Bellingham!
Whether you’re a longtime NAWIC member, new to the industry, or simply interested in connecting with women and allies in construction, AEC, and our greater North End community, we’d love to have you join us.
This is a casual mixer—no presentations, no agenda, just an opportunity to expand your network, strengthen industry relationships, and learn more about the NAWIC Puget Sound community.

Monday, September 28th | 4:00–6:00 PM
Aslan Brewing | Bellingham, WA
FREE & OPEN TO ALL! REGISTER HERE
You do not need to be a NAWIC member to attend.

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

Design Build Workshop

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

Remote CESCL: Stormwater BMPs for Construction

Sep 29; 8:00am - 5:00pm | Remote Class

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

Sep 29; 9:00am - 12:00pm | AGC Building 2nd Floor Conference Center

Construction Quality Management

Oct 5; 8:00am - 4:30pm | Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Trenching & Shoring Competent Person

Oct 6; 12:00pm - 4:00pm | First Floor Training Room

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.