AGC New Mexico Brings Policymakers to the Jobsite at Spaceport America
Sometimes the best way to understand New Mexico’s commercial construction industry is to get out of the meeting room and onto the jobsite.
AGC New Mexico recently welcomed House Republican Leader Gail Armstrong and Representative Minorty Whip Alan Martinez to Spaceport America for a legislative jobsite tour of the STARC building, currently under construction by AGC NM member Summit Construction.
The visit gave legislators an opportunity to see an active commercial construction project firsthand, meet directly with the contractor and project owner, and better understand what it takes to deliver major construction projects in New Mexico.
The STARC project itself provided a fitting backdrop. The new facility is being developed to support Spaceport America’s operations, technology, security, visitors, tenants and future growth.
Beyond the Jobsite Tour
Following the site visit, the group sat down for an industry briefing and an open conversation about the issues affecting contractors and construction across New Mexico.
The discussion included workforce development and the importance of continued investment in building New Mexico’s skilled workforce; regulatory and environmental policy; workplace safety; economic development and site readiness; and the practical impact that legislative and regulatory decisions can have on contractors, owners, employees and projects.
That exchange is exactly what AGC New Mexico hoped to accomplish.
Our role is not simply to talk about commercial construction during a legislative session. We want policymakers to see the work, meet the people delivering it, and better understand how decisions made in Santa Fe translate to an active jobsite.
Building Understanding Through Access
AGC New Mexico thanks Leader Armstrong and Representative Martinez for making the trip and engaging directly with the industry. We also thank Summit Construction and AGC NM Chapter President Patrick Thomas for opening the jobsite and facilitating the tour, along with the entire Spaceport America team for hosting the discussion.
This was the first of what we intend to make a much broader effort.
Be on the lookout in 2027. AGC New Mexico is planning a series of legislative jobsite tours at member projects throughout the state. Each tour will provide policymakers with a firsthand look at the people, projects and issues shaping New Mexico’s commercial construction industry.