Archives for March 2025

California is poised for a transformative year in 2025, with numerous construction projects across the state. These initiatives span various sectors, including transportation, housing, commercial development, and infrastructure, reflecting California’s commitment to modernization and sustainability.

Transportation Projects

Brightline West High-Speed Rail: Construction is ramping up on the Brightline West high-speed rail line, a $12-billion project connecting Southern California to Las Vegas. Spanning 218 miles along the Interstate 15 corridor, trains are expected to reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, significantly reducing travel time between these major hubs. 

Foothill Extension Phase 2B: The Metro A Line (formerly Gold Line) is extending eastward from Pomona to Montclair. With substantial completion of the segment to Pomona achieved in early 2025, construction from Pomona to Montclair is slated to begin in spring 2025, aiming for a 2030 completion. This extension will enhance connectivity across the San Gabriel Valley. 

OC Streetcar: In Orange County, the OC Streetcar project is progressing, with the Harbor Transit Center in Garden Grove serving as the western terminus. Once operational, it will provide a vital link between Santa Ana and Garden Grove, improving local transit options. 

Housing Developments

Innovation Park in Sacramento: The former Sleep Train Arena site is being transformed into Innovation Park, a master-planned community featuring 2,500 housing units, including 10% designated as affordable housing. The development will also host the California Northstate University Medical Center, parks, schools, and retail spaces. Infrastructure construction is expected to begin in 2025, addressing the region’s growing housing needs. 

“Small Lots, Big Impacts” Initiative: UCLA’s cityLAB has launched this project to convert vacant city-owned land into affordable starter homes. By inviting architects and designers to propose innovative housing solutions, the initiative aims to address housing shortages in urban areas. 

Commercial and Mixed-Use Developments

In Pico Rivera, plans are underway for a massive 305-acre mixed-use district. The development encompasses various zones, including low-rise and high-rise multifamily properties totaling over 2,300 units with ground-floor commercial space. Additionally, the project includes approximately 1.7 million square feet of commercial space and 860,000 square feet designated for industrial use. This ambitious initiative aims to revitalize the area and stimulate economic growth. 

Baldwin Hills Costco Development: In South Los Angeles, a pioneering mixed-use project is set to begin in early 2025. This $425 million development will feature a Costco warehouse with 800 apartment units above it, including 184 units designated for low-income households. The project aims to address housing affordability while providing convenient retail access.

Infrastructure and Environmental Initiatives

Sites Reservoir: Addressing California’s water storage needs, the Sites Reservoir project in the Sacramento Valley is slated for construction commencement in 2025, with operations targeted by 2030. Once completed, it will hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, enhancing the state’s water resilience during droughts. 

El Capitan State Beach Renovation: Near Santa Barbara, El Capitan State Beach will undergo a $5.5 million renovation starting in early 2025. The project includes updating camping facilities, improving stormwater runoff management, and modernizing roads. While overnight camping will be suspended during construction, the park will remain open for day use. 

These projects underscore California’s dynamic approach to development, balancing urban growth with environmental stewardship and community enhancement. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to reshape the state’s landscape, economy, and quality of life for its residents.

How Certis Solutions Can Help

As California embarks on a wave of construction projects in 2025, the demand for skilled professionals across architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) will only continue to grow. That’s where Certis Solutions comes in.

As a trusted AEC staffing agency, Certis Solutions connects top-tier talent with leading firms across California. Whether you’re ramping up a large infrastructure project, breaking ground on a new mixed-use development, or need specialized engineers for sustainable building initiatives, Certis provides:

• Qualified professionals in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, project controls, and more
• Flexible staffing solutions including contract, contract-to-hire, and direct placement
• Speed and precision, helping firms scale quickly without sacrificing quality
• Industry insight, with recruiters who understand the complexities and timelines of AEC projects

From high-speed rail to affordable housing developments, Certis Solutions supports the teams shaping California’s future. If your project is launching in 2025, now’s the time to ensure you’ve got the right people on the ground.

Contact us to learn how we can help build your team—and your next big milestone.

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left behind a landscape of destruction, displacing families, devastating communities, and putting immense pressure on emergency response teams and rebuilding efforts. As the city begins the long process of recovery, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firms have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in restoring homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. However, their success depends largely on one critical factor—a skilled and ready workforce.

This is where AEC staffing firms come into play. By providing qualified professionals at every stage of the recovery, staffing agencies can bridge the gap between urgent rebuilding needs and the labor shortage in the construction industry.

