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Navigating Uncertainty: The Construction Industry at a Political Crossroads
From changing policies to economic shifts, the construction industry is facing uncertain times. Learn how businesses can adapt and continue to grow in this changing landscape.
By Rachael Mahoney
In the wake of the recent political transition, our industry is at a pivotal moment. The infrastructure and construction sectors, buoyed by historic federal investments, now face questions about the continuity and direction of these initiatives. While change is inevitable with any new administration, the uncertainty we’re experiencing is particularly acute given the stark policy contrasts and shifting national priorities.
As someone deeply embedded in this industry, I’ve spent several months speaking with project managers, estimators, finance directors, materials suppliers, and technology innovators across the country. The sentiment is consistent: we’re entering uncharted waters, but with challenge comes opportunity for those prepared to adapt.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: What’s Secure and What’s in Flux
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represents one of the most significant public works investments in generations, allocating approximately $1.2 trillion over five years to transformative projects in roads, bridges, rail, broadband, and clean water.
As Gary Johnson, Vice President, Land and Quarry of Granite Construction Inc., testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works: “The funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was sorely needed and long-awaited, but delivering the surface transportation network our nation deserves is not just a five-year endeavor.”
Projects already approved with funding obligated are largely secure. The Federal Highway Administration has allocated over $110 billion to states for critical infrastructure repairs, and these funds are contractually committed. Similarly, major bridge replacement projects, Amtrak corridor improvements, and water system upgrades with signed agreements are proceeding as planned.
However, the picture grows murkier for:
• Projects in the pipeline but not yet contracted: Many state and local governments have projects that received preliminary approval but haven’t reached final contracting stages.
• Discretionary grant programs: Competitive grant programs where applications are under review but awards haven’t been announced face potential reprioritization.
• Future year funding allocations: While the legislation authorized five years of funding, annual appropriations could see adjustments in priorities and implementation timelines.
“We all want to see more domestic suppliers of construction materials, but undermining demand for construction isn’t the right way to stimulate new domestic capacity,” notes an Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) analysis on potential widespread tariffs.
Climate Initiatives and Regional Funding Shifts
The change in administration signals a potential reshuffling of climate-related infrastructure priorities. The previous emphasis on electric vehicle infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and climate resilience projects may see recalibration, with greater focus potentially shifting to traditional infrastructure and domestic energy production.
Regional impacts could be significant:
• Sunbelt states may see increased emphasis on border infrastructure, water management projects, and traditional transportation investments.
• Rust Belt regions could benefit from manufacturing-oriented infrastructure supporting reshoring initiatives and critical mineral processing.
• Coastal zones previously prioritized for climate adaptation may see adjustments in how resilience is approached and funded.
Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Cost Implications
Perhaps no area faces more immediate uncertainty than the materials supply chain. The prospect of expanded tariffs and trade restrictions has already triggered price volatility and hesitation across the sector.
A survey of construction executives revealed:
• 68% report suppliers are unwilling to guarantee prices beyond 30 days.
• 42% have seen project owners pause or delay final investment decisions.
• 57% are exploring alternative materials or sourcing strategies.
The Freezing Effect Across Sectors
This constellation of uncertainties has created a measurable cooling effect across the entire construction ecosystem:
• Development pipelines: Particularly in public-private partnerships, we see caution in advancing projects from concept to execution.
• Capital allocation: Infrastructure funds report increased scrutiny and extended due diligence periods for new investments.
• Workforce planning: Companies hesitate to expand permanent staffing despite record backlogs.
• Technology adoption: Paradoxically, some firms are delaying efficiency investments precisely when they’re most needed.
“The current environment feels like driving in heavy fog,” observes one VP of Operations at a heavy civil contractor. “We know the road continues, but we’re proceeding with heightened caution and reduced speed until visibility improves.
Policy Uncertainty
Executives in heavy civil construction warn that shifting or unclear policies can hinder project progress and raise costs. Dave Bauer, President and CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), pointed out how regulatory whiplash creates delays and expense overruns:
“This long-overdue guidance is critical for reducing the regulatory uncertainty that delays infrastructure improvements and needlessly increases their costs.”
Similarly, ARTBA Chairman Tim Duit testified that a stable regulatory environment is needed to fully leverage historic funding levels, noting that harmonizing regulations with Congress’s intent would help deliver projects on time. Industry leaders consistently call for clearer, consistent policies so contractors, suppliers, and disposers can plan effectively without the fear of abrupt rule changes or funding shifts undermining projects.
