Kelli Wade

Making that big move to San Francisco? 🌉 Here are some tips! Looking to relocate to San Francisco as a Quantity Surveyor or Project Manager? 🏗️ With its booming tech industry and diverse cultures, SF is a fantastic place for career growth and life adventure. Here's what you need to know: ✅ **Housing:** Rent can be pricey. Start your search early and consider neighbourhoods like the Sunset District or Daly City for a bit more affordability. ✅ **Commute:** Public transport is reliable. The BART and MUNI systems can save you the hassle of driving and parking. ✅ **Networking:** Get involved in local professional groups. Meetup and industry conferences can be great for connecting with like-minded professionals. ✅ **Lifestyle:** Embrace the local culture. SF has countless parks, cafes, and cultural events to enjoy on your days off. ✅ **Salary Adjustments:** Make sure to negotiate your salary based on the high cost of living here. Check local salary benchmarks to ensure you're getting a fair deal. What tips would you add for newcomers? Share below or reach out if you're making a career move soon. 🌟 www.heather-daniel.com #SanFrancisco #CareerMove #ProjectManagement

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Structural Engineering Recruiters in Anaheim: Securing Seismic-Savvy Talent: Anaheim engineering firms and construction companies need structural engineers who understand California's unique seismic challenges. Finding qualified professionals who can design earthquake-resistant structures isn't easy in today's competitive market. This guide helps hiring managers and HR professionals in Anaheim connect with specialized recruiters who can find structural engineering talent with crucial seismic expertise. We'll explore… The post Structural Engineering Recruiters in Anaheim: Securing Seismic-Savvy Talent appeared first on K2 Staffing. https://bit.ly/3Vrb4YY

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🚧 SoCal Site Development Roundup: March 3rd, 2026 A few major storylines are shaping California’s development landscape this week: 1️⃣ Contractors Enter 2026 With Cautious Optimism (AGC California) ▪️ A new AGC of California survey shows builders heading into the year with steady demand expectations and pragmatic confidence. ▪️62% expect statewide construction activity to grow or moderately increase. ▪️81% are confident in their firm’s performance. ▪️52% plan to expand hiring despite ongoing labor shortages. Infrastructure‑heavy sectors (transportation, utilities, and public works) remain the strongest. 2️⃣ Mega‑Projects Are Redefining Workforce & Infrastructure Needs (Birmingham Group) ▪️The Birm Group highlights more than $150B in active and upcoming megaprojects across California—from High‑Speed Rail to the Delta ▪️Conveyance, BART Phase II, university expansions, and mixed‑use districts near transit. These overlapping timelines are tightening demand for project executives, civil/structural leaders, and technical specialists, reshaping capacity planning across the AEC sector. 3️⃣ California Forever Sparks Land‑Use Debate (City Journal) ▪️City Journal dives into CA Forever CEO Jan Sramek’s bold proposal to build an entirely new 400,000‑population city on 100 square miles of Solano County farmland. ▪️While backed by major tech investors, the vision faces intense local pushback over land acquisition, cultural impact, and regulatory hurdles. Regardless of its future, the project highlights California’s ongoing tension between housing needs, local control, and large‑scale planning ambition. 💭 Takeaways for Site & Civil Teams Between cautious optimism, unprecedented megaproject investment, and controversial land‑use proposals, 2026 continues to reshape the development environment. Opportunities are expanding, particularly for large-scale projects, but so are the challenges tied to labor, policy, and public sentiment at a local level. As always, sources linked below and I'm curious to hear what others in the SoCal civil and development ecosystem are seeing on the ground. #SoCalDevelopment #SiteDevelopment #CaliforniaConstruction #LandUse #CivilEngineering #AECIndustry

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🔨 2026 U.S. Construction Pipeline: Are You Ready? As we head into 2026, major infrastructure, energy, and data center projects are accelerating across the U.S.—bringing significant labor demand with them. 🚆 Brightline West – $20B+ high-speed rail connecting Southern California to Las Vegas, ramping up heavy construction phases. 🌬️ Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind – One of the largest offshore wind developments in the U.S., driving demand for skilled trades, marine construction, and project leadership. 🌊 Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind – Expanding renewable infrastructure along the East Coast with thousands of construction and supply chain roles. 🏗️ Large-scale data center expansions across key markets such as Texas, Virginia, Ohio, and Arizona are also intensifying competition for electricians, PMs, superintendents, and commissioning teams. 📈 With billions in federal and private investment flowing into infrastructure and clean energy, labor shortages remain the critical risk factor. The projects are funded. The timelines are aggressive. The question is — do you have the workforce suppliers to execute? 🤝 For contractors, hiring managers, and decision-makers: Strategic workforce planning will be the differentiator in 2026. Proactive partnerships, pipeline development, and flexible staffing models will determine who delivers on time — and who doesn’t. If you’re forecasting project starts in 2026, now is the time to secure talent. Source: Wikipedia #ConstructionLeadership #Infrastructure2026 #HiringStrategy #WorkforcePlanning #DecisionMakers #ezonestaffing

