or more than 75 years, Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska has been dedicated to advocating, educating, and promoting its members’ interests. As a foundational force, AGC has played a key role in shaping Alaska’s infrastructure and advocating for impactful legislation. The organization has been a vital resource for members, helping them tackle Alaska’s unique challenges through innovative solutions.

As we move forward, we take time to look back on all the progress we have made over a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding, past year. From bridges and roads to schools, hospitals, and thriving businesses, AGC members have built the foundation for growth and opportunity. Through its unwavering advocacy, AGC has brought about positive change, fostering collaboration, competition, and unity within the industry. AGC has been and will always be the voice of Alaska’s construction industry.

AGC’s staff, Legislative Affairs Committee, board, and lobbyists work with members to advocate for key legislation and policies, ensuring contractors have a voice in decisions impacting the industry.

• National Advocacy Efforts
  In 2024, AGC spearheaded advocacy efforts on multiple policies and regulations:
  • Navigating Davis-Bacon Challenges: The US Department of Labor, or DOL, plans to appeal a court ruling that temporarily blocked parts of its expanded Davis-Bacon Act rules, challenged by AGC of America, which include new requirements for truck drivers and material suppliers. AGC argued the DOL unfairly applied the rules retroactively to contracts where the requirements were omitted, and a temporary injunction remains in effect while the appeal is considered.
  • Lawsuits Against Government-Mandated Project Labor Agreements, Or PLA: Multiple AGC member firms have filed pre-award bid protests against nine federal project solicitations, claiming that mandating PLAs on projects valued at $35 million or more violates the Competition in Contracting Act. The contract awards for each protested procurement have been paused pending court review, with a decision expected in early 2025.
  • Build America Buy America Act, or BABAA: AGC and industry allies filed an administrative action to address the Biden administration’s vague and unclear BABAA implementation. AGC has an active petition for rulemaking with the Office of Management and Budget for a streamlined waiver process and has created a contractor’s resource guide for BABAA. Additionally, AGC of Alaska collaborated with Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, or DOT&PF, to identify Alaska-specific concerns and supported DOT&PF efforts to communicate how challenging these requirements are, specifically within Alaska.
• Statewide Advocacy Efforts
  • STIP Advocacy: AGC closely followed the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) process, raising frequent concerns over the program with both DOT&PF and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). AGC members met with multiple stakeholders, including the Governor’s office and legislators, to offer contractors’ perspective and emphasize the negative economic impact to our state due to a less robust construction program.
  • Ambler Access Project: AGC joined fellow business and development associations in a press release strongly condemning the Biden Administration’s unlawful rejection of the essential right-of-way permit required for the construction of the Ambler Access Road.
  • West Susitna Project: AGC wrote a letter of support for the West Susitna Access Road Project, urging DOT&PF to move forward with the project’s development, considering the broad benefits this project will have on the construction industry and the state.
• Local Advocacy Efforts
  • AGC PAC Success: AGC’s Political Action Committee, or PAC, was actively involved in twenty-eight statewide races on Election Day and had a success rate of 91 percent in candidate support. AGC is looking forward to working with all newly elected and returning legislators.
  • Ballot Measure 1 Impacts: AGC joined dozens of fellow trade associations and businesses in opposition to Ballot Measure 1, which will provide a new mandatory sick leave policy, impact employers’ freedom of speech, and institute new minimum-wage requirements. Unfortunately, the initiative passed. AGC will focus on working with the state and key stakeholders throughout the regulatory writing process to ensure AGC members’ voices are heard.

AGC promotes the WeBuildAlaska campaign and partners with the education system to attract, activate, and engage the next generation of Alaska’s construction workforce, supporting programs that connect talent with local contractors.

• A Transformational Gift: In 2024, AGC donated $200,000 to the University of Alaska, or UA, Construction Management Workforce Initiative. The initiative is an industry/UA partnership to address the statewide workforce demand. The gift establishes a new endowment to enhance training and increase enrollment in construction programs at UAA, UAF, and UAS.
• AGC Scholarship: The AGC Workforce Development committee awarded eight scholarships totaling $30,000 in 2024. Through scholarship programs, AGC is proud to support students pursuing careers in the skilled trades and/or higher education throughout the state.
• Contractors in The Classroom: AGC’s Workforce Development committee launched the Contractor’s Classroom Playbook: A Blueprint for Contractors to Connect with Alaska’s Schools. The objective of this playbook is to equip contractors with the resources and information needed to connect with Alaska’s schools and engage, identify, and attract homegrown talent through highlighting the opportunities within our industry and the pathways for entering a career in the construction industry. In conjunction with the Contractor’s Classroom Playbook, AGC’s Workforce Development committee engaged with all eight of the comprehensive high schools in the Anchorage School District to assist with integrating the new Academies of Anchorage education model. Committee members spoke on benefits of and resources to join the construction industry to eleven schools, reaching more than 5,000 students.
• Industry and Educator Mixers: To further connect with local educators, AGC hosted two Industry and Educator Mixers, one each in Anchorage and Fairbanks, bringing together local high school teachers and AGC members to discuss ways to promote the construction industry to high school students.
• AGC Training Programs: AGC is continuously growing program offerings that improve the capabilities of our members and the professionalism of our industry at large. One of the pillars of our mission is to provide educational opportunities for our members so their employees can obtain the certifications necessary for jobsites. In addition to our popular AK-CESCL, CQM, and SWPPP trainings, AGC also offers: Bluebeam Baseline and Estimate Training; Project Engineer Certificate Course; Microsoft Excel Virtual Training Series; Bluebeam Revu for Administrative Professionals; Construction Correspondence and Business Writing; Reading Construction Documents; and Microsoft Excel for Construction Scheduling & Estimating.

