When new opportunities are embraced, the economy and workforce are strengthened. The latest Subcontractors USA-Texas Journal features information on upcoming opportunities and possibilities that will inspire the subcontractors' community to take a leap forward and get involved.
This month’s cover story highlights the several school districts across the state that are proposing bond packages for voters to consider on Election Day – Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. If approved, these bonds would fund a range of projects, including the construction of new campuses, renovations for existing schools, upgrading technology, and implementing better safety precautions.
The Houston Independent School District (HISD), which is the largest school district
CONTENTS
“Innovation is the ability to see change as an opportunity, not a threat.”
— Steve Jobs
in Texas, is among those districts proposing a historic $4.4 billion bond package, set to be the biggest in its history. Unlike previous bonds, which targeted specific campuses, this proposal will impact every school in the district.
School district bonds offer several benefits to both the community and the educational system. These bonds, typically approved by voters, provide funding for various school-related projects.
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Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr.
CERTIFIED: HMSDC Port Houston Metro City of Houston HISD HUB VBE
TEXAS SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS HOSTS 85TH ANNUAL
CONFERENCE & DESIGN EXPO
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
The 85th Annual Conference & Design Expo hosted by the Texas Society of Architects (TxA) was on Oct. 3-5, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center and Marriott Marquis Houston. This event was a gathering for professionals across the architecture and design industries to connect, learn, and explore the future of the field.
The theme for this year's conference, "The BRIDGE," highlighted the importance of connecting architecture with evolving technology, sustainability, and community. Known for its innovation, Houston is an ideal backdrop for this architectural exploration, providing real-life examples of urban growth and environmental challenges.
“We, as architects and designers, are afforded the opportunity to create the unexpected in our work. We create moments of pause and reflection in and through our projects. We have the power to unite communities, bring voice to the underrepresented, and infuse sustainable approaches ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of all those that we serve. We are the bridge.”
The conference featured high-profile keynote speakers who are at the forefront of architecture, design, and urban development. These speakers discussed emerging trends, innovative solutions, and the role of architects in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, housing shortages, and evolving urban environments.
Attendees had access to a variety of educational sessions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills. These
When we think of a bridge, we most likely think of a physical structure tying two places together — often overcoming an impassable path and providing views to terrain that would otherwise be obscured. In a musical composition, a bridge can serve as a key opportunity to incorporate change and yield the unexpected; presenting the listener with a shift in tone that may change our outlook,
CENTURY COMMUNITIES CELEBRATES
sessions covered everything from cutting-edge technology to best practices in sustainable design, making the conference both informative and practical for maintaining professional credentials.
The expo highlighted the latest innovations, from eco-friendly building materials to advanced digital design tools. The expo offered hands-on experiences, allowing attendees to explore the newest trends and technologies.
Networking Opportunities
Networking was a key aspect of the conference, with multiple opportunities for professionals to connect. Social events and workshops allowed attendees to exchange ideas and discuss collaborations. Sessions were designed for young professionals and students, allowing them to engage with established industry leaders.
The BRIDGE: 85th Annual Conference & Design Expo appeared to be an invaluable experience for architecture and design professionals. The annual event provides an important forum for tackling the challenges and opportunities of modern architecture.
Source: Texas Society of Architects
NEAR SAN ANTONIO
entury Communities, Inc. — one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2024— held a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony with the City of Leon Valley this summer for Senna, its newest San Antonio metro community.
This neighborhood will offer five versatile single-family floor plans from the mid $300s in Leon Valley, a news release stated.
"Senna brings over 80 new homesites with a beautiful floor plan lineup to the northwest San Antonio area, all in a prime location near
employment and entertainment hubs," said Eric Runge, San Antonio Division President.
With model home construction underway, we look forward to having homebuyers explore the community and find their best fit. Now's the perfect time to join our interest list for grand opening updates and more.
Senna's modern floor plans offer a range of luxurious features, including 42" kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, 9' main-floor ceilings, luxury vinyl plank flooring, landscaping package, 6' privacy fences, and the company's Century Home Connect® smart home ecosystem.
Source: Century Communities, Inc.
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Photo courtesy of Century Communities, Inc.
Derwin Broughton, AIA, NOMA, 2024 TxA President, is quoted saying on the event website.
DALLAS CITY COUNCIL AWARDS OVER
$187M
FOR KEY KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON CONVENTION CENTER PROJECTS D
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
allas City Council awarded over $187 million in contracts Wednesday, September 11 for key components of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) Master Plan.
The council awarded a $141.5 million contract to Perkins&Will and Populous for architectural, engineering, and design services for the Convention Center Expansion West of Lamar (Component 1). Perkins&Will and Populous have committed
to over 50% minority- and women-owned business enterprise (M/WBE) participation, a news release from the city stated.
The city council also approved $42 million in city contributions and $31 million in federal funding, including $20 million from the Reconnecting Communities grant program awarded through a partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG). This funding will reportedly be used to construct the foundations for three deck caps, as well as the capping and foundation of the Lamar crossing, which is near the KBHCCD.
Metropolitan Infrastructure, PLLC, a Dallas-based M/WBE
CONSTRUCTION
SIMONE BILES’ NEW RESTAURANT UNDER CONSTRUCTION INSIDE BUSH AIRPORT
firm, was awarded a contract exceeding $3.7 million to manage Component 5. With a 99.3% overall M/WBE team, they will oversee the renovation of Pioneer Plaza and Cemetery.
Convention and Event Services is leading a team of architects, engineers, and other contractors to design a Convention Center district from Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station to Old City Park that will connect surrounding communities, meet convention attendees’ evolving needs, and position Dallas as a top-tier event and conference destination.