The Scope of LA Fire Cleanup: Immediate and Long-Term Needs

Wildfire destruction extends beyond burned structures—it affects air quality, water systems, transportation, and essential services. The cleanup and rebuilding process involves multiple phases, each requiring expertise from AEC professionals:

• Debris Removal and Site Safety
  • Clearing hazardous materials (asbestos, lead, ash contamination)
  • Demolishing structurally unsafe buildings
  • Assessing air and soil quality for environmental safety
• Infrastructure Repair and Rebuilding
  • Restoring roads, bridges, water supply, and power grids
  • Upgrading drainage systems to prevent erosion
  • Reconstructing public buildings such as schools and hospitals
  • Home and Business Reconstruction
• Designing and constructing fire-resistant buildings
  • Implementing sustainable and energy-efficient designs
  • Integrating better urban planning to mitigate future wildfire risks

Each of these steps demands highly skilled professionals—including architects, engineers, project managers, and construction workers—many of whom are in short supply.

Opportunities for AEC Firms in the Recovery Effort

Rebuilding after a wildfire isn’t just about replacing what was lost; it’s about creating safer, more resilient communities. AEC firms that specialize in innovative, disaster-resistant design and construction will be at the forefront of LA’s transformation.

• Architecture & Urban Planning
  • Fire-Resistant and Sustainable Design: Architects can implement hardened structures, defensible spaces, and eco-friendly materials to reduce future wildfire risks.
  • Community-Focused Planning: Urban designers can rethink layouts to include firebreaks, emergency routes, and green spaces that help slow wildfires.
• Engineering & Infrastructure Development
  • Structural Engineering: Engineers must assess the damage, strengthen existing structures, and ensure new buildings meet modern fire codes.
  • Public Infrastructure Improvements: Roads, power lines, and water systems must be rebuilt with resilience in mind, incorporating fireproof materials and underground power lines to minimize future risks.
• Construction & Skilled Trades
  • Massive Need for Skilled Workers: Thousands of homes and businesses need to be rebuilt, requiring a rapid influx of construction laborers, electricians, plumbers, and masons.
  • Fast-Track Building Programs: Modular and prefabricated construction methods can accelerate rebuilding while maintaining quality.

AEC firms that can adapt to new fire safety regulations, implement advanced construction techniques, and quickly mobilize skilled labor will be the ones leading the charge in LA’s recovery.

How AEC Staffing Firms Can Help Meet Workforce Demands

While AEC firms bring expertise in design and construction, they cannot succeed without a reliable and skilled workforce. Staffing agencies specializing in the AEC industry play a crucial role in ensuring that firms have the right people at the right time to tackle the challenges of post-fire rebuilding.

Key Areas Where Staffing Firms Add Value

• Rapid Deployment of Skilled Workers
  • Wildfire recovery efforts require an immediate workforce. Staffing firms can provide carpenters, roofers, heavy equipment operators, electricians, and HVAC specialists at short notice.
  • Temporary and contract-based employment options allow AEC firms to scale up or down as needed without long-term commitments.
• Recruiting for Specialized Roles
  • Environmental Cleanup Experts: Professionals trained in hazardous material removal, water contamination analysis, and soil remediation.
  • Disaster Recovery Project Managers: Experienced leaders who can coordinate complex rebuilding efforts under tight deadlines.
  • Code Compliance and Safety Inspectors: Specialists who ensure that new construction meets California’s stringent fire and safety codes.
• Supporting Local Employment and Economic Recovery
  • By prioritizing hiring local workers, staffing firms help stimulate the economy and provide stable employment opportunities for those affected by the fires.
  • Connecting displaced workers with jobs in cleanup and rebuilding efforts allows them to contribute directly to the recovery of their own communities.

Challenges and Solutions: Ensuring a Smooth Recovery

While the demand for skilled labor is high, there are several obstacles that both AEC firms and staffing agencies must navigate:

• Labor Shortages
  • Solution: Recruiting nationwide, offering relocation incentives, and collaborating with vocational schools to fast-track training programs.
• Navigating Government Contracts & Funding
  • Solution: Staffing firms with experience in FEMA disaster relief contracts and government-funded rebuilding projects can help AEC firms secure essential labor for public works projects.
• Safety and Compliance Risks
  • Solution: Staffing agencies must thoroughly vet candidates to ensure they have the proper certifications and safety training, reducing liability for AEC firms.

Rebuilding LA—Together

The road to recovery after the LA wildfires is long, but it is also an opportunity to rebuild stronger, smarter, and safer. AEC firms have the expertise to design and construct fire-resistant communities, and AEC staffing firms like Certis Solutions have the workforce to bring these visions to life.

The Future of LA Depends on Collaboration

• AEC Firms: The focus should be on innovative, fire-safe, and sustainable rebuilding.
• Staffing Agencies like Certis Solutions: The priority is providing a skilled workforce that meets the urgent demands of cleanup and construction. For more information on how we can help, contact us.

By working together, we will not only rebuild structures but also restore hope to the families and businesses affected by the disaster. This is more than a recovery effort—it’s a chance to create a better, more resilient Los Angeles for the future.

