|
|
|
|
"In the 22 years I've lived here, there has never been a more comprehensive, integrated, action-oriented economic development opportunity for both business and the public sector to make a positive impact on the lives of the current residents and those to come."
— Mary Ann Leffel, President, Monterey County Business Council
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cluster Projects - Building & Design
|
|
C2 is a unique opportunity to bring the building and design leaders together — combining forces — to further create one of the world's strongest and most resilient clusters.
Strengths of the Building & Design (Construction) Industry
- Core market with attractive demographics
- Excellent resources
- Strong industry expertise
- Growing ability to work together, as an industry
|
Introduction
|
|
The Building & Design Industry Cluster was initiated on March 31, 2005, with approximately 40 industry leaders and stakeholders, representing construction, architecture, engineering, transportation and other trades. The initial step was to review the makeup and performance of the cluster, identify the challenges and issues facing the industry and begin to discuss solutions. In 2002, Monterey County's Building & Design Industry employed 8,378 people, generated a sales of $1.2 Billion and has a productivity of $139,000 per employee, the highest of the four industry clusters in the C2 Project.
|
Overview of the Industry
|
|
In 2002, Monterey County's Building and Design industry employed 8,400 people, generated sales of $1.2 billion and had a productivity quotient (annual revenue/number of employees) of $139,000 per employee. With massive projects on Fort Ord looming and a constant stream of remodeling projects, we would be tempted to think this cluster is well-prepared for double digit growth.
Meetings were held in March and April to discuss the state of the industry and impediments to growth. Five challenges were identified:
Human resources: Youth are not entering the building trades. This is partly due to perceptions but also because the youth don't get exposure to the industry.
Business climate: There's a disconnect between the needs of the cluster members and the administration of government building and planning regulations.
Physical infrastructure: The big gorilla - water - is daunting; however even with the scarcity, there could be more flexibility. The other gorilla - affordable housing - is having an impact on retaining & recruiting workers. Finally, traffic congestion is also cuting efficiency and driving up costs.
Marketing: The industry needs to show local builders and designers as professionals who provide the same capabilities, quality of workmanship and professionalism as out-of-town firms.
Public policy: There is no effective voice to counter the no-growth advocates. Also, too many public works projects are going to firms from outside Monterey County.
|
|
This section will be used to inform and educate the industry on upcoming issues that will have an impact on their business. It is informational only.
The Deconstruction, Demolition and Construction Material Recovery and Diversion from Landfills Ordinance is currently being developed. If approved, this ordinance shall require every applicant shall submit a properly completed Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan, on a form as prescribed by the jurisdiction, as a portion of the building or demolition permit application process. Currently the details of the ordinance are being researched and worked through. Once completed all cities and the county will be asked to approve and implement the ordinance. For further information, contact one of the builders’ exchanges, Salinas Valley of Central Coast.
Six peninsula cities have been working on the Storm Water Management Plan, the purpose is to prevent liter and chemical pollutant from going into the bay. A five year plan is called for that must show improvement each year. The Regional State Board will convene at the Monterey Conference center on May 11, 2006 to receive the plan.
The City of Monterey has implemented a fee on "construction vehicles" of 1% of valuation $10,000 or more, it is anticipated that other cities may follow suite.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Where do I get my permits?
First determine the jurisdiction your project is in. Then contact the building department of that city or the Monterey County Building Department. City and county web sites can be found in the Related Links section.
Do I need a business license?
Yes if your project is located within one of the twelve incorporated cities. If it is in the unincorporated area, there is no requirement for a business license.
How do I find skilled employees?
The office for employment and training, located in Salinas at the One Stop Center will assist employers with screening, assessing and training employees. They may also have a list of employees for refersals.
Where do I find projects to bid on?
Contact one of the two builders exchanges; Builders Exchange of the Central Coast, 100 12th Street Building 2861 Marina, CA (831)883-3933 or the Salinas Vallet Builders Exchange, 20 Quail Run Circle Suite A Salinas, CA (831)758-1624
Where do I find workshops on contractor related issues?
The Central Coast Builders Exchange Contractors Academy located at 100 12th Street Building 2903 Marina, CA (831)883-3933 has continuous courses on contractor related materials, contact them for a schedule
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
