Subcontractors USA 88th

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.”

Houston, recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, presents a multitude of chances to celebrate its diversity in both the economy and job market.

At Subcontractors USA, we view it as an honor to showcase the cooperation between agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors in promoting diversity in Texas. This year, the Junior League of Houston organized an event to recognize individuals who have provided invaluable service to the city. The occasion was brimming with praise, serving as a forum for building professional connections, generating fresh possibilities, and nurturing unity in a unique and specialized atmosphere.

Excellence in networking showcases the ability to build and maintain strong, meaningful, and

“The art of subcontracting lies in knowing when to lead and when to follow, ensuring a symphony of success.”

— Unknown

mutually beneficial relationships with others in personal and professional settings. It goes beyond merely collecting contacts and making small talk. Instead, excellence in networking involves cultivating authentic connections, fostering trust, and providing value to others within your network.

With subcontracting, it’s a continuous business practice that allows companies to leverage the skills and expertise of others to achieve greater results. It’s a collaborative approach that can lead to successful outcomes when done with careful planning and open communication. That is what Subcontractors USA stands on.

CERTIFIED: HMSDC Port of Houston Metro City of Houston HISD HUB VBE DBE

BEHIND THE JOURNAL CONTENTS

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Keith J. Davis, Sr.

CHIEF OF STAFF & MANAGING EDITOR

Kimberly Floyd

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Dr. D’Yonne’ Browder

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Émil Flemmon

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Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Emma Aguiñaga

Kendra Wiseman

WEB & GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Edward Sanchez

SR. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Chivon Jones

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Grady Carter

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Mike Jones

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Stacy M. Brown

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Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr.

AIA/DELTEK ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS INDEX REFLECTS CONTINUED WEAKNESS IN BUSINESS CONDITIONS

said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker Hon. AIA, Ph.D. “High construction costs, extended project schedules, elevated interest rates, and growing difficulty in obtaining financing are all weighing on the construction market.”

Despite the recent softness in billings, many firms are cautiously optimistic about this year. As the construction market cools, construction costs and schedules are expected to ease, which may make some projects more feasible. In addition, firms will continue to be able to capitalize on opportunities related to green building and energy efficiency initiatives that have increased over the past few years.

KEY ABI HIGHLIGHTS FOR INCLUDE

• Regional averages: Midwest (51.2); West (49.3); South (48.7); Northeast (47.2)

• Sector index breakdown: mixed practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) (52.1); commercial/industrial (51.8); institutional (50.6); multi-family residential (41.5)

• Project inquiries index: 53.9

• Design contracts index: 49.8

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Architecture firms reported a modest decrease in billings since April. However, there was a slight increase in inquiries into future project activity according to a report released today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

The billings score recently decreased from 50.4 earlier this year to 48.5 in April (any score below 50 indicates a decrease in firm billings). However, firms reported that inquiries into new projects accelerated slightly to 53.9, while most firms continued to report a decline in the value of new design contracts, with a score of 49.8.

“The ongoing weakness in design activity at architecture firms reflects clients’ concerns regarding the economic outlook,”

The regional and sector categories are calculated as threemonth moving averages and may not always average out to the national score.

Visit AIA’s website for detailed information about this, and past billing index reports.

Source: AIA.ORG

NEW SURVEY RESULTS HIGHLIGHT EVOLVING TRENDS IN HOME AND PROPERTY DESIGN

significant role that building costs play. Due to limited lot sizes in older neighborhoods, many clients are scaling back their home addition/renovation projects or canceling them altogether due to rising construction costs.

However, there are still ways to achieve desired looks within existing structures. Clients are opting for cost-effective solutions such as decorative tile work and wall coverings to add personality and color. Additionally, smart appliances that save energy without sacrificing style or convenience are gaining popularity.

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Home sizes are stabilizing, and clients are looking for value in upgrades. Recent data from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey has unveiled the latest trends

in home and property design. According to the survey, the size of homes is becoming more stable, with a focus on accessibility and designs that cater to aging in place.

Outdoor spaces continue to be a priority, with outdoor living areas, indoor/outdoor spaces, and outdoor fire pits ranking high on the list. Rental units on properties, such as accessory

TURNER RECOGNIZED AS TOP CONTRACTOR BY ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD

dwellings, are also growing in popularity, along with micro-housing options. AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, noted that the overall square footage of homes is leveling off and even decreasing in entrylevel homes.

The goal now is to design smaller homes that offer better livability, taking into account the

The report also revealed the business conditions of residential architecture firms in the first quarter of 2023: - Project billings, inquiries, and design contracts showed moderate weakness. - Overall, project backlogs at residential architecture firms remain healthy. Despite weaker conditions in the Northeast and West, firms in the Midwest reported strong business conditions. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey is conducted quarterly with input from a panel of over 300 architecture firms specializing in residential design. For more information on the latest survey results, visit AIA's website.