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry relies heavily on federal funding for infrastructure projects, public works, and modernization initiatives. With the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DoGE)—an agency designed to optimize federal spending—AEC firms could see significant shifts in how projects are funded, approved, and managed.

With DoGE focused on efficiency could lead to greater scrutiny of expenditures, increased automation in project oversight, and a push for leaner operations. These changes could benefit taxpayers and improve infrastructure outcomes but might also introduce challenges related to compliance, workforce shifts, and contract eligibility.

Amidst this transformation, staffing firms can play a vital role in helping AEC companies adapt to new regulations, workforce demands, and technological advancements. Explore the potential impact of the DoGE on AEC federal funding and how staffing firms can support industry players in navigating these changes.

How the DoGE Could Impact Federal AEC Funding

The Department of Government Efficiency aims to eliminate waste, reduce project delays, and increase transparency in federal spending. In doing so, it could bring about several key changes in how funding is allocated and managed in the AEC industry.

• Stricter Project Justification and Funding Allocations
  • AEC firms may face more rigorous requirements for project approval, with a greater emphasis on cost-benefit analysis and return on investment (ROI).
  • Only high-impact, efficiently planned projects may receive funding, reducing the number of projects that qualify for federal support.
  • Firms will need stronger financial and operational planning teams to comply with new funding criteria.
• Emphasis on Data-Driven Decision Making
  • The DoGE would likely introduce real-time tracking systems, AI-powered auditing, and performance-based funding models.
  • Contractors and AEC firms will need to demonstrate project efficiency through data analytics, performance metrics, and digital reporting.
  • Firms that lack expertise in data management may struggle to remain competitive.
• Greater Use of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s)
  • The government may encourage more public-private partnerships to share financial risk and increase efficiency in project execution.
  • AEC firms will need expertise in structuring P3 agreements and managing collaborative projects with private investors.
  • Staffing demand will rise for professionals skilled in financial modeling, risk assessment, and contract negotiation.
• Automation and Digitalization of Construction Oversight
  • The DoGE may push for automation in procurement, reporting, and compliance monitoring using AI.
  • AEC firms will need a workforce skilled in BIM (Building Information Modeling), AI-driven project management, and blockchain-based contracts.
  • Increased automation may also lead to workforce shifts, requiring reskilling and upskilling programs.
• Tighter Contractor Performance Standards
  • Federal contracts could become performance-based, meaning funding is incrementally disbursed based on project milestones rather than upfront.
  • Firms with a history of delays, cost overruns, or inefficiencies may face difficulties in securing federal contracts.
  • Contractors will need to focus on lean construction methodologies, waste reduction, and digital tracking tools to remain compliant.

How Staffing Firms Can Help AEC Firms Adapt

With the DGE reshaping funding priorities and compliance requirements, AEC firms must be proactive in adapting their workforce strategies. Staffing firms can provide critical support in this transition by:

• Supplying Talent with Compliance and Regulatory Expertise
  • Stricter oversight and reporting requirements mean AEC firms need professionals with experience in government regulations, contract compliance, and financial accountability.
  • Staffing firms can source compliance officers, government contract specialists, and regulatory analysts to help firms navigate new federal requirements.
• Recruiting Skilled Professionals in Digital Construction Technologies
  • With the rise of AI, and automation in federal project oversight, AEC firms will need tech-savvy professionals to manage these tools.
  • Staffing agencies can help firms hire BIM specialists, digital project managers, and AI-driven data analysts to comply with new federal digital mandates.
• Providing Flexible Workforce Solutions to Handle Funding Fluctuations
  • As funding structures shift toward performance-based payments and efficiency-driven allocations, firms will need a more flexible workforce to adapt.
  • Staffing firms can offer temporary, project-based, or contract workers to help firms scale operations up or down based on funding availability.
• Upskilling Programs for the Evolving Workforce
  • Workforce shifts caused by automation and efficiency mandates may result in layoffs in some areas and increased demand in others.
  • Staffing firms can upskill construction workers in lean project management, digital construction tools, and data-driven reporting.
• Facilitating Public-Private Partnership Talent Needs
  • As P3s become more prevalent, firms will need professionals experienced in finance, risk-sharing, and legal structuring of joint projects.
  • Staffing firms can recruit project finance specialists, legal advisors, and public-sector liaisons to ensure smooth execution of P3-funded projects.

How Can AEC Firms Stay Ahead?

By partnering with specialized staffing firms like Certis Solutions, AEC leaders can:

• Hire the right talent for digital transformation in construction.
• Leverage flexible staffing models to adjust to funding fluctuations.
• Upskill their workforce for the future of government-funded projects.

As the government moves toward efficiency-driven funding, AEC firms that proactively adapt will be best positioned for long-term success.

