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Economic Development Corporation approves continued funding for Construction Allies in Action to support local contractor capacity
Summary
The EDC approved a $30,000 contribution to Construction Allies in Action for an expanded programming year; the organization's leader and a participant described contractor assessments, capacity building and how city support helps minority and women‑owned firms access contracts.
The Economic Development Corporation voted to continue financial support for Construction Allies in Action, approving a $30,000 request to expand the program’s contractor capacity work.
Christian (staff) said the request represents the fourth year of EDC funding and that the current ask reflects enhanced programming. “This is approximately one half of the strategic plan implementation line item in your budget,” he said, describing the program as a supply‑side approach that strengthens minority, women and small local contractors so they can compete for larger prime contracts.
Elizabeth Boulevard Strong, the program director, outlined assessments of contractor capacity and a high‑touch support model that includes contract coaching, bonding help and relationship building. “What changes their trajectory is the invisible work we do daily… the late night calls, the contract coaching, the back office support,” she told the board.
Program participant Allison Castillo, CEO of Ultimate Caulking, said the program helped her company grow and access customers and contracts since joining in May 2023.
Board members asked about other funding sources; staff and the presenter listed RDV and other grants used to supplement EDC funding and emphasized ongoing outreach to developers and primes to use the contractor directory. The EDC approved the $30,000 funding request by voice vote.
Why it matters: the funding supports a local capacity‑building program that city staff and commissioners said is a key pipeline to meet inclusion plan goals for city projects and to retain project dollars locally.
What’s next: staff will process the funding and the program will continue contractor assessments, apprenticeship and relationship work; board members encouraged stronger developer engagement and referral to the program.
Ending: funding approved by voice vote; program leaders thanked the board for continued support.