Source: American Institute of Architecture

Engineering News-Record reports that in 2022, Turner had the highest revenue, record level of new contracts secured, and the highest value of work completed in the telecommunications/ data center market in company history.

In addition, Turner has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for New Graduates for 2023. The recognition is based on feedback from early-career professionals who were asked about career advancement opportunities, work environment, quality of work, diversity, equity, and inclusion, whether good performance is recognized, and whether they would recommend their employer to friends and family.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Turner Construction Company is pleased to announce that Engineering NewsRecord has recognized the company as the leading contractor in the United States for the third consecutive year. Turner is also ranked as the leading contractor in the Telecommunications sector which includes data center work for leading technology companies and corporate clients. Turner once again tops the list as the largest General Builder in the United States that includes work for clients in the healthcare, commercial building, educational, government, and hotel sectors.

At Turner, interns, recent graduates, and early-career professionals have the opportunity to work on exciting projects with people who have a passion for solving challenging problems and making a difference. They are supported with training, mentorship, and experience to build a career that matters. Anyone who walks into a Turner workspace can be at their best, be authentic, and be treated with dignity and respect. We create an inclusive environment where everyone feels connected, sees themselves represented at all levels of the company, and feels supported to reach their ultimate potential.

Source: Turner Construction

32-STORY SAN ANTONIO TOWER REACHES CONSTRUCTION MILESTONE

is located in a walkable area with many retail, dining and entertainment options. elections Several attractions are also nearby, such as the Alamo and the historic village of La Villita.

According to Yardi Matrix, the project is tied to a $91 million construction loan from OZK Bank last year. The end date is 2024. The 32-story tower, designed by Page Southerland Page, broke ground in 2022. It has approximately 696,000 square feet, including 6,275 square feet of ground-

floor retail space. The community has two amenities, a fitness center, and a swimming pool, as well as a six-story parking garage with 50 parking spaces.

Positioned in an Opportunity Zone at 305 Soledad St, the site is in the heart of downtown San Antonio, near Interstates 10, 35 and 37. It

Yardi Matrix data shows that in 2022, San Antonio had a total of 37 properties consisting of 9,362 units. This is Rogers-O'Brien's first metro project, although the company has an extensive portfolio in Texas, including Dallas and Austin. Last year, the company was part of a team that broke ground on a 750-person student housing community in College Station, Texas.

https://VIA.diversitycompliance.com

The scope of contracting opportunities encompasses a wide variety of projects and services, including, but not limited to:

• Architecture

• Engineering

• Construction

• Facilities & Maintenance

• Goods & Services

Antonio, TX 78212

Office of Diversity & Federal Compliance 800 W. Myrtle San Antonio, TX 78212

362-2074 | ODFC@viainfo.net

GRANT FROM NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR DIVERSITY EFFORT

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The Society of Women Engineers, in collaboration with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) received a grant from the National Science Foundation to support the creation of the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC).

This NSF INCLUDES planning grant is funded by NSF Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (NSF INCLUDES), a comprehensive national initiative to enhance U.S. leadership in discoveries and innovations by focusing on diversity, inclusion and broadening participation in STEM at scale.

With this grant, SWE, NSBE and SHPE will begin to build the WCEC by focusing on professional associations whose memberships include women engineers of color. Over time, the WCEC will expand to include the higher education community’s alumni networks, industry partners, government entities, and other organizations that share our commitment to increasing the representation and equity of women engineers of color in the workforce.

To date, many NSF INCLUDES projects have focused on the recruitment and retention of students into STEM education programs, but the WCEC will focus on the often cited, yet understudied, challenge of retaining women in the engineering workforce. Through the WCEC, partner organizations will better leverage their resources to promote systemic change while working collectively to decrease the barriers that lead to the attrition of women engineers of color.

initiative,” said Charles Thompson III, interim chief executive officer of NSBE. "Gender inequity is deeply entrenched in the nation’s STEM workforce, and the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative is exactly the type of broad, sustained, holistic effort needed to uproot the problem. We expect to see great gains from this partnership over the long term: gains in diversity, gains in U.S. economic competitiveness and significant forward progress in NSBE’s mission ‘to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers."

What perfect timing to come together with our committed partners to support early career women of color in engineering. Together we can make such a significant impact, learning from each other to build a stronger repository of tools, strategies and resources that will help pave the way for an equitable, safe, and positive culture and climate in the work environment,

The goals of this planning grant are to: 1) establish the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC), a partnership network of professional engineering associations and STEM-based companies dedicated to addressing systemic barriers that prohibit equitable work environments for women engineers of color; 2) create a shared vision focused on dismantling systemic barriers that impede the retention and advancement of women engineers of color; and 3) develop a strategic plan to guide WCEC activities.

“NSBE is proud to join SWE, SHPE and the National Science Foundation in this important, promising

said Dr. Dora Renaud, events director at SHPE. “Reaching parity in engineering cannot be accomplished by approaches that solely focus on the recruitment or “fixing” of underrepresented groups; rather, efforts that connect and energize people, cross divides, and drive systemic change toward equity are needed,” said Roberta Rincon, associate director, Research at SWE.

