TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) convened a pivotal roundtable discussion last week, bringing together U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Congressman Juan Ciscomani, and local construction industry leaders to address the workforce challenges facing Arizona’s booming construction sector.

The event, held May 5 at the ABA’s Tucson office, centered on urgent issues such as workforce shortages, regulatory hurdles, and strategies for developing a sustainable pipeline of skilled labor. The discussion highlighted the need for coordinated action between government and industry to meet growing construction demands statewide.

“Our round-table discussion with Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Rep. Ciscomani was a unifying moment for the Arizona construction industry,” said Kim Davids, president of the Arizona Builders Alliance. “Addressing workforce shortages and regulatory challenges head-on is crucial for our industry’s growth and sustainability.”

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, sharing insights from her leadership experience, underscored the importance of expanding educational and apprenticeship opportunities to equip workers with necessary skills. She also acknowledged the role of public-private partnerships in tackling the labor gap.

Rep. Ciscomani detailed his legislative efforts aimed at easing workforce shortages and removing burdensome regulations that could impede construction progress. “You’re building Arizona. You’re building this country,” Ciscomani told the group. “The current shortage of skilled construction workers is driving costs higher and causing project delays.”

In addition to addressing federal policy, the roundtable explored local solutions to workforce challenges. ABA members raised concerns about how Arizona’s legalization of marijuana could affect jobsite safety, and they urged policymakers to balance safety standards with evolving state laws.

“We need to ensure that any policies around legalized marijuana don’t inadvertently compromise safety on construction sites,” said an ABA member during the discussion.

Several participants, including leaders from Barker Contracting and JB Steel, also advocated for reforms to streamline legal immigration pathways, emphasizing that a stronger immigrant workforce is essential for meeting demand.

Chavez-DeRemer assured attendees that she would follow up on their concerns and pledged to return to Arizona for future conversations. Her commitment reinforced the ABA’s role as a bridge between industry stakeholders and government officials.

“This discussion is just the beginning,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I look forward to working together to build a stronger, safer, and more skilled construction workforce.”

For more information about the Arizona Builders Alliance’s advocacy and workforce development programs, visit azbuilders.org.

Originally reported by News Tucson.