“The City Council has made a transformational investment to realize the vision for a reimagined Convention Center district,” said Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “The local and global expertise of our project partners will be instrumental in creating a facility that not only meets current and future convention demands but connects the surrounding residential community and serves downtown workers, benefitting Dallas economic growth and social vibrancy for generations.”
With more than 40 conventions booked in the facility scheduled to open in 2029, the new KBHCCD expansion plans include:
• 800,000 square feet of exhibit hall space
• 170,000 square feet of ballroom space, including a 100,000-square-foot largest ballroom
• 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms
• 2,000 parking spaces
For more information about the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan, visit DallasCCMasterPlan.com.
Source: City of Dallas
By Subcontractors USA
According to Houston Airports, the collaboration is set to enhance the diversity of culinary options at Bush Airport, which ranks among the Top 10 World’s Best Airport Dining Experiences in 2024.
The chef-crafted menu will feature signature food and beverage items curated by restaurant industry innovator Mark Brezinski.
“I am very excited to partner with The Playmakers Group and their dedicated team to help bring a new restaurant to my hometown airport,” Biles said. “I am a foodie at heart, and our hope with Taste of Gold is to offer a beautiful dining experience that features award-winning, signature menu items with some of my favorite flavors sprinkled in for our guests.”
“Bush Airport is proud to offer one of the top airport culinary experiences in the world and it’s only going to get better,” Francisco Cuellar, Chief Commercial Development Officer for Houston Airports, said.
We join the millions of people around the world who find inspiration in Simone Biles, an athlete who continues to raise the bar while achieving success and defying expectations. Houston Airports is on the same history-making trajectory as we redefine what it means to dine inside an airport.
SSP America will operate Taste of Gold. This latest concept will support SSP America in creating even more local jobs.
“Simone Biles is the ultimate symbol of excellence,” said Taste of Gold’s managing partner, Derek Missimo. “Her incredible achievements, inspirational leadership, and spirit align with our values at the Playmakers Group. We are incredibly honored to partner with her on this restaurant which will offer something truly special to our guests and the Houston airport community.”
A Taste of Gold is under construction inside IAH Terminal A and will open near Gate A8 in the first quarter of 2025.
Source: Houston Airports
Photo courtesy of City of Dallas
Photo courtesy of Houston Airports
imone Biles - a world-renowned gymnast and Houston native - is developing a new restaurant at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) called Taste of Gold, in partnership with The Playmakers Group.
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2024 NAMC HOUSTON CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS EXPO
The 2024 National Association of Minority Contractors - Houston Construction Business Expo, which was held on Wednesday, September 18 at the Norris Conference Center, was an opportunity for major government agencies, prime contractors, MBE contractors, and service providers to reach the fastest-growing network of MBE construction contractors in Houston at one place and at one time.
13 FACULTY TEAMS FROM PVAMU , TEXAS A&M RECEIVE PRISE GRANTS
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
Prairie View A&M University and Texas A&M University announced the awarding of $520,000 to 13 teams of faculty investigators as part of the 2024 Panther Research and Innovation for Scholarly Excellence grant program. Now in its fourth year, this initiative continues to fund collaborative research addressing national and global challenges.
The PRISE grant program is a joint effort by PVAMU and Texas A&M, the two land-grant universities in Texas and members of The Texas A&M University System. According to a news release, the program is designed to stimulate collaborative proposals from both institutions in six strategic research themes: Community and Economic Resilience, Emerging Technologies and Innovations, Health and Quality of Life, National Security, Space Exploration and Sustainability and Environment.
“Collaboration among our faculty-researchers is a powerful driver of advanced discovery and innovation,” said Dr. Jack G. Baldauf, Texas A&M’s vice president for research. “The PRISE grants enable our faculties to come together and tackle the significant challenges of our time, fostering advancements that benefit society as a whole.”
A panel of PVAMU and Texas A&M faculty members reviewed 57 proposals. Each selected proposal will receive $40,000 for one year, enabling the investigator teams to make substantial progress and submit strong proposals to external funding agencies for continued research, TAMU System officials said.
“The PRISE program is a testament to the strength and potential of collaborative research across institutions,” said Dr. Magesh Rajan, PVAMU’s vice president for research and innovation.
These projects not only foster lasting professional relationships but also open new avenues for innovative research and discovery made possible by advancements in current technologies.
Dr. Jorge Alvarado, professor, Department of Engineering Technology, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Ziaul Huque, professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Numerical and experimental characterization of low-noise vertical axis wind turbine.”
Dr. Spencer Behmer, professor, Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M and Dr. Charcacia Sanders, assistant professor, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, PVAMU: “RNAi as a novel method for controlling grasshoppers and locusts.”
Dr. Faruque Hasan, associate professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Nabila Shamim , assistant professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Exploring ionic liquids as sustainable solvents for ambient temperature carbon capture.”
Dr. Sheng-Jen Hsieh , professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Richard Griffin, professor, Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology, Roy G.
Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Just-in-time and precise irrigation of specialty crops for water conservation.”
Dr. Sungmin Lee , assistant professor, Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M and Dr. Ling Wu , assistant professor, Department of Justice Studies, College of Juvenile Justice, PVAMU: “Understanding heataggression dynamics: Crafting adaptive strategies through data-driven approach and master planning.”
Dr. Dongying Li, associate professor, Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M and Dr. Xiaobo Peng , associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Developing and evaluating scalable digital twin therapeutic interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders.”
Dr. Tie Liu , professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Lijun Qian, professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Leveraging generative AI technologies for trustworthy offline optimization.”
Dr. Zhipeng Lu , assistant professor, Department of Architecture, College of Architecture, Texas A&M and Dr. Huiyi Xu , assistant professor, Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, PVAMU: “Examining the influence of environmental interventions on health and behavioral outcomes of children with autism.”
Dr. Tapasree Roy Sarkar, assistant professor, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M and Dr. Gururaj Neelgund , assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, PVAMU: “Nanoengineered materials to target cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-associated tumor progression.”