One of the first projects to support this grant is the Women of Color in Engineering Collaborative (WCEC) Convening, which concluded last week.

Source: Society of Women Engineers

HOUSTON-BASED INVESTMENT & DEVELOPMENT VENTURES LENGTHEN PORTFOLIO TO SAN ANTONIO

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Investment and Development Ventures is building an industrial park big enough to shake up San Antonio's industrial market.

The Houston-based developer has submitted plans to the state to build five warehouses for a project called Park 35. Together, these buildings will have a total area of just over 1 million square feet and an estimated construction cost of $77.5 million.

Plans on the company's website mention his sixth building, which will have a total area of up to 350,000 square feet, although the documents don't say it. Park 35 is located on his 85-acre lot at 22867 IH-35 North, just off the freeway northeast of downtown San Antonio. Construction will begin in August and will last for a year. Each building is described in the documentation as a shell store, which also contains a set of specifications. Powers Brown is listed as an architect.

The project site is a 15-minute drive from New Braunfels, one of the nation's 15 fastest-growing cities, according to Census data. The population grew 5.7 percent last year as people flocked to the emerging cities along the highway that connects Austin and San Antonio. Investment and Development Ventures primarily engages in real estate, industrial, and office projects in the greater Houston area. Elsewhere in Texas, the company has a 4.4 millionsquare-foot industrial project at Executive Airport in Austin, and several projects in Corpus Christi and San Antonio.

According to a JLL report, 6.7 million square feet of industrial land was under construction in San Antonio in the first quarter of this year. That gross area falls just short of the record of 6.9 million square feet set late last year. Net absorption continued to exceed 1 million square feet, but vacancy rose slightly to 7.3 percent as more new space came online. About 75 percent of the new construction took place near Park 35 in the Northeast.

Source: CenterPoint Energy

More than Bricks & Mortar

As one of the nation’s largest builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it’s ingrained in our company culture. We are devoted to making contributions that not only strengthen the local economy, but also reflect the demographics of the community at large.

Turner is proud to celebrate our 33rd year of The Turner School of Construction Management in partnership with The City of Houston, Office of Business Opportunity. We remain steadfast in our commitment to grow capacity in Small, Minority and Women owned enterprises in the communities where we work.

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION INVESTS $16 MILLION IN CRITICAL MINERALS PRODUCTION

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As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $16 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to bring critical mineral supply chains to America and reduce reliance on competitors like China. The funding will support projects in West Virginia and North Dakota for the development of a first-of-akind rare earth element and critical minerals

extraction and separation refinery. Rare earth elements and other critical minerals and materials are key to manufacturing clean energy technologies right here in America that will help the nation reach the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.

Today’s funding will support a first-in-the-nation facility that will convert legacy fossil fuel waste into a domestic source of critical minerals needed to strengthen our clean energy supply chains,

said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is helping reduce our overreliance on adversarial nations and positioning the country as a global manufacturing leader—while supporting communities that have helped power our nation for generations.”

The United States imports more than 80% of its rare earth elements and critical minerals to produce clean energy technologies and other indispensable products that we rely on every day such as smart phones, computers, and

ENERGY

BIDEN SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

By Subcontractors USA

Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

The first of its kind order establishes the Office of Environmental Justice at the White House. President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to expand on his administration’s environmental justice goals, which include delivering clean air and water to communities nationwide.

The first of its kind order establishes the Office of Environmental Justice at the White House.

“For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination including redlining,” White House officials said in an online release.

medical equipment. Across the country, there are billions of tons of coal waste and ash, mine tailings, acid mine drainage, and discharged water. These waste streams from mining, energy production, and related activities contain a wide variety of valuable rare earth elements and other critical minerals that can be produced and used to build clean energy technologies, while helping to create healthier environments for communities across the country.

Source: Energy.Gov

“These communities with environmental justice concerns face even greater burdens due to climate change.”

The White House said Biden’s goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or race and ethnicity, reaps the benefits of cleaner air and water.

President Biden and Vice President Harris believe that every person has a right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live in a healthy community – now and into the future,

White House officials stated.

“During his first week in office, President Biden launched the most ambitious environmental justice agenda in our nation’s history.

“To continue delivering on that vision, today the President will sign an executive order further embedding environmental justice into the work of federal agencies to achieve real, measurable progress that communities can count on.”

The Executive Order is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s whole-of-government effort to confront longstanding environmental injustices and inequities, White House officials continued.

For far too long, communities across our country have faced persistent environmental injustice through toxic pollution, underinvestment in infrastructure and critical services, and other disproportionate environmental harms often due to a legacy of racial discrimination including redlining, they wrote.

“These communities with environmental justice concerns face even greater burdens due to climate change.”

Administration officials said the order aims to better protect overburdened communities from pollution and environmental harms.