Supply Chain Challenges
Construction firms continue to grapple with volatile material prices and logistical bottlenecks, issues that have been exacerbated by global events and pandemic aftershocks. Ken Simonson, Chief Economist at AGC, described how supply disruptions are impacting contractors:
“Contractors are experiencing fast-rising materials costs, lengthening or uncertain delivery times, and rationing of key inputs… These problems threaten to drive up the cost and completion time for many vital projects and potentially set back the recovery in construction employment.”
Association officials have urged policymakers to address these bottlenecks – for instance, by lifting tariffs on key materials – to “help uncork supply-chain bottlenecks” and ease price spikes. The consensus is that until supply chains stabilize, firms must plan around longer lead times and higher costs, often securing critical materials well in advance and diversifying suppliers to keep projects on schedule.
Workforce Stability
Labor shortages and workforce uncertainty remain a critical concern across the construction industry. Industry leaders stress that inadequate investment in training and education, along with restrictive labor policies and now immigration volatility, are limiting the sector’s growth. Jeff Shoaf, CEO of AGC of America, emphasized how the lack of support for workforce development directly affects project delivery:
“The government’s lack of investment in construction workforce programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects… These impacts include higher costs, longer construction schedules and a significant number of delayed or canceled projects.”
Contractors are raising wages and intensifying recruiting, but many positions remain hard to fill, challenges that are exacerbated by uncertainty. Association leaders have called for expanded career and technical education, immigration reform, and other measures to stabilize the talent pipeline. The goal is to build a steady workforce to meet growing infrastructure demands without driving up costs or causing delays due to labor gaps.
Technology Adoption
Construction associations also note that adopting modern technology is essential to overcoming these challenges and improving productivity. Matt Abeles, Vice President of Construction Technology at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), advises companies to take a people-focused approach to tech implementation for maximum benefit:
“By focusing on the people affected by technology change and identifying key stakeholders and drivers throughout the process, companies can develop a robust construction technology framework that can weather uncertainty, lead to more profits, safer jobs and more work.”
Leaders see tools like marketplaces, project management software, automation, drones, and AI as ways to mitigate labor shortages and streamline operations. Sandherr has observed that firms “continue to invest in the tools they need to be more efficient” even as they navigate economic uncertainties. From procurement platforms like Bulk Exchange that improve supply sourcing, to robotics that boost jobsite safety, technology adoption is increasingly viewed not as optional, but as a strategic necessity in the heavy civil sector’s response to political and economic shifts.
The Path Forward: Proactive vs. Reactive Positioning
As we navigate this transition, the distinction between proactive and reactive positioning becomes critical. Reactive companies await clarity before making significant moves – a seemingly conservative approach that often increases vulnerability. Proactive organizations develop the capabilities to thrive under multiple scenarios while strengthening foundational competencies.
This perspective is echoed in recent McKinsey research, which suggests that major market transitions typically reward first movers who act decisively amid uncertainty rather than companies that wait for complete information.
Conclusion: Uncertainty as Catalyst
While we navigate genuine challenges and uncertainties, there's a compelling case for optimism. Our industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience through previous transitions, economic cycles, and policy shifts. The fundamental need for infrastructure investment transcends political changes – deteriorating bridges require replacement regardless of which party holds power.
Moreover, periods of disruption historically accelerate innovation and separate industry leaders from laggards. The companies using this moment to strengthen foundations, embrace technology, build cohesive teams, and develop strategic flexibility will emerge positioned for decades of success.
As we move forward, let's recognize that our industry's greatest strength has always been building for the future amid the present constraints. That foundational purpose remains unchanged, even as the political landscape evolves.
The path ahead contains both challenges and opportunities. By staying united as an industry, prioritizing innovation and efficiency, and maintaining unwavering focus on the essential infrastructure our society requires, we'll navigate this transition successfully – building not just roads and bridges, but the foundation for America's next chapter of growth and prosperity.
Why Are We Still Using Google to Source Rock?
The construction industry still relies on outdated methods like Google searches to source rock, spreadsheets, and cold calls, leading to wasted time and cost. Bulk Exchange is a digital marketplace specifically designed for bulk materials sourcing. Our platform aims to reduce wasted materials, cut costs, and modernize outdated workflows.
