AGC Northern District Report: Learn More About Washington’s New Millionaire’s Tax | Trust but verify:’ How Novo Construction compares drawing packages with AI | Max’d Out BBQ Serves Up Success for the Max Higbee Center

This upbeat networking event is designed to bring the construction community together in a relaxed setting. Enjoy bowling, appetizers, and beverages while catching up with colleagues and making new industry connections.
Conveniently located for members from both districts, this social offers a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, strengthen relationships, and expand your network in a welcoming atmosphere. Generous support from our sponsors DEWALT and MacDonald Miller Facility Solutions adds to the experience, with refreshments and a door prize drawing included.
Registration is just $20, and space is limited. Signing up in advance ensures your spot, drink tickets, and entry into the prize drawing.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with the best in Western Washington’s construction community, recharge, and build relationships that move your business forward. REGISTER TODAY….

Join us for a fun-filled late afternoon at our 2026 Safe-Summer "Hoppy Hour!"
Come on out to Farmstrong Brewing in Mt. Vernon and enjoy some great brews, lively company, the summer vibe -- and, of course, talking about safety!
Why attend?
• Network  Connect with fellow safety professionals.
• Learn  Get the latest safety updates and insights.
• Share  Exchange experiences and tips to enhance safety practices.
This event is free for AGC members. Don't miss out on this valuable and fun opportunity. REGISTER TODAY…

Learn More About Washington’s New Millionaire’s Tax
AGC member Larson Gross recently hosted a webinar explaining Washington’s new Millionaire’s Tax and what it could mean for individuals and business owners.
The presentation covers who may be affected, when the tax takes effect, and some of the planning considerations people should be thinking about now. To watch the recording and learn more on how this tax may impact you Click here
Thank you to Larson Gross for sharing this information with AGC members.

The AGC of Washington Northern District recently welcomed Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-02) for visits to two major construction projects that demonstrate how Washington contractors are helping deliver critical infrastructure improvements, environmental restoration, and long-term community benefits.
The tour began July 30th at Granite Construction's Secret Creek Fish Passage Project near Arlington, a $50 million WSDOT design-build project that will remove barriers to fish migration along Secret Creek at Interstate 5 and Old Highway 99. The project includes installation of large arch culverts and stream habitat enhancements designed to restore access to native spawning areas while improving the resilience of the transportation corridor.

Congressman Larsen also visited IMCO Construction's R.G. Haley Cleanup and Cornwall Avenue Landfill Project on the Bellingham waterfront. The nearly $49 million project is transforming former industrial and landfill properties into the future Salish Landing Park through extensive environmental remediation, shoreline restoration, habitat improvements, and public infrastructure development. The effort includes one of the Pacific Northwest's largest eelgrass harvesting and transplantation programs, helping restore critical marine habitat while creating new public access to the waterfront.
The project tours provided an opportunity for AGC members and project teams to discuss the importance of continued investment in transportation, environmental cleanup, and habitat restoration projects. Together, these projects highlight the vital role Washington's construction industry plays in building infrastructure, creating family-wage jobs, and improving the communities and natural resources that support the region's economy.

(From Construction Dive) Colin Stoner, chief information officer for Novo Construction, describes the time saved in comparing drawings, traditionally a tedious process, with a new tool.
Comparing drawings can be a time-consuming and tedious process. Novo Construction, based in Menlo Park, California, has turned to an artificial intelligence-enabled tool to help.

Novo has used BuildCheck, a software that performs AI-driven drawing review for city comments, RFIs and change orders, according to its website. Now, BuildCheck’s product, Diffs, has helped the builder on two different California projects, said Novo Chief Information Officer Colin Stoner. Diffs compares drawings with previous versions, helping professionals find their own diffs, or inconsistencies between drawings, faster.

Help AGC Measure Today’s Construction Workforce Challenges

Survey closes Aug. 14; results will be released the week before Labor Day
AGC of America, in partnership with NCCER, is asking members to complete its annual Workforce Survey to help measure the challenges shaping today’s construction market. This year’s survey examines workforce shortages, the growing impact of data center construction on labor availability, project delays tied to tariffs and supply chain issues, and how changes in immigration enforcement are affecting contractors. The more members who complete the survey, the better we can measure the workforce and market challenges facing the construction industry and advocate for policies that address them. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by Aug. 14.

The inaugural Max’d Out BBQ Battle of the Contractors on August 1 by AGC member Hardware Sales brought the community together for great food, friendly competition, and fundraising for the Max Higbee Center. The family-friendly event featured BBQ competitions, games, music, a silent auction, and activities supporting recreation and community opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Whatcom County.
Hosted by Hardware Sales and the Max Higbee Center, six contractor teams competed in brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and People’s Choice categories.

VIP judges included Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, BTC President Jim Lemerond, North Coast Credit Union CEO A.C. Griffith, Max Higbee Center Board Member Naaman Hinton, and AGC of Washington's Lance Calloway.
Community support was overwhelming, with all BBQ selling out by 1:00 p.m. Proceeds from food sales, the dunk tank, silent auction, and a portion of Hardware Sales' retail sales benefited the Max Higbee Center.
The event highlighted the power of community partnerships and the construction industry’s commitment to supporting local organizations, making the first-ever Max’d Out BBQ a tremendous success.

Build the Future. Share Your Feedback.
Take the AGC Education Foundation Survey and help shape workforce development priorities across the Northern District.
The success of our industry depends on a skilled workforce, making ongoing education and professional development more important than ever. The AGC Education Foundation is seeking feedback on how we can better serve you, AGC Education Foundation, and your workforce development needs.

We ask that you please take a few minutes to complete this short survey and share your thoughts on training, education, and workforce initiatives that are most important to you and AGC Education Foundation. You may access the survey through the link Survey Link Here

Thank you in advance for your input and for helping us strengthen AGC's education and workforce development efforts throughout the Northern District.

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

Fall Protection Competent Person
Aug 13; 7:30am - 11:30am | AGC Seattle Bldg.- First Floor Training Room

Scaffold User Competent Person
Aug 13; 12:00pm - 4:00pm | AGC Seattle Bldg.- First Floor Training Room

MS Project 2: Managing a Schedule
Aug 19; 12:00pm - 4:30pm | AGC Seattle Bldg. - Emerald Room

Remote CESCL: Stormwater BMPs for Construction
Aug 25; 8:00am - 5:00pm | Remote Class

Trenching & Shoring Competent Person
Sep 1; 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.