Source: NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

ENERGIZING AUSTIN'S FUTURE: MEET BOB KAHN, AUSTIN ENERGY'S NEW GENERAL MANAGER

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Bob Kahn has been appointed as the new General Manager of Austin Energy, effective from Monday, July 3, 2023. With his extensive experience and successful track record in the electric utility industry, Kahn brings a vast amount of knowledge and strategic vision to this position. Since December 2012, Kahn has held the role of General Manager for Texas Municipal Power Agency. Additionally,

he serves as a board member for the Texas Public Power Association, which represents 72 municipal utilities in the state.

Prior to his current position, Kahn served as the President and Chief Executive Officer at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) from 2007 to 2009.

Before his time at ERCOT, Kahn occupied the positions of Deputy General Manager, General Counsel, and Vice President for

Legal Services at Austin Energy. As the General Manager, Kahn will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Austin Energy and leading the utility's efforts to adapt to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

PLANO ADDS 183 JOBS THANKS TO MANUFACTURING PLANT IN CHARGE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

chargers and American-made ones. They will expedite EV in the United States.”

SK Signet will manufacture the charging stations and sell them to "charging station operators," such as Irish company Applegreen, according to a company representative. The operators will then insert charging points in traditional grocery stores, as well as in public and private businesses equipped with electric vehicles.

According to SK, the "gas station price" will vary based on each carrier but should cost between $15 and $20 for a full load.

Arlington native René Jimenez told sources he jumped into the assembly line from a fastfood restaurant and was excited to finally get the most out of his electrical engineering degree he earned at his hometown of El Salvador. "It's been a good trip, very exciting to be honest, I see the future here," Jimenez said with a smile. "In a few years, it's going to be everywhere, and that's going to be really good for me, and hey, I'm doing it!

Plano Mayor John Muns spoke on what makes Plano an ideal location for this type of industry.

“We have an educated workforce in Plano and our diversity,” he said to a news outlet NBCDFW, “Also, the business community in Plano is impressive, but at the end of the day, we have a Korean community in Lino, and I think the word is that Plano is a great place to go. "

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Plano City Council wants to be part of the country's future electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

SK Signet, the global Korean manufacturer of electric vehicle charging stations, has chosen Plano as its first facility in the United States.

"We researched more than zero different locations in the United States and found Plano to be the best location for our product and manufacturing facility," said Jung Ho Shin, CEO of SK Signet. "It's a business-friendly environment with great support and availability of a highly skilled workforce here in Plano.”

Executives from South Korea's second-largest conglomerate gave local, state, and international leaders, as well as potential buyers, a tour of the new facility on Park Avenue in East Plano.

According to SK Signet, by 2026 the company will create up to 183 technical, manufacturing and R&D jobs at its Plano

facility. According to SK Signet, the facility will produce more than 10,000 350-400kW ultra-fast charging stations, which will make electric vehicle charging more convenient and time-consuming, only taking 15-20 minutes. Shin’s goal is to transform America's transportation infrastructure.

However, the company reached out to Plano, and the city later accepted financial incentives in the form of grants based on the number of jobs created, renovations and cost rebates totaling $975,000, Muns says.

"Their presence here in Plano gives access to other places in Texas that need more charging stations, and frankly, they're moving across the United States. It's the foundation for new battery charging stations.”

Texas registered more than 191,000 electric vehicles in May, up 66,000 from May 2022, according to the DFW Clean Cities Coalition.

Nearly 70,000 electric vehicles will be registered in the DallasFort Worth metro area by May 2023, according to the Alliance Dashboard.

Commercial production began in July.

When operating at full capacity, the Plano plant is expected to produce more than 10,000 fast chargers annually.

He added: “EV chargers are not widely available and not fast enough but with our product with 400kW super-fast

EXPO

SPEAKERS

KAY DAVIS AND ASSOCIATES

KAY DAVIS AND ASSOCIATES

Houston, recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, presents a multitude of chances to celebrate its diversity in both the economy and job market.

At Subcontractors USA, we view it as an honor to showcase the cooperation between agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors in promoting diversity in Texas. This year, the Junior League of Houston organized an event to recognize individuals who have provided invaluable service to the city. The occasion was brimming with praise, serving as a forum for building professional connections, generating fresh possibilities, and nurturing unity in a unique and specialized atmosphere.

Offer

Moderator Carlecia Wright, Lone Star College Chief Culture and Engagement Officer & Subcontractors USA Advisory Board Chairperson: Award-winning Social Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategist with an extraordinary track record in developing strategies that level the playing field and reduces barriers for underrepresented, marginalized and disadvantaged individuals and communities. She is the Chief Diversity Officer for Lone Star College, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area serving 93,000+ students.

Mario C. Diaz, Director of Aviation for the Houston Airports: Diaz is responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System’s three aviation facilities including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD). He is one of the industry’s leading authorities in the study of future developments in commercial development.

the opportunity to have a discussion and invite people into a relationship. Talk about a possibility and give power back to them.