By Rachael Mahoney, Chief Strategy Officer at Bulk Exchange
We live in a world where we can get a refrigerator delivered tomorrow with the tap of a finger. We can order shoes, sushi, or dog food and track it to our door in real time. Marketplaces have completely reshaped how we buy, sell, and connect.
But if you're an estimator trying to find 15,000 tons of fill or a disposal site for a few thousand cubic yards of contaminated soil?
You're still relying on Google. Maybe a spreadsheet. Probably a few cold calls. And a whole lot of waiting.
It’s wild, isn’t it? In one of the most essential and material-intensive industries on the planet, we’re still using tools that were never designed for us. And it's not just inconvenient—it’s costing us in time, money, and talent.
The Time Sink No One Talks About
Every sourcing professional I know are wildly skilled problem solvers with engineering minds and decades of collective experience. But ask any of them how much of their day is spent just trying to source or dispose of materials for a bid or project, and you’ll get the same eye roll.
“I spend about a third of my day just trying to track people down,” one estimator recently told us. “It’s all Google searches, phone tag, and out-of-date info. It’s incredibly inefficient.”
According to research from Dodge Leads and LetsBuild, it’s not uncommon for planners and estimators to spend 30–40% of their time on this one task alone. That’s 14 to 16 hours a week chasing down answers to questions that should take minutes:
- Who has the material I need?
- Can they deliver?
- What are their gate rates?
- Do they have capacity?
- Who’s the actual person to talk to?
This is one of the most foundational pieces of project planning, and yet it remains one of the least supported by technology.
Heavy Civil Construction: A Critical Industry, Missing a Critical Tool
Heavy civil construction builds the systems our entire world runs on—transportation, water, energy, public works. We are literally moving earth to make progress. But our sourcing workflows are stuck in the past.
"We're using million-dollar equipment, managing hundred-million-dollar projects, and still relying on fax machines and cold calls to move dirt." — Project Executive, Bay Area
Every other major industry has modernized its supply chain. Why haven’t we?
The truth is: we haven’t had a centralized marketplace—until now.
Introducing Bulk Exchange: A Marketplace Built for Us
That’s why we built Bulk Exchange—the first and only digital marketplace designed specifically for bulk materials in heavy civil construction.
This isn’t a directory. It’s a living, breathing, searchable ecosystem where suppliers, disposers, and contractors can:
- Search real-time inventory and gate rates
- Find nearby import/export matches
- Check site capacity and material specs
- Communicate directly with site contacts—no middlemen
It’s the platform our industry deserves: simple, transparent, cost-effective, and built for the realities of civil work. One that saves time, trims costs, and opens the door to a more sustainable, circular economy for construction materials.
How the Old Way Hurts Our Future
If the time suck wasn’t enough, there’s another side to this story: talent.
We’re in the middle of a historic labor shortage. According to the AGC, over 85% of construction firms are struggling to find qualified workers, and the younger generation isn’t exactly lining up to take their place.
Why?
Because we’re asking digital natives to work in analog environments. And frankly, they want no part of it.
“It’s not that I don’t want to work in construction,” a recent construction management grad told us. “It’s that I don’t want to work somewhere that still uses fax machines.”
Our reliance on outdated workflows doesn’t just create inefficiencies, it actively repels the next generation of talent. New grads are used to intuitive, data-driven platforms in every aspect of life. Expecting them to spend half their day chasing gate rates over the phone isn't just inefficient, it's a dealbreaker.
Circular Construction Starts with Visibility
We talk a lot about sustainability in this industry but you can’t optimize what you can’t see.
Without a centralized platform, we’re missing daily opportunities to reuse materials, cut haul distances, and keep resources in motion instead of in landfills. According to our white paper, over 70% of excess spoils are wasted or hauled long distances simply because contractors didn’t have visibility into nearby reuse options.
Bulk Exchange changes that. We’ve seen contractors:
- Cut sourcing time by 60%
- Avoid 4+ hours of haul time per load
- Save tens of thousands of dollars by matching with local suppliers or disposers in a single click
And those aren’t just wins for the bottom line—they’re wins for the planet, too.
It’s Time to Stop Making Phone Calls for Rock
This isn’t just about saving time…it’s about moving the industry forward.
Let’s give our people the tools they need to work smarter. Let’s make it easier to do the right thing, whether that’s reusing materials, shortening hauls, or just getting a job priced faster.
Let’s stop wasting world-class talent on low-value admin work, and start giving them back their time.
At Bulk Exchange, we’re not just building a platform—we’re building a better way to work.
Ready to stop wasting time and start sourcing smarter?
