Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
Attending: Sam Alpert, Greg Davey, Ed Downey, Kevin Gard, Jody Flickner, Matt Harris, Dustin Himes, Mike Himes, Todd Howerton, Brian Hurst, Jenna Johnson, Gabe Jones, Chuck Martin, Bo Moreno, Frank Ramirez, Daniel Roach, Cameron Seip, Tina Shonk-Little, Chris Stanton, Bill Tillman, Mayor Crystal Watson, Ian Wood, Stacy Zerr, Nate Zier, Bob Jacobi.
•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.
•Presentation from Unified Government Mayor Crystal Watson, recently inaugurated to lead the KCK/Wyanodtte County government. Mayor Watson noted her background included engagement with the construction industry and workforce development, including apprenticeships, including with the Heartland Black Chamber and on Mayor Alvey’s staff. She noted her understanding of, and support for, prevailing wage. She was elected on a platform of people, process and policy. The UG now lacks the firm process and good policy needed to develop the county, she said. Mayor Watson’s goal is to get not just jobs but good-paying jobs for her constituents. She wants to build a strong relationship with the business and labor communities. The Mayor noted that the UG not longer has a contract compliance committee. She wants to listen and help. Chief of staff Frank Ramirez and Daniel Silva are contacts in her office.
Committee members shared concerns on the need for RBO language, for projects to use local contractors in order for local workforce to be developed, contract compliance, a Kansas version of Missouri Works for apprenticeship preparation and Kansas’ policy of not accepting Missouri tax exemption certificates as concerns. Mayor Watson agreed that past leaders had not engaged with labor and contractors enough or followed up on their concerns, and that she would act differently. She invited committee members to participate in a Construction Process team that is being formed; chief of staff Ramirez is the contact for that group. Mayor Watson plans to attend the Construction Committee meetings quarterly for follow-up and feedback. Contact information for chief of staff Ramirez: 913-573-5010, framirez@wycokck.org. The Committee thanked the Mayor for her time and engagement.
•The Missouri legislature opens this week, Kansas next week. Many Missouri bills have been prefiled though not yet assigned to committees. KCMO will have the earnings tax 5-year renewal on the April ballot; a water bonds issue is also likely then or later in 2026.
•Nate Zier reported that reservations for iBuild exhibits April 28 are now open at NICE’s website. NICE received a Jackson County grant focused on creating a mobile capacity for elementary school project-based learning, and is looking for space to store and prepare materials for the mobile projects; one possibility is the MOKAN Laborers training center. NICE is sponsoring another Math for the Skilled Trades session March 10 at IBEW Local 124; Laborers and Plumbers Local 8 are also participating. The Summer Teacher Externship will be held July 13-17; locals and contractors will be asked to participate in hosting sessions. A five-year strategic plan will be shared with the Committee next month. He thanked unions and contractors for their support.
•The Parade of Hearts will be unveiled April 4 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tina Shonk-Little has been coordinating the construction heart.
•Upcoming Events:
*LMC Board Meeting, Jan. 15, 2:30 p.m., McCownGordon
*DBIA-MAR Kickoff Jan.15, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Kilburn CountryClub.
*US DOL Wage & Hour Presentation on Labor Regulations, Jan. 20, 1-2:30 p.m., Platte City Library
*Working Families Friend Casino Night Jan. 30, 1222 W 12th Street KCMO
*CREW KC Quarterly luncheon Construction Outlook Feb. 3, 11:30 a.m., Grand Street Cafe
*Working Families Friend Casino Night, Jan. 30, 1222 W 12th Street, KCMO
*NAWIC Block Kids Feb. 7 Builders Training Center
*Missouri filing for state offices begins Fev. 28, ends March 31
*Children’s Miracle Network Labor Bowl Feb. 28, Ward Parkway Bowl
*Midwest Safety Conference, March 5-6, 2026, Stoney Creek
*Parade of Hearts unveiling April 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., location TBA
*Missouri local elections April 7
*LMC Anniversary Celebration and Awards Dinner, April 9, Argosy Casino
*iBuild Showcase, April 28, 2026, Bartle Hall
*World Cup games in KC June 16, 20, 25, 27 and July 3 and 11, 2026
*Mid-America Labor/Management Conference, July 5-8, 2026, Camden on the Lake
*Primary Elections Aug. 4
*NICE Annual Luncheon Oct. 16, Bartle Hall
*LMC/BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception Oct. 15, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
*General Elections Nov. 3
•The next meeting will be Thursday, 8 a.m., Feb. 12, 2026 at Mark One.
•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:30 a.m.
The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community