Dr. Manish Shetty, assistant professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Emmanuel Dada , assistant professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCS) for tandem polyolefin depolymerization.”
Dr. Jian Tao, assistant professor, Department of Visualization, School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, Texas A&M and Dr. Ripendra Awal, professor, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, PVAMU: “Development of a digital twin model for optimizing sorghum cultivation.”
Dr. Shiren Wang , professor, Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Lai Jiang , associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering, PVAMU: “Flexible and recyclable printed electronics on nanopapers.”
Dr. Feng Zhao, associate professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M and Dr. Yunxiang Gao, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, PVAMU: “Utilizing liquid crystalline elastomer for anisotropic tissue engineering innovations.”
Source: Prairie View A&M University
THE SELECTED TEAMS AND PROJECTS ARE:
Photo courtesy of Prairie View A&M University
Keith “MR. D -MARS” Davis, Sr.
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAUNCHES
NEW AVIATION WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM
Houston Community College (HCC) has a new aircraft for its comprehensive aviation maintenance technician program.
The plane – a single-engine Cessna 150 – will be housed at the college’s North Forest campus.
The program is being developed after HCC won a $430,000 Aviation Workforce Development Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It will help to address the
growing demand for skilled aviation technicians in the region. HCC officials are working with industry experts to ensure state-of-the-art facilities and a robust curriculum that prepares students for FAA certification and successful careers in the aviation maintenance field, said David Vogel, dean at the Center of Excellence for Transportation at North Forest.
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians play a vital role in repairing and performing scheduled maintenance on aircraft,
said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “This grant and the acquisition of the aircraft will help us provide the realworld education and practical skills that technicians in this important industry must obtain to be successful.”
The FAA grant is part of $13.5 million distributed to institutions across the nation to encourage people to become technicians and aviators.
Plans call for the first cohort of HCCS students in fall 2025. HCC will release additional information about the program as it develops.
Source: Houston Community College
Photo courtesy of Houston Community College
The University
of Houston
continues to grow not just in student population but also in the construction of new buildings such as the John M. O’ Quinn Law Building and Tilman J Fertitta Family College of Medicine.
UH’s facilities growth includes the continuous need to procure a variety of non-construction goods and services, all of which undergirds UH’s recognition as an institutional “Powerhouse.”
CENTERPOINT ENERGY NAMES KEITH STEPHENS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Company and as a senior communications leader for Texasbased global engineering firm Fluor Corporation. Stephens also worked for a global communications firm in Texas where he led a team that delivered a statewide public education campaign about the state's new retail electric market on behalf of the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
According to CenterPoint, this strategic appointment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering the “best-in-class communications” to its customers and stakeholders following Hurricane Beryl.
We are pleased to welcome Keith to the CenterPoint team. This newly created role is one of our commitments, following Hurricane Beryl, to drive and sustain improvements in how we communicate and engage with our many stakeholders,
said CenterPoint President and CEO Jason Wells. "Keith has deep experience in directing emergency communications in response to extreme weather events, natural disasters and operational issues, and we look forward to the value he will bring to our customers and communities."
Stephens is the immediate past chair of the Edison Electric Institute's Executive Advisory Committee for Communications and a member of the American Gas Association's Communications & Marketing Committee.
Source: CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
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enterPoint Energy recently appointed a new senior leadership team member with deep utility industry and communications experience.
Photo courtesy of CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
AMMPER POWER SECURES A SOLAR POWER
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
mmper Power, an international energy company, entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) securing 50 megawatts (MWac) of solar energy from a project expected to reach commercial operation in Q4 2025.
AAccording to a news release from the company, Ammper intends to supply commercial and industrial customers, and governmental organizations across the Lone Star State with
this energy. This agreement marks a significant step forward in Ammper's focus on the energy transition and underscores its dedication to providing sustainable energy solutions to its customers, the release said.
Ammper will reportedly facilitate the sale of solar energy to end users throughout Texas, satisfying its customer's renewable energy goals and promoting environmental stewardship generally.
"This transaction illustrates Ammper's commitment to the ERCOT market and exemplifies its dedication to driving
the energy transition and empowering customers to utilize sustainable solutions," said John Werner, Vice President Business Development at Ammper. "By offering renewable energy options like solar power, we are not only capable of supporting our customers' goals but also fostering a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Texas and beyond. It's exciting to be part of the Ammper team, which remains committed to providing alternative energy solutions and helping customers navigate the evolving energy landscape."
Source: Ammper Power
ROD WEST TO RETIRE FROM ENTERGY
EBy Subcontractors USA News Provider
ntergy announced that Rod West, group president of utility operations, will retire following more than 25 years of leadership and service to the company, effective Jan. 31, 2025.
Beginning Nov. 1, 2024, West will serve as a strategic advisor to Entergy’s Chair and CEO, Drew Marsh, and the company’s executive team, to ensure a well-planned transition that continues to prioritize value creation for each of the company’s key stakeholders, a news release said.
“Rod’s contributions throughout his career at Entergy have been important to our company’s success and will provide enduring benefits for all of our stakeholders,” Marsh said. “Rod’s strategic vision and leadership and his ability to manage competing stakeholder interests has consistently led to successful outcomes. He has been a leading champion for innovation, new solutions and technologies that have helped transform the way we serve our customers and grow our business.”
West is responsible for the operational and financial performance of Entergy’s five utility companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. He has been instrumental in helping position the company to capture the region’s industrial growth, modernize and harden the energy grid, and improve the focus on customer outcomes.