Ricky Cortez, President of MCA

Communications:

The company has a design-build technology integrator with offices in Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The multi-million-dollar organization has projects from ISDs, college systems, medical centers, energy and government entities.

Permit Us Now:

The industry recognized building permit firm that assists project owners and construction managers in navigating building permit jurisdictions across the state of Texas.

Rene Capistran, President & CEO of Noble Texas Builders:

Located in La Feria, TX with offices in San Antonio and Houston. Noble is a prime general contractor that focuses on safety and training in their quality work for education, government, healthcare and retail segments.

Helen Callier, President of

LUNCHEON

CITY OF HOUSTON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEV.

HOUSTON

SPONSORS

SPONSORS

National Engineering Society WELCOMES NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEMBERSHIP AND STATE ENGAGEMENT

and State Engagement Portfolio — that’s critically important,” said Scott. “I am confident we, as a team, will move the needle forward and yield fantastic results. That said, my passion and drive are rooted in something more profound than just increasing the number of members or growing our educational offerings. I never lose sight of the fact that our members protect our communities' public health, safety, and welfare. It feels like a way to support my community and sustainability.”

Scott will work closely with NSPE staff and governance leaders to identify, develop, and enhance the capabilities and capacities the association needs to advance strategic priorities.

Rodneikka’s innovative membership strategies, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and her passion for member and state engagement are an incredible addition to the team. We look forward to the leadership, expertise, and fresh perspectives that Rodneikka will bring to the NSPE federation.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) recently welcomed Rodneikka Scott, MSc, CAE, as its new Vice President of Member and State Engagement.

In this role, Scott will be responsible for executing NSPE’s strategic vision and the association’s approach to membership, professional practice, and learning. She will also oversee NSPE’s current state engagement efforts, the NSPE customer service center, and the ethics team. “I take very seriously my responsibility to advance and strengthen NSPE’s Membership

Prior to joining NSPE, Scott spent four years as the Chief Membership and Diversity Programs Officer of the Endocrine Society. She played a crucial role in managing the organization’s membership approach, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, and revamping the member value proposition to include a suite of new member benefits. Scott draws on more than 17 years of diverse experience in the membership, marketing, communications, volunteer relations, and education sectors to support member services and diversity programs. She has developed innovative membership strategies to produce stronger member value, expand global reach, build brand awareness, and encourage engagement aligned with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. She also developed that organization’s first DEI strategy and secured funding for several diversity-related initiatives.

“I am thrilled to welcome Rodneikka Scott to the NSPE team as the Vice President, Member and State Engagement,” said NSPE Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Monika Schulz, CAE.

Scott’s experience also includes serving as the executive director and co-founder of Simply Fit, a nonprofit committed to cultivating, enriching, and challenging youth from underrepresented groups through participation in sports to foster life and academic life skills. She is currently an active member of the American Society Association of Executives (ASAE), the Young Professionals Network of D.C., the Council for Engineering and Scientific Executives, the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) for the Archdiocese of Washington, and service on the Board of Directors for Advocates for Children and Youth.

Scott earned her B.S. in Journalism Public Relations and her Master of Science in Mass Communications with a dual focus in Marketing and Management from Arkansas State University. She holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. She received the 2020 Association Technology Stars, the 2012 Leadership Academy class from the American Society of Association Executives, and the 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate. She is the recipient of the 2022 Forty Under 40, a member of CHIEF, Association Forum of Chicagoland award as well as a 2022-2024 ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program awardee.

Source: National Society of Professional Engineers

AUSTIN CREATES NEW TECHNOLOGY ENABLING JOB AVAILABILITIES

location, simplifying the management process and promoting cross-departmental collaboration.

"The City of Austin has been committed to transparency through open data for some time, and we've been able to demonstrate that transparency through the introduction of capital projects, strategic dashboards and open budget tools," said Divya Rathanlal, IT Business Manager. City of Austin. Along with Tyler, the city is moving more than 4,000 properties from multiple assets to a new unified platform. The process involved restoring more than 250 legacy assets, redefining metadata standards and creating custom roles for EDP. The launch also included extensive training for around 30 new participants to ensure they knew and used the new website effectively.

Together with Tyler, we were able to refresh this program in our city and generate new interest in internal and open data by empowering departmental liaisons to own the publishing workflow and data lifecycle. This results in more accurate and reliable data that everyone can use, added Rathanlal. With city leadership, management, the open data team, and department contacts all involved, Austin plans to build on this project by providing more training throughout the year and continuing to clarify and expand management practices.

"Austin is a leader in open government data," said Franklin Williams, Tyler's director of data and insight. "Their user-friendly open data portal with conveniently tagged datasets makes it easy to find areas of interest. We look forward to working with Austin as they continue to expand their data sharing capabilities across the city."

