Construction Industry Advocacy

SWCA advocates for SW Washington contractors and those that support the construction industry through lobbying efforts, legislative lunches that connect our membership with regional elected leaders and city, county, and state level officials, as well as having influence through the Development and Engineering Advisory Board for Clark County.

The Southwest Washington Contractors Association (SWCA) is dedicated to championing the collective interests of our members in Olympia. Leading this charge is our Advocacy Advisory Group, informed by the expertise of our lobbyist, Brandon Houskeeper of Houskeeper Public Affairs. We’re thrilled to present the key priorities for 2025, crafted to bolster our members’ businesses, simplify operations, and pave the way for a robust future in Washington’s construction industry. Here’s what the Advocacy Advisory Group is tackling on behalf of the membership this year.

Priority 1: Simplifying Apprenticeship Compliance
The Advocacy Advisory Group is advocating for changes to apprenticeship utilization calculations on job sites. We’re proposing to exclude certain workers from these metrics. This change aims to ease compliance with apprenticeship laws for our members, reducing administrative strain while honoring the intent of workforce development. We see this as a practical step to support the daily operations of SWCA businesses across the region.

Priority 2: Supporting Small, Minority-Owned, and Women-Owned Businesses
Small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses are vital to the strength of our membership and the broader industry. The Advocacy Advisory Group understands that many within our community face hurdles in financial literacy, HR management, and regulatory compliance. We’re working with legislators to secure state-supported resources and tools to address these challenges.  What We’re Pursuing for the Membership:

• • Financial literacy programs designed for small businesses.
  • HR assistance to streamline compliance and operational efficiency.
  • State resources to help members complete jobs on time and within budget.

Priority 3: Tackling Housing Affordability
Housing affordability continues to dominate discussions in Olympia, and it’s a pressing issue for our members engaged in housing development. The Advocacy Advisory Group is pressing the state to eliminate barriers such as excessive regulations and delayed permitting processes. With private investment capital poised for action, Houskeeper highlights that clearing these obstacles is the most effective way to launch and complete affordable housing projects—enhancing both our members’ profitability and the well-being of our communities.