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The ability to sell ADUs as standalone condos in California is likely to boost demand for small-scale residential construction, creating new opportunities for structural engineers. It introduces design challenges around independent foundations, fire separation, and utility systems, while also encouraging innovation in modular and prefab construction. Engineers will need to navigate evolving building codes and collaborate more closely with planners and developers, especially for retrofits and conversions of existing structures. https://lnkd.in/gAci5Mxf

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Still thinking about the powerful insights shared at last week’s Bisnow LA Construction Conference. One of the most memorable conversations I had was with Marc Ness from DPR Construction — a leader who doesn’t shy away from tough industry truths and is actively tackling the challenges shaping the future of construction in Southern California. A few takeaways from our exchange that really stuck with me: <> “Working with the City of LA isn’t straightforward.” Anyone building here knows that permitting and approvals can feel more like an art than a process. Those who succeed tend to lead with relationships, foresight, and patience. What keeps construction leaders up at night? <> Marc named a few things that echo across the industry: 1. The pressure to keep revenue flowing in an unpredictable market 2. The need to reserve talent in advance — before projects break ground 3. The way unknown tariffs are stalling momentum and complicating projections 4. And perhaps most urgent: a labor shortage that’s getting worse, especially as immigration policies impact over 50% of the available workforce. These aren’t just pain points — they’re signals to evolve how we lead, staff, and plan for the future. As someone who partners with high-performance construction firms on talent strategy, I left this conversation inspired and motivated to help bridge the talent gap in a smarter way. Also — let’s be honest — it’s not every day you show up unintentionally twinning on the footwear front. Always a good sign when values and style align. Thanks again, Marc, for the conversation and candor. Curious to hear from others: What strategies are you exploring to address today’s labor and operational challenges in construction? Wiki Nas | JPJ Staffing #ConstructionLeadership #DPRConstruction #LAConstruction #TalentStrategy #LaborShortage #Tariffs #Permitting #BuildingSouthernCalifornia #IndustryInsights

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A major development is underway for Los Angeles transit. Los Angeles Metro has awarded a $997 million contract to a joint venture between Herzog and FlatironDragados to kick off early enabling work on the Southeast Gateway Line - a 14.5-mile light rail project that will connect Artesia to the Slauson/A Line Station. This phase will focus on critical infrastructure preparation, including: - Freight Track Relocation: 8.7 miles of existing freight track will be shifted to accommodate the light rail, along with the installation of 52,000 feet of new mainline track. - Utility Work: The team will manage relocation of 571 impacted utilities across the corridor. - Station and Access Development: The project includes building the new elevated Firestone Metro Station, a vehicle access underpass beneath UPRR freight rail, and a pedestrian bridge near Paramount High School. - Additional Site Work: Demolition, site clearance, sound and retaining wall construction, and hazardous soil abatement are also part of the scope. This contract marks a significant step forward in expanding sustainable transportation options across Southeast LA County. Construction industry watchers will be keeping a close eye on progress as this transformative project moves ahead. Follow: Sophie Booker Email: sophie.booker@mkhsearch.com #MKHSearch #Infrastructure #TransitDevelopment #LosAngeles #LightRail #LAMetro #Herzog #FlatironDragados #SoutheastGatewayLine #ConstructionNews

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Suffolk West Director of Preconstruction Kristopher Kyle recently spoke at Bisnow's Bay Area Life Sciences Conference on a panel about building the future of lab spaces. During the panel, Kris discussed how our Gilead Sciences project in Foster City, California, is delivering flexible, sustainable, and advanced lab spaces that will help the company develop treatments in cancer and inflammatory diseases. The 182,000-square-foot building, which topped out in March, is scheduled to open next year. Thanks to Kris for representing Suffolk at this important conference, and to the other panelists for their valuable perspectives on the Bay Area life sciences industry. Photo: Elewa Camera

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Across California, cities are pushing forward with projects designed to actually move the needle on affordability. Recent approvals include thousands of new residential units, many with strong affordable components, and major BART-adjacent, transit-oriented communities targeting lower and moderate income households. These projects reflect a broader strategy: ✔ Build near transit ✔ Increase density in job-rich areas ✔ Mix market-rate with affordable units ✔ Activate underused land For the AEC industry, this means continued demand for multifamily, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse design expertise statewide. For firms working in housing, senior living, and mixed-use, California continues to be one of the most active and opportunity-rich markets in the country. #AffordableHousing #CaliforniaDevelopment #MultifamilyDesign #AECIndustry #Architecture