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Tyler Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: TYL) announced that the City of Austin, Texas has successfully launched Tyler's comprehensive Unified Enterprise Data Platform (EDP) to improve the availability and transparency of data for employees, residents, and community members.

This significant development in the city's data management system builds on Austin's longstanding commitment to open data and internal data sharing practices. Powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the new platform consolidates information resources in one accessible

Austin, the capital of Texas, is the fourth largest city in the state. It was one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States as of 2010, with a current population of over 2.1 million people. This transition to a consolidated single EDP demonstrates Austin's commitment to maintaining transparency, efficiency, and quality of service in a rapidly growing and dynamic urban landscape.

PERFORMANCE CREDIT MECHANISM: A COSTLY SOLUTION FOR ELECTRICITY MARKET

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The proposed Performance Credit Mechanism (PCM) being considered among ERCOT market reform options “would entail billions in costs for customers without a meaningful improvement in reliability,” according to the final results of an Assessment of ERCOT Market Reform Alternatives, prepared by Bates White Economic Consulting, a firm with 25-years of experience in providing advanced economic, financial, and econometric analyses to law firms, companies, and government agencies.

Texas electricity consumers have expressed serious concerns with the Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) adopted PCM and are urging the Legislature to implement a meaningful firm cap on the PCM’s costs that provides real protections for consumers against potential exposure. Fundamentally, the PCM will provide billions in profits to the very generators who failed Texans during Winter Storm Uri.

“The PCM is a costly, unnecessary tool that will allow the PUC to guarantee profits for generators on the back of Texas customers. This is a regulated approach, but without customer protection and spending oversight that go hand-in-hand with regulation. This unproven model has the potential to add billions to the market, and without a firm cost cap, it threatens to significantly increase prices on all consumers without meaningfully improving reliability,” said Tony Bennett, president & CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM).

“Future job growth, company location, and investment decisions depend upon the Legislature charting the right course before the legislative session ends.”

To ensure that any market redesign is consumer-focused, actually enhances reliability, and maintains competitive cost structures, TAM, the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA), the Texas Chemical Council (TCC), and the Texas Industrial Energy Consumers (TIEC) engaged Bates White to evaluate proposed modifications to the ERCOT markets intended to support reliability of the system, with specific reference to the results of two recent reports assessing the modifications – one produced by Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (“E3 Report”), and one produced by ICF (“ICF Report”). As part of that evaluation, Bates White has reviewed E3’s evaluation of the ERCOT market reform options, including the PCM proposal, and has also performed analysis of two modifications to the ERCOT markets that would support system reliability while also retaining the essential features of the energy-only construct. These are: (1) a Dispatchable Reliability Reserve Service (“DRRS”), a new ancillary reliability service similar to the

uncertainty product recommended by ERCOT’s Independent Market Monitor (“IMM”), and (2) a Direct Procurement mechanism that could be implemented as a last resort if a shortfall of dispatchable resources is identified in the future.

SOME OF THE ASSESSMENT’S FINDINGS INCLUDE:

• There is no current or imminent capacity shortage in ERCOT, but increased renewable penetration is causing operational challenges.

• The existing energy and ancillary services markets have successfully supported the addition of dispatchable capacity and have done so at least as well as other RTOs with capacity markets. We believe the current ERCOT system, with additional targeted incentives, will support investment in sufficient generation to reliably serve customers.

• ERCOT’s immediate reliability challenge is to ensure operational flexibility to accommodate expected large additions of intermittent renewable generation.

• The energy and ancillary services markets are the appropriate focus for ensuring flexible and cost-effective operations and would be enhanced in this function with the addition of a DRRS product to efficiently manage operational uncertainty.

• By enhancing the revenues available to dispatchable resources, DRRS will further incentivize the continued investment in dispatchable generation to meet ERCOT’s reliability needs.

• The proposed PCM capacity mandate would entail billions in costs for customers without a meaningful improvement in reliability. These payments would be largely additive to existing market revenues.

• Based on the actual performance of the ERCOT market, PCM is not needed as an additional incentive to retain and induce new capacity. Further, PCM would not guarantee the addition of any new capacity but would with certainty impose substantial new costs.

• PCM could also create counter-productive incentives for resources – including demand response – to chase anticipated reliability credit hours when they are not actually needed.

• PCM would be a novel and untested alteration to the ERCOT market that would be complicated to implement and administer. It would require several complex tasks, including defining the periods during which performance credits (“PCs”) would be awarded, establishing the quantity of PCs needed to meet a reliability standard and developing a process for market clearing.

Source: TXOGA.org

5 KEYS TO RESPONDING TO CITY COMMENTS IN FORT WORTH

Working with a permit expediter can help you meet these deadlines and ensure your responses are thorough and complete. Our team is familiar with the city's timelines and can help you respond to comments promptly.

• ADDRESS ALL COMMENTS

City comments can cover a range of issues, from minor corrections to major changes in the project plans. It's essential to address all comments thoroughly and completely. Ignoring comments or only addressing some of them can lead to permit denials or delays.