🌐 Visit BulkExchange.com and join the platform that’s transforming how the industry moves materials.
The Week We’re All Irish: From Bridges to Broadband, the Irish Keep Building
Learn how Bulk Exchange's construction technology can streamline your projects, save you time and money & revolutionize the way you manage bulk material!
Ahhh, St. Patrick’s Week, the one time of year when everyone suddenly discovers their long-lost Irish granny, and Guinness sales mysteriously triple. It’s a grand time altogether, with parades, pints, and questionable attempts at an Irish accent. But beyond the shamrocks and shenanigans, it’s worth remembering the deeper legacy of the Irish in America, one not just built on celebrations, but on sheer grit, resilience, and the ability to build things that last.
As a proud Irish American with deep roots in both tech and construction, I don’t just celebrate my heritage, I walk on it, work with it, and build upon it every day. The Irish didn’t just show up for the craic (though let’s be honest, we do love a good party). When Irish immigrants landed on these shores, they got straight to work, designing and constructing the backbone of this country. From the White House to the Golden Gate Bridge, from tunnels to towering skyscrapers, the Irish left their mark. Not with riches or privilege, but with sheer determination, strong backs, and the unshakable belief that they could build something better in their chosen home and country.
Fast forward a century or two, and the Irish are still at it. Instead of just building roads and bridges, we’re laying the foundation for the digital world. Paul Foley, my own CEO at Bulk Exchange and a proud son of County Leitrim, is part of that new wave, building the construction tech infrastructure that powers our modern economy. And let’s not forget the Collison brothers, two lads from rural Ireland who founded Stripe and reshaped online payments globally. Whether it’s steel and concrete or code and connectivity, the Irish spirit of resilience and innovation hasn’t changed and we’re still getting the job done.
Why are the Irish so good at this? Maybe it’s because we’ve always known how to push forward, no matter the odds. Whether it was swinging hammers or writing lines of code, the same qualities that built America’s physical landscape are now shaping its digital future: toughness, adaptability, and an innate ability to solve problems (usually with a bit of charm thrown in for good measure).
So this week, when you raise a glass at the parade, take a moment to remember, there’s a good chance the road you traveled to get there, and the tech you used to plan or pay for your night out, have the Irish to thank. Sláinte to the builders, past, present, and future!
About the Author
Rachael Mahoney is the Chief Strategy Officer at Bulk Exchange. With extensive experience in the construction and technology sectors, she is passionate about driving innovation and fostering sustainable growth in the heavy civil construction industry. Follow Rachael on LinkedIn for more insights.
An Unlikely Journey: How Tech and Construction Came Together in My Career
What do homesteading in Alaska, leading in Silicon Valley, and transforming heavy civil construction have in common? More than you’d think, and here's why.
By Rachael Mahoney
What’s rarer than growing up on a remote homestead in Alaska, where fewer than 3,500 people ever claimed homestead patents? Or navigating the high-stakes world of Silicon Valley tech, where only 29% of executive roles are held by women? Or leading in the heavy civil construction industry, where women make up just 1% of CEOs globally? The intersection of these worlds is nearly unheard of—and yet it’s the story of my life. These unlikely paths, though unconventional, have converged to create the most rewarding career I could have imagined.
How Tech and Construction Intersect
Growing up on a homestead in Alaska, I was surrounded by hardhats and safety gear—worn by my parents, brother, cousins, uncles, and aunties—all contributing to the critical infrastructure that keeps our rugged state running. In a place where everything feels just a little bigger and harder, the challenges were as monumental as the land itself. Winters that freeze eyelashes into icicles. Summers swarming with mosquitos as big as birds. From remote roads cutting through dense wilderness to electrical grids powering isolated communities and buildings like those at the North Pole, where my dad, Tim Mahoney, is currently working, there was almost always a Mahoney on site.
The work wasn’t easy. Alaska is one of the most extreme environments on earth, where nature constantly tests human ingenuity. Projects mean contending with brutal weather, rugged landscapes, and isolation, where even the simplest task requires careful planning, adaptability, and grit.
That environment taught me early on about resilience, creativity, and teamwork—the qualities that make construction possible. These lessons didn’t just shape how I saw my family’s work; they became foundational to who I am.
It turns out those tough Alaskan experiences were the perfect training for Silicon Valley, which might not have subzero temperatures but definitely has its own wild terrain. Instead of dodging moose on the highway, you’re navigating jargon-filled pitches, endless obstacles and lower odds of success. In Alaska, we deal with storms that knock out power; in The Valley, its servers crashing during a big launch. Both places have high stakes, and neither gives you much room for error.