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Here’s what I’m seeing right now across the Northern California civil engineering market: - Strong demand for Project Managers who can own client relationships and manage projects end-to-end - Firms placing more value on backlog and business development potential than pure technical design - The biggest shortage continues to be engineers with 8 to 15 years of experience There’s plenty of talent at the entry level and strong leadership at the top. The real gap is in the middle where firms need people who can run work and keep clients coming back. If you’re in that range, the market is very much in your favor right now. #CivilEngineering #NorthernCalifornia #AECcareers

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Los Angeles just got Olympic ready🏅 Grimshaw's collaboration with Arup and Gruen Associates has brought to the life the LAX / Metro Transit Centers's new intermodal station. The project is a part of LA's strategy to reduce car dependency ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 📌 FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games #Architecture #UrbanDesign #TransportInfrastructure #Grimshaw #Sustainability #WorldCup2026 #LA2028 #PublicTransport #SmartCities #2028OlympicAndParalympicGames

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California invests $26 million to recruit more women into construction careers 🚧👷‍♀️ California’s Department of Industrial Relations has unveiled a new $26 million initiative to boost representation of women in construction trades. The funding, allocated through DIR’s Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants, will support recruitment, pre-apprenticeships, childcare stipends, and cultural shifts to address long-standing barriers in the industry. Currently, women make up less than 5% of construction apprenticeships statewide. The initiative aims to change that by making apprenticeships more accessible and inclusive through targeted outreach, wrap-around supports, and partnerships with unions and community groups. By investing in training, childcare support, and mentorship, California hopes to foster a construction workforce that better reflects its diverse communities and HOPEFULLY help fill these labor shortages across the state. This is an important step toward economic equity and building a stronger infrastructure workforce. Let's get'em girls! 🦾 👷‍♀️ Link to press release 👇 https://lnkd.in/gSwv2XpK #WomenInTrades #CaliforniaGrants #ElectricalConstruction #ElectricalRecruiter Follow: Audra Baker Follow: Tiello

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Sacramento Construction Outlook: Key Growth Sectors for 2026 As we head into the new year, Sacramento is positioned for significant growth across several sectors: ✅ Data Centers & Tech Infrastructure – Proximity to the Bay Area and strong power/network capacity make Sacramento a prime candidate for regional data center investments. Demand driven by AI and cloud computing could push construction growth by 20–30%. ✅ Civil & Water Infrastructure – Water scarcity and regulatory pressures (PFAS compliance, potable reuse) will drive major investments in treatment, distribution, and stormwater projects. Progressive design-build and CMAR delivery methods will dominate. ✅ Airports & Regional Aviation – SMF and regional airfields are planning modernization and expansion projects. With IIJA funding expiring in 2026, expect local funding and public-private partnerships to play a key role. ✅ Residential & Multifamily – Legislation supporting multifamily development will accelerate high-density housing near transit corridors and urban infill locations. Challenges Ahead: Labor shortages (national need for ~500,000 additional workers) Materials cost volatility Regulatory delays and compliance hurdles Financial risk and cash flow management Opportunities: Embrace AI and automation for up to 30% efficiency gains Invest in digital project management tools Upskill workforce for tech integration Sacramento firms that target high-growth sectors, invest in technology and talent, and collaborate early with regulators and utilities will be best positioned for success in 2026. What trends are you seeing in your projects? Let’s connect and share insights! #ConstructionManagement #Sacramento #Infrastructure #DataCenters #WaterProjects #MultifamilyDevelopment #ConstructionTrends2026

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Global warehouse developer Prologis has won the green light to build a massive industrial project that’s been in the works for a decade in its hometown of San Francisco. Read more in the CoStar News story below ⬇️

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DPR Construction has broken ground on a new $380 million Advanced Cancer Center and Care Complex in Modesto, California, marking a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure across the Central Valley. The 165,000-square-foot facility will bring a range of services together under one roof, including cancer screenings, infusion and radiation therapy, outpatient care and a surgery center. The goal is to create a more coordinated, patient-focused experience while expanding access to specialised care closer to home. The project is expected to be completed in 2029 and reflects the continued strength of healthcare construction, particularly around large-scale, integrated medical campuses. A notable development for the region and another example of major capital flowing into healthcare delivery environments. #Healthcare #ENR #Construction #California #HealthcareConstruction

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