Members kick off construction season at the 2024 AGC of Alaska Spring Agency Day at the Wedgewood Resort in Fairbanks.

Photo provided by AGC of Alaska

Membership with AGC is your “in” to Alaska’s vast construction industry network statewide. Member benefits cover your entire team and range from first-to-know access to new projects out for bid to ensuring employee retention by offering competitive retirement and health benefits.

• Online Plans: In 2024, AGC listed 1,994 project postings to our Online Plans site, making our members the first to know about new jobs/projects from both public and private sectors across the state of Alaska. AGC’s Online Plans has 2,024 active users who utilize the platform.
• AGC Health Benefit Trust: In 2024, AGC began offering members comprehensive group health benefits through the AGC Health Benefit Trust. AGC encourages members to explore this new benefit!
• Fairbanks Office Relocation: To better serve AGC’s Fairbanks members, AGC relocated its office space to a central location in downtown Fairbanks. Visit the new AGC Fairbanks office at 100 Cushman St., Suite 402.
• Labor Relations: In 2024, AGC successfully renegotiated one collective bargaining agreement on behalf of our industry and signatory members. AGC facilitated a successful contract negotiation with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. AGC would like to thank the members who dedicate time and serve a crucial role in ensuring these agreements are fair, equitable, and meet the needs of business for contractors who elect to do work under our Alaska-based agreements.
• AGC 401(k) Retirement Plan: AGC contractors can enroll in this cost-effective, low-maintenance 401(k) program for construction companies of all sizes. In 2024, thirty-four Alaska-based AGC contractors participated in the plan, contributing more than $2.8 million combined towards their employee’s retirement.

NOTE: All employees of AGC member companies are eligible for member-pricing discounts on all AGC training programs.

AIH team members grill up a storm at the 2024 AGC Sporting Clays Shoot.

Photos provided by AGC of Alaska

By forming strategic alliances with various Alaska trade associations, resource development organizations, and business groups, we have broadened our influence and advocated for the needs of Alaska’s construction sector. These collaborations have highlighted the achievements of our industry to the wider public.

• The Alaska Contractor Magazine: AGC produced four editions of the Alaska Contractor magazine, distributed to more than 5,000 individuals and available in key Alaska businesses and in Alaska Airlines lounges.
• Excellence in Construction: AGC saw thirty-two impressive projects submitted for consideration for the 2024 Parker, Smith & Feek Excellence in Construction Awards. After hours of deliberation, our judges selected winners for ten categories, including sustainability, transportation, marine, heavy, and vertical construction projects.
• Excellence in Safety: With feedback from safety professionals across the country, AGC was proud to present the ConocoPhillips Alaska Excellence in Safety Awards for 2024 at our annual conference. Five awards were given to worthy nominees, who lead the industry with innovative and thoughtful safety measures statewide.
• Sixty Years of Hard Hats: 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of AGC of Alaska’s most prestigious honor—the Hard Hat Award. Dave Johnson with Anchorage Sand & Gravel was awarded this year’s Hard Hat. Hard Hats also commemorated their 60th anniversary milestone by celebrating with a dinner and a special presentation by Mike Travis, author of The Landmen.
• Update to Governing Documents: This year, AGC undertook the significant task of fully updating two essential governing documents—its bylaws and policies and procedures—to better align with the needs of the association. This was a challenging endeavor, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to every member who contributed to the success of this important project.
• Jim Fergusson Legislative Citation: AGC of Alaska Life Board member and former Board President Jim Fergusson was presented a Legislative Citation in 2024 in a surprise ceremony at AGC’s Anchorage office. Sponsored by State Senator Cathy Giessel, Fergusson was lauded for his steadfast support and advocacy for more than fifty years in Alaska’s construction industry and was recognized for all he has done in the construction industry, including his work with the AIA, AGC, the CIPF, and more.

52 New Members In 2024
589 Active Chapter Members at 2024-Year-End
106 General Contractors
152 Specialty Contractors
322 Associate
9 Subsidiary

Of The 52 New Members In 2024:
9 General Contractors
29 Associate
14 Specialty Contractors

Attending AGC networking events provides valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals while participants enjoy a fun and engaging atmosphere.

• AGC hosted 20 member-networking events in 2024
• More than 190 members attended Construction Spending Forecast breakfasts
• There was a 7-minute record sellout for Annual Conference and Hard Hat Hustle Dinner Dance tickets
• 23 teams took part in the 2024 Sporting Clay Shoot
• 75 teams participated in Anchorage and Fairbanks Golf tournaments
• More than 100 attended Spring Agency Day
• More than 300 attended at the 2024 Safety Fair
• 20 teams participated in the Fairbanks Bowl-A-Thon fundraising event for AGC’s Scholarship Program
• 20 members attended the Legislative Fly-In
• AGC 101 for Legislators: AGC hosted a first-ever “AGC Construction 101” session for new and seasoned legislators in the Anchorage and Fairbanks areas. The goal of these sessions was to introduce elected officials to AGC leaders and to begin conversations on how best to work together in the upcoming legislative session.