Bouncing between these two extremes is shaping my career in the best possible ways and serving me well in the land of startups. Now, working to bring technology solutions to heavy civil construction, I get to blend both worlds, proving that even the most unlikely paths can lead to something meaningful.
Two Roads Merge
Two years ago, I found myself standing at the edge of a massive quarry, trying to take in the sheer scale of what I was seeing. The Trappe Brothers, owners of Canyon Rock, were giving me a firsthand look at the intricate process of producing bulk materials. We drove in a giant truck through the site, passing towering stockpiles of rock, watching automated loaders in action, and standing close enough to feel the ground tremble during blasting.
It wasn’t just the size of the operation that left me in awe—it was the realization that a small, family-owned business was at the heart of these engineering marvels. Seeing the care, precision, and innovation required to deliver something as seemingly simple as aggregates shifted my perspective forever. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and it marked the beginning of my deeper connection to heavy civil construction.
From Building in Alaska to Building in Silicon Valley
What I didn’t fully appreciate until recently was how much those same qualities apply to building technology solutions. Today, I work in construction tech, helping to build the Bulk Exchange marketplace for the heavy civil industry. While the setting couldn’t be more different—transitioning from the wilds of Alaska to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of The Valley—the parallels are undeniable.
Most startups fail. It’s a reality of working in the heart of the technology capital of the world, where innovation is constant, competition is fierce, and success demands extraordinary effort. In many ways, building a technology solution feels like building a road through a remote Alaskan wilderness. The conditions might not involve snow or wind, but the challenges are just as daunting.
Much like construction in Alaska, technology requires navigating unknowns, solving problems with limited resources, and bringing people together to achieve a shared goal. These parallels have given me a deeper appreciation for both industries and reinforced just how interconnected they are.
Bringing It All Together
One of the most fulfilling parts of my journey has been connecting my upbringing with my career in a way that wasn’t possible before. My family has always understood construction, but when I worked in other areas of tech, the connection between what I did and what they did wasn’t always clear.
Now, it is. They see how technology can directly impact the work they do, and I get to be part of something that feels bigger than myself. It’s been a rewarding experience, one I didn’t expect, but am deeply grateful for.
Lessons in Relationships and Innovation
Coming into construction wasn’t without its challenges. As an introvert, the relationship-driven nature of the industry intimidated me at first. Construction is built on trust and face-to-face connections, a stark contrast to the digital, often impersonal world of tech.
But two years in, I can confidently say that the people I’ve met and get to work with are the best part of my career. They’re teaching me the value of slowing down, listening, and prioritizing quality over speed. It’s a lesson that other industries, including tech, could learn from. Too often, we assume that faster and more automated is better, but construction shows us the value of staying close to our roots and prioritizing human connection.
At the same time, I’ve seen firsthand how much opportunity there is to bring meaningful technology to this field. The industry is still catching up, which means the potential to make an impact is unlimited. Every new tool or system we introduce has the power to transform workflows, save time, and reduce waste without sacrificing the relationships that have defined this industry for generations. That ability to contribute to something lasting feels as consequential as the infrastructure we’re building.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Heavy Civil Construction Workers
Despite the rewards, construction still faces a perception problem. It’s no secret that the industry is struggling to attract the next generation of workers, even though it offers good salaries, job stability, and the chance to work on tangible, meaningful projects.
I think part of the issue is that construction doesn’t always look as exciting as tech, medicine, or other industries that get more attention. But what I’ve found is an industry filled with complexity and heart. From small, family-run businesses managing massive engineering feats to large-scale projects that shape entire communities, there’s so much here to inspire pride and purpose.
For anyone considering this field—especially those with backgrounds in tech or other industries—my advice is simple: don’t overlook construction as I almost did. Yes, it’s hard work, and yes, it’s different. But the challenges are what make it exciting, and the opportunity to innovate and leave a lasting impact is enormous.
Heavy Civil Construction: A Career Worth Building
My career has taken twists I never expected. But those turns have brought me to a place where I can combine my skills, my upbringing, and my passion in a way that feels deeply fulfilling. ConTech is challenging me, inspiring me, and reminding me why I love solving problems and connecting people.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to make a difference that matters to everyone. And for me, that’s as exciting as anything I’ve ever done.