“I’ve had a remarkable run,” West said. “I could not have foreseen my career evolving the way it has when I joined Entergy. Regardless of the task or challenge, the undeniable commitment of our 12,000-plus employees has motivated and inspired me every day. I am grateful to those I was so lucky to call colleagues over all these years. And I’m immensely proud to have contributed to the company’s growth, and continually improve service to our 3 million customers across the communities we serve. Entergy has a tremendous future with a strong team and clear vision, and it’s the right time for me to move on to the next chapter in my journey.”
Entergy’s five utility operating company CEOs will now directly report to Drew Marsh as part of the Office of the Chief Executive.
Source: Entergy
ENGINEERING
I CAN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRANSFORM
THE PRACTICE OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING?
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
magine a future where structural engineers not only rely on their own knowledge, experience, and traditional computational tools, but also harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to dramatically enhance productivity and precision. That future is rapidly approaching, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between the University of Houston and Purdue University, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The Center for Visual Structural Expertise for Resilience (C-ViSER) is poised to revolutionize structural engineering through the integration of AI and machine learning technologies. This newly planned center is an Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC). The IUCRC model fosters collaboration between industry leaders, academic experts, and government agencies to produce transformative research that meets industry needs.
ADVANCING THE FIELD THROUGH AI
C-ViSER aims to equip engineers with cutting-edge AI tools to transform traditional workflows in structural engineering. A workshop at the University of Houston, scheduled for October 21-22, will unveil the center's goals and engage potential partners from both academia and industry in discussions about C-ViSER's value
propositions and future research directions.
According to Vedhus Hoskere, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering (CEE) and electrical and computer engineering (ECE) at the University of Houston, this partnership is the culmination of a decade of work in developing AI, deep learning, and computer vision solutions for structural engineering challenges.
REVOLUTIONIZING CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE
Structural engineers traditionally rely on a wealth of experience captured in codes, specifications, and project documentation to design, maintain, and assess civil infrastructure. The goal of C-ViSER is to help engineers leverage AI to tap into these historical insights, enabling more efficient,
sustainable, and resilient construction and maintenance practices.
“By using AI to draw from past projects, our goal is to help engineers realize efficiencies that ultimately result in more sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient construction and maintenance of civil infrastructure,” Hoskere said.
The center’s work is already yielding results.
Deepank Kumar Singh, a civil engineering Ph.D. student and C-ViSER team member, works on a project funded by NASA's Commercial SmallSat Data Acquisition (CSDA) Program to assess buildings after disasters. In a recent paper, Singh and his team introduced a semi-supervised Transformer model that automatically categorizes buildings
into one of five damage states based on vast amounts of unlabeled data.
This past summer, Singh applied his AI expertise during an internship at a structural engineering firm, where he developed two AI-powered tools: one for project search and another for report generation in building fire inspections.
SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS
Another driving force behind C-ViSER is its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders in structural engineering.
Muhammad Taseer Ali, a Ph.D. student and former structural engineer with 10 years of industry experience, is passionate about addressing the inefficiencies he encountered in practice. His work at C-ViSER focuses on developing solutions to streamline structural design processes.
“Another major goal of the center is to mentor our students to be leaders at the forefront of technology and help them directly work on pressing industry-relevant problems," Hoskere explained.
As C-ViSER launches, it has the potential to reshape the structural engineering landscape, using AI to tackle longstanding challenges and mentor the next generation of innovators. Through partnerships with industry, the center will drive meaningful advancements in the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of civil infrastructure across the globe.
Source: University of Houston’s College of Engineering
Photo courtesy of Entergy
Photo courtesy of University of Houston's College of Engineering
was created to provide opportunities for local small businesses to participate in contracting and procurement at HCC.
Program Recognitions
f Top 25 Supplier Diversity Champion (Subcontractor USA)
f Strategic Partner of the Year (GHBPF)
f Minority/Women Business Advocate of the Year (GPC)
f Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award (NPI)
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
everal school districts across the Lone Star State are proposing bond packages for voters to consider on Election Day –Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. If approved, these bonds would fund a range of projects, including the construction of new campuses, renovations for existing schools, upgrading technology, and implementing better safety precautions. The opportunities will provide subcontractors a chance to contribute to the local community’s development. The Houston Independent School District (HISD), which is the largest school district in Texas, is among those districts, proposing a historic $4.4 billion bond package, set to be the biggest in its history. Unlike previous bonds, which targeted specific campuses, this proposal will impact every school in the district.
S
Successfully completing bonded projects helps subcontractors build a positive reputation, which oftentimes leads to more work opportunities and trust from contractors and other project owners, - Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr.
Subcontractors’ Benefits
These bonds, typically approved by voters, provide funding for various school-related projects and play a crucial role in helping subcontractors secure projects while building credibility. Districts like HISD have initiatives that support subcontractor participation, especially for minority-owned, women-owned and small businesses. Bonds allow subcontractors to participate in larger and more lucrative projects. Below are some overall key benefits:
2. Enhanced Educational Resources: Bonds can be used to improve technology and provide essential learning materials.
3. Long-Term Investment in Education: By funding large-scale projects, bonds help support long-term growth, benefiting future generations of students.
4. Economic Benefits: School construction and renovation projects create jobs and stimulate the local economy by involving contractors, subcontractors, architects, and various suppliers in the community.
TEXAS
School
1. Improved School Infrastructure: Bonds allow school districts to finance the construction of new schools, renovations, and upgrades to existing facilities, which provides more work to subcontractors. This can include updated classrooms, better libraries, gymnasiums, and safer school environments.
5. Increased Property Values: A well-funded school district with modern facilities can increase property values in the surrounding area.
6. Minimized Immediate Tax Impact: Bonds spread the cost of significant school improvements over many years, minimizing the immediate financial burden on taxpayers while ensuring essential school improvements are made.
TEXAS BONDS:
District Bonds Providing Opportunities for Subcontractors
7. Support for Growing Student Populations: As populations grow, school districts often need new facilities to accommodate increasing numbers of students.