Working with a permit expediter can help ensure that all comments are addressed in a comprehensive manner. We can help you develop a plan for addressing each comment and ensure nothing is overlooked.

• PROVIDE CLEAR AND CONCISE RESPONSES

When responding to city comments, being clear and concise is essential. Avoid using technical jargon or overly complicated language. Provide straightforward answers and explanations that the city can easily understand.

Working with a permit expediter like Permit Us Now can be helpful in this process. We can help you communicate your responses clearly and concisely, ensuring the city understands your plans and requests.

By Helen Callier

Contributing Writer

After submitting your permit application in Fort Worth, you'll likely receive comments and questions from the city's building department. These comments can be confusing and frustrating, but responding to them promptly and effectively is crucial to getting your permit approved. Here are five keys to responding to city comments in Fort Worth.

• READ AND UNDERSTAND THE COMMENTS

Before responding to the city's comments, reading and understanding them thoroughly is essential. City comments can be lengthy and technical, so take your time to review and comprehend them. If there's anything you don't understand, contact the city for clarification.

Working with a permit expediter like Permit Us Now can be helpful in this process. We are familiar with the city's language and can help you interpret their comments and respond accordingly.

• RESPOND IN A TIMELY MANNER

City comments often come with a deadline for response. It's essential to respond on time to avoid delays in the permitting process. Review the comments as soon as possible and develop a response plan.

• BE PATIENT

Responding to city comments can be a frustrating process, but it's important to remain patient. The city has a lot of applications to review and respond to, so it may take some time to receive a final decision.

Working with a permit expediter can help you navigate this process and manage your expectations. Our team can keep you informed of the status of your permit and help you stay patient throughout the process.

IN CONCLUSION

Responding to city comments in Fort Worth can be a challenging but essential part of the permitting process. By working with a permit expediter, you can simplify the process and ensure that all comments are addressed in a timely and effective manner. At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our architect, contractor, and project owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. : 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we will free you up to focus on doing what you love—building your customers'

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION ASKS FOR COMMENT ON PROPOSED

UPDATES TO NATIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SAFETY PLAN

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

As part of continuing efforts to strengthen safety for both frontline transit workers and riders across the country, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today proposed an updated version of the National Public Transportation Safety Plan. Reauthorized under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the plan creates a blueprint for transit agencies to adopt stronger safety measures. The draft of the updated safety plan was published today in the Federal Register for a 60-day comment period. FTA encourages the public to submit comments on the proposed changes.

Safety remains our top priority, and this updated National Public Transportation Safety Program will help make a safe transportation option even safer,

said Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. "This updated guidance incorporates new requirements in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and we look forward to working closely with transit agencies across the country on further improving safety for workers and riders."

The National Public Transportation Safety Plan is FTA's primary guidance document to improve transit safety performance on all federally supported public transportation systems and includes best practices, tools, technical assistance, voluntary standards, and other resources. FTA’s proposed updates align with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s goal to make our transportation systems safer for all people. The proposed updates would replace the original plan published in January 2017.

"As millions of Americans take transit to jobs, schools, and other daily activities, we must continue to ensure safety remains the top priority," said FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez. "These proposed updates enhance FTA’s safety framework, as future safety-related rules, regulations, and guidance will be informed by the National Public Transportation Safety Plan."

The National Public Transportation Safety Plan lays out a performance-based approach to reduce injuries and fatalities on transit systems under FTA's safety jurisdiction. This plan also supports the Department’s long-term goal of reaching zero fatalities on America’s roadways as part of the Department's National Roadway Safety Strategy by adding safety performance criteria for vehicular collisions and providing voluntary standards for bus transit.

In the updated version of the National Public Transportation Safety Plan, FTA proposes several performance measures, including strategies to reduce the incidents and rates of vehicle collisions, transit worker injuries and fatalities, and transit worker assaults. FTA also proposes new performance measures for Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP) risk reduction programs, which will be used by joint labor-management safety committees to set targets and assess the effectiveness of safety mitigation strategies.

FTA also proposes new practices for transit agencies to ensure public and personnel safety during an emergency.

Source: Transit.Dot.Gov

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.

DFW AIRPORT ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDES PLANS FOR TERMINAL F, RENOVATION OF TERMINAL C AND OTHER MAJOR CAPITAL INVESTMENTS

By SubContractorsUSA News Provider

airport in the world and we are thrilled to have finalized a new lease agreement and capital plan that sets the stage for American, DFW and the North Texas region to continue to grow for years to come. We value our longstanding relationship with DFW and are grateful to Mayor Parker, Mayor Johnson, the DFW Airport Board and Sean for their continued partnership.”

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

(DFW) and American Airlines today signed a new 10-year Use and Lease Agreement, which includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments – including the construction of Terminal F, the renovation of Terminal C and other significant modernization projects.

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, DFW CEO Sean Donohue and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom gathered at DFW today for a special signing ceremony of the Use and Lease Agreement, marking a new era of growth and innovation for the world's second-busiest airport.

