The Associated General Contractors of California has entered into a first-of-its kind partnership with LGBTQ+ advocacy group BuildOUT California to strengthen the construction industry through diversity and inclusion, both on the jobsite and in the office, throughout California.
The program focuses on promoting LGBTQ+ businesses as part of AGC’s broader effort to boost involvement of SBE/DBE-owned firms on projects. But the partnership also focuses on helping LGBTQ+-owned businesses “build their businesses and be stronger contractors and subcontractors,” says Peter Tateishi, AGC of California CEO.
The partnership is one component of AGC of California’s long-term goals to address diversity and inclusion and social equity issues that hinders recruitment to the industry. “If you are a minority or LGBTQ+ and you don’t feel that you are represented or welcome, then you’re not going to pursue” a career in construction, Tateishi says, “no matter how much money we tell them they can make.”