8. Improved Safety and Security: Many bonds focus on enhancing school security, such as upgrading entrances, installing security systems, or making buildings earthquake- or hurricane-resistant.
School district bonds ensure schools have the resources to provide a high-quality education while presenting valuable opportunities to subcontractors—not only in terms of work but also in building relationships and securing contracts in the future.
Purpose of the HISD Bond
The HISD bond is designed to address various critical needs throughout the district. The plan includes improvements to health and safety, expansion of Pre-K programs, construction of three new career centers, technological upgrades, and the renovation or rebuilding of 43 campuses with significant structural needs. One notable feature is that the bond will not require a tax increase, making it a more feasible option for taxpayers.
HISD's leadership team, composed of experienced administrators and experts, will manage the implementation of the bond. If approved, the district will expand its bond program team to handle the increased scale and complexity of the projects.
To see the proposed investment costs for each campus, visit https://www.houstonisd.org/cms/ lib2/TX01001591/Centricity/domain/57036/ pdf/Website%20School%20List_updated%20 6.5.2024.pdf.
Contract Opportunities
The bond will provide a range of contract opportunities across contracting disciplines, including, but not limited to:
Excavation, demolition, foundation, concrete finishers, masons/bricklayers, rough carpenter, finish carpenter, steel/iron, roofers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC, drywall, painters, flooring, glaziers, insulation, fire protection, security systems, data and communication, exterior finishers, landscaping, paving, millwork/ cabinetmakers, acoustic technicians, and site clean-up.
Estimated project values range from $80,000 to $160,000,000.
If the bond is approved by voters, HISD will provide more information on how subcontractors and companies can apply for these projects in the upcoming months.
Why Every Campus Will Benefit
Unlike previous bonds in 2007 and 2012, which only affected around 90 and 39 campuses, the proposal is designed to invest in every campus. This could range from security upgrades for smaller schools to completely rebuilding HISD’s largest middle school. Investments may include safety improvements, HVAC and control system updates, lead remediation, and Pre-K expansions. The scale of work planned is immense, making cross-departmental collaboration crucial to ensuring smooth project completion.
Next Steps
If approved, HISD will start issuing bonds as needed, beginning in 2025, with work expected to continue through 2031. Each bond issuance will go through a competitive procurement process to secure the best financial terms for the district. HISD officials say the bond oversight committee will monitor the entire process to ensure transparency and the proper use of taxpayer dollars.
There are several other school districts in Texas that have proposed bonds aimed at improving educational facilities. Districts such as Alvin ISD and Waller ISD are seeking voters’ approval for multi-million-dollar proposals. See a list of the other districts with bond packages Texans can vote on in the November 5th election.
TEXAS RAILROAD COMMISSION PROPOSES MAJOR UPDATE TO OIL & GAS WASTE MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) is taking a significant step forward in updating its waste management regulations, which have not undergone major changes in 40 years. Commissioners recently voted to publish proposed amendments for public comment, signaling the first overhaul of waste management rules in four decades. This decision reflects the need to modernize regulations to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry while prioritizing environmental protection.
The proposed amendments focus on groundwater protection, a key concern for the RRC, and aim to adapt historical rules to the latest technological advancements in
resource development. These amendments address waste generated from oil and gas operations, such as the rock and other materials extracted during drilling, as well as waste from other operations over which the RRC has jurisdiction. This includes geothermal, carbon sequestration, and brine mining wells.
One of the primary goals of the proposed updates is to enhance the regulation of waste management facilities. The amendments establish new requirements for the design, construction, operation, monitoring, and closure of waste management units. Additionally, the changes will improve the commission’s ability to track and collect data on oilfield waste transported across Texas, providing better oversight of waste management practices.
The updated rules would also codify much
of the informal guidance that the RRC has developed over the years, providing greater clarity and certainty for operators and the public. By formalizing these practices, the commission aims to ensure that waste management facilities are regulated consistently and effectively.
Another significant aspect of the proposed amendments is the increased opportunity for public involvement in the permitting process. Under the current rules, residents have only 15 days to file a protest against a waste management permit application. The proposed rule would extend this period to 30 days, giving the public more time to raise concerns and participate in the regulatory process.
The RRC’s commitment to environmental protection goes beyond just updating the rules. The commission has also established a dedicated team focused on environmental permit compliance. This team reviews reports and inspections from waste management facilities and follows up to resolve any issues promptly. This proactive approach helps ensure that facilities remain compliant with environmental standards, further safeguarding public health and natural resources.
Chairman Christi Craddick praised the work of the RRC staff and stakeholders in developing the proposed rule.
"This proposed rule reflects the hard work and dedication of agency staff and stakeholders on this critical rule," Craddick said. "I am
OSHA LAUNCHES ONLINE TOOL FOR WORKPLACE INJURY TRACKING
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
he U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled a new online tool designed to help users search its severe injury report database. This tool allows employers, workers, and the general public to track trends and view data on workplace injuries in states covered by federal OSHA regulations.
TThe Severe Injury Report dashboard enables users to search and download data by several key factors, including year, industry, state, establishment name, and Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System (OIICS) codes. The dashboard provides access to information on all severe injuries reported by employers under federal OSHA since 2015. This makes it easier to analyze data and identify workplace injury trends within specific industries or geographic locations. OSHA encourages both workers and employers to utilize this dashboard to gain insights into how severe injuries occur
grateful to Commissioner Wright for his leadership on this important matter and look forward to reviewing public input as we work toward final adoption of our solid waste rule amendments."
Commissioner Wayne Christian emphasized the importance of balancing a thriving oil and gas industry with environmental protection.
"The Railroad Commission continues to prove that a robust, responsible oil and gas industry can thrive while also ensuring a safe and clean environment for all," Christian stated. He highlighted the value of water as a resource in Texas and reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to safeguarding groundwater.