“We are very proud that Fort Worth-based American Airlines has signed this important agreement to cement DFW’s status as American’s main hub and help us continue to meet the incredible demand we are experiencing in North Texas,” Mayor Parker said. “Our region will become the nation’s third-largest metro region within the next 10 years, and it’s no surprise that we have the second-busiest airport in the world. Today’s agreement ensures DFW Airport is ready for the future and to continue serving as Fort Worth’s gateway to the world.”

“As a growing, international city, Dallas takes great pride in its partnerships with Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) and American Airlines,” Mayor Johnson said. “DFW Airport connects our community to the world and fuels economic growth throughout our region and state. We all recognize that North Texas is the place to be. Signing the new Use and Lease Agreement is one step to ensure our region remains well-positioned to thrive in the future.”

"The Use and Lease Agreement not only creates a predictable and equitable business model for DFW Airport, but it also underscores the commitment of the airport and our airline partners to provide passengers with the best possible travel experience," said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW. "Our partnership with American Airlines, our largest airline, is stronger than ever. With the support of Robert Isom and the American team, we are making investments that set the stage for the airport of the future – one that prioritizes innovation, customer experience and sustainability.”

“American is proud to call North Texas home, and DFW is our largest hub and a central gateway to our extensive international and domestic network,” said American’s CEO Robert Isom. “American has led the growth that has propelled DFW to become the second busiest

The Use and Lease Agreement is the main governing document between the airlines and the Airport and establishes the Airport’s business model. The agreement outlines DFW’s major capital projects over the next 10 years. These projects include:

1. An estimated $2.72 billion for the expansion of the Central Terminal Area, including a major reimagining of Terminal C, “pier” expansions off Terminal A and Terminal C, and significant upgrades to roadways and terminal access.

2. An estimated $1.63 billion for the construction of a new Terminal F, featuring a 15-gate concourse. Terminal F will provide state-of-the-art facilities and amenities, including modernized baggage handling, expanded concessions and additional passenger gates to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.

The terminal expansions will deliver 24 additional gates to prepare American and other airlines for long-term growth at DFW. At the completion of construction, American will add new gates that are constructed in the Terminal A and Terminal C piers projects to its operating portfolio. The projects will also allow American to expand operations in existing terminals to maximize its operational capability and enhance the experience for connecting customers. The new agreement provides American and DFW the opportunity to work together on additional capital projects throughout the term of the lease.

The new Use and Lease Agreement replaces the 2010 agreement – which expired in 2020 and was extended during the pandemic – and maintains many of the same business arrangements as the prior version, which will provide certainty and cost predictability to support the continued growth of the airlines and DFW.

Source: DFW

CITY OFFICIALS CHOOSE ON-STREET LIGHT RAIL FOR MASS TRANSIT PLAN

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Looks like the Austin Transit Partnership announced that they will have a two-train route extending to 38th Street south to Oltorf Street, per reports. It will supplement the eastern addendum from the Yellow Jacket Lane heading towards Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. This will be a part of a five Project Connect set in motion back in March.

The rail itself is expected to cost nearly $5 billion dollars for the 9.8-mile project. For commuters, travel distance ranges up to 23 minutes north to south and 31 minutes from the northern terminus to Yellow Jacket Lane.

Daily ridership for the selected route is expected to reach 28,500 by 2040, with the 15 stations giving passengers access to more than 20,000 affordable housing units, 136,000 current jobs and an additional 200,000 jobs forecast to come into Austin as the population continues to grow.

Greg Canally, ATP’s executive director, said the 38th/Oltorf/ Yellow Jacket route was selected in part because it offered extensive coverage and is opening high-speed transit to portions of the city that have historically lacked significant infrastructure investment.

“It’s a two-line system that gives us the greatest coverage, connects to great affordable housing that’s already been built and is planned, and it gets us to do an investment in a part of the community that’s been underinvested in,” he said. “It

also has really fantastic connections to our existing transit network and the transit network that’s going to be built out as the MetroRapids and other elements of that come out.”

The trains that will run on the streets are expected to have a green light timing to prevent frequent stops between intersections. This will help reduce delays that originally were a concern for street-level routes.

Lindsey Wood, who serves as the executive vice president of engineering and construction for ATP, explained that listening to the community’s needs was a central point for change. We heard the desire for the most coverage we can provide from community and on-street gives us that. But we also heard things that on-street will really help us with a system that people can see, understand how to use, and they can access it easily,

she said. “It doesn’t have any barriers to accessibility for either people with disabilities, parents pushing strollers, and you don’t have to go upstairs, escalators or elevators. And you can activate the street with it and connect at the level that people are at with the on-street options.”

The ATP, Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the City Council will meet to decide on how to proceed in June. After the approval, ATP will begin the environmental impact and approval process at the local and federal levels while beginning the financial diligence needed for the twoyear process to apply for federal transportation funding.