Is your company ready for the future of federal funding in AEC? Let’s discuss how Certis Solutions can keep you ahead of the curve.

The U.S. construction industry is set for another year of rapid growth in 2025, driven by massive infrastructure projects, housing market demand, and the expansion of renewable energy sectors. However, the persistent labor shortage remains a significant hurdle for contractors and project managers who are struggling to find skilled workers.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) estimates that the industry will need to hire over 439,000 additional workers in 2025 just to meet demand. This labor gap, combined with rising material costs and evolving safety regulations, is putting immense pressure on construction firms to find efficient hiring solutions.

The Role of Construction Staffing Agencies in 2025

Construction staffing agencies will play a critical role in 2025, helping project managers bridge workforce gaps, improve hiring efficiency, and ensure project timelines stay on track. These agencies offer access to pre-screened, highly qualified professionals who can step into skilled labor, management, and engineering roles immediately.

The U.S. Construction Industry Outlook for 2025

1. Infrastructure Projects Driving Workforce Demand

The infrastructure landscape in the US is undergoing significant changes, with several transformative projects set to launch in 2025:

• Highway and bridge construction
• Public transit expansions
• Energy grid modernization
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Airport and port upgrades

These projects require specialized workers such as civil engineers, project managers, heavy equipment operators, and skilled tradespeople. However, with the current labor shortage, finding and hiring these professionals will be a major challenge.

2. Housing Market Pressures & Construction Growth

Despite economic fluctuations, the demand for housing remains high, particularly in fast-growing states like Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Georgia. In 2025, the industry will see:

• A push for affordable housing projects to address the housing crisis
• Continued growth in multifamily and mixed-use developments
• Expansion of modular and prefab construction to speed up timelines

With contractors already struggling to find qualified carpenters, electricians, HVAC specialists, and masons, staffing firms will be key in filling skilled labor roles quickly.

3. Renewable Energy & Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability and renewable energy projects will be at the forefront of construction in 2025, fueled by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and growing corporate sustainability commitments. 

Key areas of growth include:

• Solar and wind farm construction
• Battery storage facilities
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
• Green building retrofits and LEED-certified projects

Since many of these projects require specialized knowledge in energy-efficient construction, finding the right talent will be critical—a challenge that AEC staffing agencies are equipped to handle.

How Construction Staffing Agencies Will Solve Workforce Challenges in 2025

With project timelines tightening and skilled labor in short supply, project managers must adapt their hiring strategies. Construction staffing agencies provide a fast, cost-effective way to fill positions while reducing administrative burdens.

1. Faster Hiring & Workforce Scalability

Hiring specialized construction professionals can take months when done in-house. Staffing agencies streamline this process, allowing firms to:

• Fill temporary, contract, or permanent roles quickly 
• Scale workforce up or down based on project demands 
• Reduce downtime and prevent project delays 

2. Access to a Nationwide Talent Pool

In 2025, demand for construction workers will outstrip supply in many regions. A construction staffing agency provides:

• Access to pre-screened professionals with verifiable experience 
• A nationwide network to source talent from high-supply areas 
• Workers with specialized certifications and licenses 

Instead of competing for local talent, firms can tap into a broader labor market with the help of staffing agencies.

3. Cost-Effective Hiring Solutions

By partnering with a staffing agency, firms can:

• Hire on-demand for specific projects 
• Reduce long-term overhead costs 
• Avoid the risk of underutilized full-time staff 

4. Ensuring Compliance & Safety Standards

As OSHA regulations and state labor laws evolve in 2025, compliance will be more important than ever. Staffing agencies ensure:

• All workers meet OSHA safety training requirements 
• Candidates have valid certifications & licenses 
• Firms avoid hiring risks by using pre-screened professionals 

5. Filling Leadership & Specialized Roles

The labor shortage isn’t just affecting tradespeople—it’s also impacting construction leadership roles, such as:

• Project managers
• Superintendents
• Estimators
• Civil & structural engineers

Staffing agencies specialize in finding high-level professionals who can lead projects efficiently while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Why Partnering with a Construction Staffing Agency Will Be Essential in 2025

With construction demands rising and skilled labor in short supply, construction staffing agencies Like Certis Solutions are becoming a necessity rather than a luxury. Firms that leverage staffing solutions will:

• Complete projects on time and within budget 
• Reduce hiring risks & overhead costs 
• Gain access to top-tier construction talent 
• Stay competitive in an increasingly challenging labor market 

Looking to Hire Skilled Workers for Your 2025 Projects?

If you need top-tier construction professionals, partnering with Certis Solutions, a trusted AEC staffing agency, is the fastest and most cost-effective way to build a strong workforce.

Get in touch with us today to explore customized workforce solutions for 2025 and beyond!