Commissioner Jim Wright underscored the importance of modernizing the RRC’s regulations to keep pace with industry advancements.
"Today’s draft rule represents an important step forward with respect to the Railroad Commission’s expectations regarding waste management practices," Wright said. He acknowledged the considerable changes in technology and industry practices over the last 40 years and expressed his eagerness to review public feedback.
The proposed rule and information on how to submit public comments can be found on the RRC’s website under Chapters 3 and 4 at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/general-counsel/ rules/proposed-rules/.
Source: Texas Railroad Commission
within their respective fields. Understanding these trends is key to preventing workplace accidents and promoting safer working environments. To assist users, OSHA has released a brief instructional video to guide users through the process of navigating the dashboard and retrieving data.
Federal reporting requirements stipulate that employers must notify OSHA within 24 hours of any work-related in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. OSHA offers several resources to help employers stay compliant and create safer workplaces, including compliance assistance specialists and on-site consultation programs available nationwide and in U.S. territories.
With the release of this new tool, OSHA aims to empower employers and workers to proactively address workplace safety concerns by offering a transparent and accessible way to review past incidents. By making this data widely available, the agency hopes to foster safer working environments and reduce the frequency of severe injuries across industries.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA
Photos courtesy of U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA
PERMITUSNOW’S CULTURE: POSITIVELY TRANSFORMING THE STATE OF BUILDING PERMITTING
By Helen Callier Contributing Writer
Traditional permit expediters have a focus on pulling permits, which is nice. At PermitUsNow, the most important focus we have is delivering our clients’ ultimate result.
Our long-time experience in permitting benefits our clients and their customers. Since 2016, we have had the privilege of working with many types of contractors, architects and project owners from almost every industry, like aviation, transit, health care, education, grocery and hospitality, and events. We have used these experiences as opportunities to improve our systems, which allow us to deliver smarter, quicker and with a lower cost for our clients.
We believe in starting with the end in mind, asking our clients when the open date for their new school or hospital or roadway or central utilities plant or restaurant project is so we can develop a schedule and an approach for permitting that helps our clients to build their customers’ dreams.
Starting with the end in mind becomes our WHY we do what we do with permitting, such as using our uniquely designed systems, leveraging relationships at jurisdictions, being creative in developing approaches to permitting and serving as an integral part of a client’s team. Keeping focus on the big picture helps undergird the importance of hitting key permit milestone dates. These
dates include pre-development meeting dates with the jurisdiction, permit application and submittal date, aiding the architect, client or project owner in responding to comments, pulling the building permit(s) and certificate of occupancy.
You may be asking, “Helen, this is great to hear, but how does knowing this help me to pull a building permit now?”
I get it! Permitting can be and is frustrating for many that prefer to focus on what they love to do, and that is designing, project managing or building their clients’ projects. Permitting is a pill that most do not want to swallow and they pinch their noses to take the bitter medicine. For PermitUsNow, we love permitting and tackling tough projects, reading through ordinances, weaving through
building codes, interacting with plan city permitting staff and we drive towards the big picture – the end result.
So here are seven permitting tips that every contractor should have in their pre-con toolkit:
START EARLY: This is where the game is won. Starting early allows you to plan, identify risks and establish necessary permitting plans. It also allows you to assess site conditions, review options for project phasing, identify long lead items, and schedule pre-development meetings with AHJ as needed.
QA/QC: Review all plans, surveys, asbestos reports and other key documents associated with your project prior to submitting. This is vital as one missing document or a project
narrative that is unclear or missing building codes referenced will cause a rejection at the jurisdiction and incur delays in permitting.
RESPOND FULLY TO COMMENTS: This should be self-explanatory, but we’ve found that one of the highest complaints from jurisdiction plan reviewers is that a city comment was missed or ignored and was lightly addressed. Be mindful, as this will cause a delay in permitting.
RESUBMIT PLANS: Do this in a timely manner.
Buy Permit: Purchase it online or in person, depending on the jurisdiction policies.
CALL FOR INSPECTIONS: Call for progressive and final inspections and be on site with city inspectors.
CLOSE OUT: This is a time for celebration when giving client the CO or certificate of compliance.
In Summary
Our focus is on the end in mind to help us deliver on time, every time, as promised. We use the tips above and have offered them to you to assist in your pre-construction phase. If you are having a challenge pulling permits or are simply fed up with the jurisdictions’ bureaucracy, call PermitUsNow at 1.844. PERMIT.4. We are committed to pulling permits for our developer, architect, contractor, and project owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Simply email us your plans today and we will free you up to focus on doing what you love - building your customers’ dreams. #BuildSafe
MOST IN-DEMAND TECH JOBS IN 2025
By Darrance Tezino, CenterPoint Energy News Provider
When we look ahead to the year 2025, we will see that the landscape of indemand technology occupations is likely to undergo a significant transformation as a result of the ongoing digital transformation and the rapid improvements in technology. It is anticipated that positions such as those involving artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers, cybersecurity analysts, cloud architects, and data scientists would be
at the forefront of this transition.
A strong educational foundation is required for these professions, often equivalent to a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, information technology, computer science, or a field that is closely linked to these areas.
On the other hand, education is not sufficient on its own; the ever-changing nature of these positions calls for ongoing education and the acquisition of new skills. For example, artificial intelligence and machine learning engineers will need to be fluent in data modeling and assessment, have a strong understanding
of machine learning methods, and be able to master programming languages, such as Python and R. Candidates for the position of cybersecurity analyst will need to possess certifications such as CISSP or CEH, as well as a strong understanding of threat assessment and encryption technology.
