Subcontractors USA 60

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TEXAS JOURNAL

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Architecture | Construction | Education | Energy | Engineering | Legal | IT | Manufacturing | Oil and Gas | Petrochemical | Transportation

March 2021 | Advertising for Certified Women, Veteran & Minority-Owned Subcontractors | 60th Edition

CDM7

A Construction, Development, and Management Company Committed To Safety, Quality, Cost, and Schedule for Client Success Trey Harris, President and CEO of CDM7

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INSIDE

06

Soaring Prices And Delivery Delays For Lumber, Steel And Other Inputs Squeeze Finances For Construction Firms Already Burdened By Pandemic

26

ExxonMobil Tests Advanced Recycling of Plastic Waste at Baytown Facilities

26

Dr. Joe Seabrooks Named to Southern Dallas IPTMA Board of Directors

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PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE The Subcontractors USA Texas Journal highlights opportunities and news relevant to the construction, energy, architecture, manufacturing, education, engineering, oil and gas, transportation, and IT industries we serve. We hope you find this issue not only informative, but inspiring and educational as well.

This month's issue highlights CDM7. Under the leadership of Trey Harris, this construction, development, and management company is committed to safety, quality, cost, and schedule to successfully serve clients. Construction is this company’s core function and founding business practice. CDM7’s principles, values, and culture allow them to provide services that accommodate client needs for the successful completion of projects. Their impressive development portfolio is built around leverag-

“People everywhere in the world are hungry for economic opportunity. And it’s about a lot more than being able to make money.”

— President Joe Biden

ing their construction resources, relationships, and partnerships, to create sustainable places for people to meet, explore, create, share, inspire, and live.

CDM7 stays ahead of the curve, remaining competitive in this field, and aspires to find ways to work with their clients, owners, and partners, adding value to any organizational structure. With vast experience and expertise, CDM7 consistently delivers a cost-effective project in a safe manner through managing their schedule and quality control. The end result is always one their clients take pride in and patrons will love.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Subcontractors US Texas Journal. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

Keith "MR. D-MARS" Davis, Sr. CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

Port of Houston

Metro

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla OFFICE COORDINATOR Tiffany Brown PROJECT COORDINATOR Bria Casteel ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa WEB DESIGNER Erick Fontejon PHOTOGRAPHY Grady Carter L.C. Poullard DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Helen Callier Subcontractors USA News Provider

City of Houston

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04 CONSTRUCTION 04 Construction Spending Rises In January As Private Nonresidential Sector Stages Rare Gain, But Rising Materials Costs Make Further Losses Likely 06 Soaring Prices And Delivery Delays For Lumber, Steel And Other Inputs Squeeze Finances For Construction Firms Already Burdened By Pandemic 08 ENERGY 08 ExxonMobil Tests Advanced Recycling of Plastic Waste at Baytown Facilities 08 CPS Energy Takes Further Steps To Protect Customers From Excessive, Illegitimate and Illegal Prices 10 ExxonMobil Outlines Plans To Grow Long-Term Shareholder Value in Lower Carbon Future 12 IT & TECHNOLOGY 12 5 Surprising Ways Clean Technology is Improving Daily Life

16-17 COVER STORY 16-17 CDM7 Stands on Its Core Values, Committed To Safety, Quality, Cost, and Schedule for Client Success 18 LEGAL 18 When Will Workers Get a Break?

20 MANUFACTURING 20 BGL Insider Special Report Provides a Global Perspective on IoT in Automation & Manufacturing 22 PERMITS 22 Winter Freeze 5 Tips on When a Residential Repair Permit Is Required in Texas 24 SAFETY 24 Is Your Workplace Taking This COVID-19 Precaution?

24 US Department of Labor Encourages Industry Employers, Stakeholders To Join OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down To Prevent Falls in Construction 26 TRANSPORTATION 26 Dr. Joe Seabrooks Named to Southern Dallas IPTMA Board of Directors 28 CapMetro Brings On-Demand Service to Pflugerville with Pickup 28 CapMetro Elects New Board Officers, Welcomes Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool

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OUR SERVICES

CONTENTS 04 ARCHITECTURE 04 UH - Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Architecture Students Win AIA Fort Worth Merit Award for "Lewis Center"

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ARCHITECTURE

UH - Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Architecture

Students Win AIA Fort Worth Merit Award for "Lewis Center"

Project highlights late congressman John Lewis and the Civil Rights Movement

By Destiny Vaquera News Provider

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niversity of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design students Caleb Matheson and Darci McGee recently received the Merit Award from the AIA Fort Worth Excellence in Architecture Student Design Awards for their project, Lewis Center, a tribute to the life and work of the late congressman John Lewis.

