LMC Construction Committee Discusses World Cup Impact, Data Centers

Date:

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes

 8 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2026, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.

Attending: Greg Davey, Steve Gercone, Matt Harris, Chris Heegn, Mike Himes, Todd Howwerton, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Chuck Martin, Matt McNamara, Bo Moreno, Ralph Oropeza, Daniel Roach, Tina Shonk-Little, Christ Stanton, Bill Tillman, Iam Wood, Bob Jacobi.

•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.

•Discussion on the impact of the World Cup on the KC region construction industry.  Due to somewhat lower attendance expectations, some impacts may not be as severe as feared but there will be significant impact on match and Fan Fest days in particular.  Hotels a bit further out are filling faster than hotels closest to the city center likely due to high rates.  MODOT decided not to shut down all activity but select jobs on high traffic days may be delayed.  KDOT hasn’t shut any jobs to this point.  KCMO is reviewing and delaying permits during the cup period.  The formal transportation plan hasn’t been released but many details are available.  Up-to-date details on construction impacts can be found at The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, website, https://www.thebuildersagc.com.  A webinar on the impact was also held last week by the Builders, SMACNA and MCA.

•Discussion on data centers and public misinformation regarding their impacts.  Education efforts may be helpful as political opposition increases.  The Building Trades continues to support the Nebius project though there may be one or two scopes done by nonunion contractors.

•The Missouri legislature completes its regular session Friday.  The November and possibly August ballots will include the sales for income tax swap, which would be harmful, and the state Supreme Court decision on congressional redistricting is likely to cause confusion.  The state budget will also negatively impact K-12 schools as it has no increase for inflation and does not meet the state’s funding formula.

•NICE had a successful iBuild event with more than 3,300 students registered.  Tina Shonk-Little thanked the contractors and crafts who exhibited.  NICE has purchased a van and materials for a mobile classroom for construction education and is searching for storage space for the materials.  Several committee members expressed interest.  NICE is also seeking internship/summer work experiences for seven Job Corps participants interested in construction.  Jobs Corps provides transportation for the participations to their job sites.  Several committee members also indicated interest in providing opportunities.  The 2027 iBuild will be at the old American Royal complex down the street on March 4.

The Parade of Hearts featuring construction is available for purchase on May 21, and if not then will be part of a June 1 auction.  Committee members praised the heart display that Tina put together.  It is currently available to see at Parrish Construction, 800n E 101st Terrace #230, KCMO 64131.

•The Building Trades is considering a BBQ contest for fall or next spring to generate funds for charity.  The Building Trades Golf Tournament for charity will be held Sept. 5.

•Registration is now open for the 40th Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 5-8. The registration site is https://cvent.me/gqeVkZ. Keynote speaker is Kim Becking, and Ironworker Ike Pritchett will tell his story about a newer safety helmet saving his life in a construction accident.  Early hotel reservation are urged as the World Cup is filling rooms throughout the state.  Camden on the Lake reservations are available at 573-365-5620 or [https://camdenonthelake.com;/]https://camdenonthelake.com.

•The LMC’s Craig Whitaker Memorial Golf Tournament is planned for July 21.  Reservations are already being received; a reservation form is on the back of this meeting’s agenda.

•Upcoming Events:(For details on these events, please contact the sponsoring group or LMC).

*DBA-MAR Golf Tournament, June 11

*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

*Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference, July 9, 7 a.m, Wyndham in Columbia

*LMC Craig Whitaker Golf Tournament July 21, Eagles Landing

*Primary Elections Aug. 4

*CREW KC Golf Tournament Aug. 24, Canyon Farms Golf Club

*NICE Annual Luncheon Oct. 15, KC Convention Center

*LMC /BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception Oct. 15, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

*General Elections Nov. 3

•The next meeting will be Thursday, June 11, 8 a.m.,  at Mark One.

•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:20 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

Executive Director at Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

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