The ability to demonstrate knowledge in cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud is required for Cloud Architects. On the other hand, Data Scientists should be fluent in statistical analysis, data visualization tools,
and machine learning. In order to satisfy these demands, businesses of all sizes can reap significant benefits from providing their employees with additional training. The development of in-house expertise can provide small firms with the potential to build a competitive edge, thereby minimizing their reliance on external consultants and encouraging innovation from within the company if they take advantage of this opportunity.
By making investments in their staff, midsized businesses have the opportunity to improve their operational efficiency, reduce employee turnover, and align their skill sets with the demands of expanding markets. However, large businesses can keep their market leadership by ensuring that their talent pool stays on the cutting edge of technical breakthroughs. This allows them to preserve their market leadership position. In any circumstance, it will be of the utmost importance to cultivate a culture of continuous learning and to make available necessary training programs, certifications, and hands-on project experiences in order to adequately prepare the workforce for the technological tasks that lie ahead in the year 2025.
Investing in the upskilling of employees not only enables organizations to successfully traverse the upcoming technological upheavals, but it also generates long-term growth and sustainability.
TRANSTECH FORMS NEW DIVISIONS TO
STREAMLINE OPERATIONS AND DRIVE GROWTH
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
TransTech, a Bridge Industries platform company, announced the formation of TransTech Group, streamlining all TransTech portfolio companies into two newly formed divisions—the Engineered Products
Group and the Services Group, facilitating the integration of recent acquisitions and streamlining operations across all businesses. TransTech Group delivers solutions across the plant lifecycle, primarily serving operators and EPCs in energy, process, and industrial manufacturing—particularly those involved in oil and gas production and processing, refining, petrochemical, chemical, renewables,
and other sectors.
The Engineered Products Group includes TransTech Fabrication, Bendel Tank & Heat Exchanger, and Metalforms. Together, these companies boast an extensive range of engineering and fabrication capabilities—and close to 500,000 square feet of fabrication facility space across the U.S.—delivering engineered products to nationally recognized standards including ASME, API, and TEMA, a news release said.
The Services Group includes TransTech Energy, Maddox Industrial Group, and Energyneering Solutions (ESI). These companies deliver specialized industrial and energy infrastructure solutions together with comprehensive plant maintenance and operations support. TransTech has earned a reputation for its unique expertise in delivering liquefied gas storage and utilization, cryogenics, heat transfer, and biogas-to-energy solutions.
closer integration of all TransTech portfolio businesses under the TransTech Group umbrella streamlines all work processes for faster, more efficient project delivery,
said Greg Ezzell, President & Chief Growth Officer, "This transformation underscores our commitment to optimizing operational performance across the plant lifecycle,
maximizing production efficiency and ROI."
"The formation of TransTech Group is the result of our 10-year effort building a worldclass platform delivering comprehensive infrastructure solutions across the industrial and energy sectors. By expanding into two divisions, we can better support our customers with industry-leading products and services. With our growth we are committed to retaining the entrepreneurial family business culture that all our businesses possess," said Jeff Berlin, Chairman & CEO, TransTech Group and President & CEO Bridge Industries.
In conjunction with its realignment, TransTech Group has secured a new credit facility with JPMorgan Chase, significantly bolstering its financial position and accelerating the company's strategic growth plan.
TransTech Group also announced the addition of two leaders to its Board of Directors. The appointments of Greg Floerke, EVP & Chief Operating Officer at MPLX LP and Halle Martin, previously General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at TransDigm Group and now serving as President and COO of The Howley Foundation, mark a “significant step forward” in TransTech Group's mission to advance energy and industrial infrastructure solutions and strengthen its market position across diverse sectors, the company says.
overnor Greg Abbott announced a record $148 billion in total investment for Texas’ transportation infrastructure on Tuesday, August 27.
According to a news release, this investment includes the unanimous adoption of the more than $104 billion 10-year transportation plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. It also includes over $43 billion for development and routine maintenance. This is a $5.6 billion increase in total investment from the previous year.
“Strengthening our roadways and transportation infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the Best State for Business in the nation,” Gov. Abbott said. “With the adoption of this record-breaking $148 billion transportation investment, Texas will continue to meet the needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities while also improving roadway congestion and safety. People come to Texas because we provide the freedom and opportunity, they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s why we’re investing in the future of Texas roads. Projects like this will ensure our products and people can move quickly to keep the Texas economy booming. Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”
With a booming population and economy, TxDOT
said Texas Transportation Commission
Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. “Thanks to the vision of Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, this historic transportation investment focusing on safety and congestion relief will help meet the needs of Texans for years to come.”
“This investment impacts communities across
the state, with projects that can help save lives and improve connectivity,” TxDOT
Executive Director Marc Williams said. “TxDOT has a record amount of active construction projects this year, and this will help continue that work of moving people and goods safely and efficiently in our rural, urban and metropolitan areas.”
TxDOT says many of the projects in the 2025 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects will see an increase in funding of $1.9 billion, supporting the $75.8 billion total investment for completed, under-construction, and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. It also includes around a $17.3 billion investment in safety and an additional $1.7 billion in funding for rural corridors and key roadways in economic hubs. A full breakdown is available online.
The adoption of the 2025 UTP comes after an extensive public-involvement process to allow all Texans to voice their opinions on the projects in their communities. Public comments, collected via a public hearing and online, phone, email, and other formats were considered before the Texas Transportation Commission approved the UTP.
The UTP is a planning document that authorizes highway projects for development and construction. In addition to highway projects, the UTP also includes investments in public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail. Projects are selected based on how effective they are in addressing areas such as pavement condition, safety, capacity and rural connectivity.
Source: Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
Photo courtesy of Texas Department of Transportation
DATE
Trainings, networking events, and more can be found on our social media and website calendar. The calendar is updated with events from Bexar County offices, resources partners, Chambers of Commerce, and more. Discover opportunities to expand your business and make new connections, identify resources to help you grow.
Visit the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Dept. website for the full calendar at www.bexar.org/sbed
We provide resources to small, minority, veteran, disabled, women owned businesses.
Information on starting and growing a business
Links you to Local, State, and Federal opportunities
Training programs and classes
Information on SMWBE, DBE, HUB programs, and contracting requirements
AHOUSTON AIRPORTS JOINS GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS
By Subcontractors USA News Provider
irports Council International (ACI) announced that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) achieved Level 2 of the Airport Carbon Accreditation program.
Houston Airports is committed to carbon neutrality by 2030 and has already begun implementing several sustainable initiatives, including the transition to an all-electric fleet of vehicles, solar panels, LED lighting, and thoughtful upgrades to airport terminals.
According to a news release, ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only carbon management certification standard for airports. It is the only voluntary global carbon management standard that helps airports to manage and reduce their carbon footprint. The program is focused primarily on CO2 emissions and offers a common framework for airports to analyze and identify carbonintensive activities. It is site-specific and can be used by airports to plan daily and long-term sustainability strategies through continuous improvement and stakeholder partnerships.
"Reaching ACA Level 2 at Bush and Hobby airports represents a significant milestone in our journey toward a more sustainable future for Houston Airports. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and making substantial,
data-driven progress in environmental stewardship," said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. "As we advance through the levels of carbon accreditation, we remain dedicated to implementing sustainable practices that not only benefit our community today but also secure a cleaner, greener future for future generations."
In March 2023, Houston Airports formally began working towards ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Bush and Hobby airports achieved ACI ACA Level 2 in September 2024.
From 2019 to 2022 (excluding 2020), Houston Airports says it reduced emissions primarily through initiatives such as a more efficient new central utility plant, new solar photovoltaic array, increased LED lighting use, and reduced equipment run time.
• 16% reduction of emissions at Bush Airport
• 22% reduction of emissions at Hobby Airport
"Achieving ACI ACA Level 2 clearly indicates our strategic approach to integrating sustainability into every facet of airport planning and development. Our focus remains on harnessing innovation and collaboration to drive continuous improvement, ensuring that our operations align with the highest environmental standards," said Karen Korir, Director- Planning and Development for Houston Airports. "This accomplishment underscores our proactive efforts in reducing emissions and further strengthens our resolve to meet our ambitious carbon neutrality goals."
Houston Airports is working to achieve ACA Level 3 at Bush and Hobby airports. Level 3 widens the scope of the airport's carbon footprint to include third party emissions. The goal of Level 3 is to engage third parties to reduce their carbon footprint at and around the airport. Level 3 can be achieved through awareness and behavior change campaigns, training, setting minimum performance standards and forming strategic partnerships. According to ACI, airports account for roughly 5% of aviation's carbon footprint on average. The majority of emissions are from ground operations, including energy use for heating, cooling, lighting, and airport vehicles. Houston Airports is among the more than 586 airports worldwide enrolled in the program and certified at various accreditation levels.
Source: Houston Airports
Photo courtesy of City of Houston Airports
Level 1 is the Mapping Phase, which establishes the baseline for measuring future reduction efforts.
Bush, Hobby, and Ellington airports achieved ACI ACA Level 1 in September 2023.
Level 2 is the Reduction Phase, which provides evidence of emission reductions.
VIA BOARD UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTS $307.6M OPERATING BUDGET
VIA Metropolitan Transit’s Board of Trustees unanimously adopted a $307.6 million operating budget on Tuesday, September 24 for Fiscal Year 2025 that focuses on advancing the Keep SA Moving plan, workforce retention and recruitment, and ridership growth.
Under the spending plan, VIA will keep its fare structure unchanged for a ninth consecutive year, keeping the cost to ride among the lowest in the nation while investing heavily — 90% — in service delivery and improvements to the system. That includes:
4.1% increase for fixed-route service to improve reliability and frequency on bus routes
1.8% increase for VIAtrans to meet growing service demand
39.7% increase for VIA Link on-demand service to meet demand and support the addition of a fifth zone, downtown According to a news release, the budget supports continued ridership growth on all VIA services. From October 2023 to June of this year — the most updated figures available — average weekday ridership has grown by 12.2%. During the same time, VIAtrans ridership has grown by about 6%, and VIA Link ridership has grown by more than 65%, in part due to new service. Ridership is expected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming fiscal year.
The operating budget projects a 3.45% growth in revenue from the Metropolitan Transit Authority sales tax levied across VIA’s service area.
VIA’s capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year is $265.9 million, nearly 60% of which is slated for continued development of the Advanced Rapid Transit North-South corridor, known as the VIA Rapid Green Line. Expected to open in 2027, the region’s first Rapid corridor will significantly reduce travel time for transit riders and make improvements designed to benefit drivers, cyclists and pedestrians as well. The FY25 budget also includes annual wage increases of 4% for all employees in the new fiscal year.
“This year’s budget exemplifies our organization’s dedication to prioritizing improvements that benefit our community, taking care of our employees and continuing the investments that are driving San Antonio to a more mobile future,” President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said about the budget.
The board also amended its working conditions policy, which lays out wages and certain conditions of employment for many front-line employees. The policy was last updated three years ago and expired in August. For the past several months, VIA management has met with hourly-employee representatives from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 694 to discuss on proposed changes.
Source: VIA Metropolitan Transit
GROW WITH US
Photo courtesy of VIA Metropolitan Transit
DIVERSITY
IS THE
SPICE OF Life AT H - E - B
H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Program works hard to ensure we’re selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of Texan businesses. We’re proud that our suppliers are as diverse as the Lone Star State itself.
As a former small business ourselves, we believe in and celebrate the value & strength that working with small businesses, local businesses, and businesses owned by minorities, women, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and disabled Texans brings to both our business and the communities we serve.
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