The project was born from Professor Emily Moore's studio assignment to design a social justice center that would revitalize a community. The Lewis Center orients itself towards serving surrounding communities of the Sweet Auburn Historic District in Atlanta, Georgia – a significant historical region containing markers and monuments from the Civil Rights Movement.

Matheson and McGee sought to create a space celebrating John Lewis and perpetuating his mission of getting into "good trouble" for the sake of social justice. The word "dreams" as a metaphor, packed with imagery and having significance within the civil rights movement, was the Lewis Center's inspiration.

"Our goal for the building was for it to function as the dream of the community," said Matheson. "We wanted to help the community crystalize new ways of expressing itself."

The Lewis Center draws on the metaphor of pushing boundaries through the progressive interior and against the conventional exterior. The project's exterior Flexbrick material and metal panels contrast one another to continue developing the local area's architecture.

Simultaneously, the interior incorporates exhibits of local artists, providing a space for expression and social gathering for the community.

"I believe the flexible sunscreen facade helped elevate

our project," shared McGee. "Our vision was to create a seamless social connection between the building and the community."

To learn more about the project, visit the profile on the AIAFW Students Awards website at www.aiafw.org.

Source: UH Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design

CONSTRUCTION

Construction Spending Rises In January

As Private Nonresidential Sector Stages Rare Gain, But Rising Materials Costs Make Further Losses Likely Private Nonresidential Market Shrinks 10 Percent Since January 2020 with Declines in All 11 Segments; Growing Cancellations, Proposed Labor Law Change Threaten to Harm Employers and Workers Alike

By Destiny Vaquera News Provider

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onstruction spending rallied in January as private nonresidential construction increased for the first time in seven months, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that nonresidential construction spending remains below pre-pandemic levels and that rising materials prices and proposed labor law changes threaten the sector’s recovery.

“Despite a modest upturn in January, spending on private nonresidential construction remained at the secondlowest level in more than three years and was 10 percent below the January 2020 spending rate,” said Ken Simonson, the

association’s chief economist. “All 11 of the private nonresidential categories in the government report were down, compared to a year earlier.”

Construction spending in January totaled $1.52 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, an increase of 1.7 percent from the pace in December and 5.8 percent higher than in January 2020. Residential construction jumped 2.5 percent for the month and 21 percent year-overyear. Meanwhile, combined private and public nonresidential spending climbed 0.9 percent from December but remained 5.0 percent below the year-ago level.

Private nonresidential construction spending rose 0.4 percent from December to January, although declines continued for the three largest components. The largest private nonresidential segment, power construction, fell

10.0 percent year-over-year and 0.8 percent from December to January. Among the other large private nonresidential project types, commercial construction— comprising retail, warehouse and farm structures—slumped 8.3 percent yearover-year and 1.8 percent for the month.

Office construction decreased 4.4 percent year-over-year and 0.2 percent in January.

Manufacturing construction tumbled 14.7 percent from a year earlier despite a 4.9 percent pickup in January.

Public construction spending increased 2.9 percent year-over-year and 1.7 percent for the month. Results were mixed among the largest segments. Highway and street construction rose 6.5 percent from a year earlier and 5.8 percent for the month, possibly reflecting unseasonably mild weather conditions in January 2021 compared to December and January 2020.

Educational construction increased 0.9 percent year-over-year but dipped 0.1 percent in January. Spending on transportation facilities declined 0.6 percent for the year and 1.0 percent in January.

Private residential construction spending increased for the eighthstraight month, jumping 21 percent year-over-year percent and 2.5 percent

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in January. Single-family homebuilding leaped 24.2 percent compared to January 2020 and 3.0 percent for the month. Multifamily construction spending climbed 16.9 percent for the year and 0.7 percent for the month.

Association officials said that many construction firms report they are being squeezed by rising materials prices, particularly for lumber and steel, yet are having a hard time increasing what they charge to complete projects. They urged the Biden administration to explore ways to boost domestic supply and eliminate trade barriers for those key materials. They also cautioned that the proposed PRO Act and its significant changes to current labor laws could undermine labor harmony at a time when the industry is struggling to rebound.

“Contractors are getting caught between rising materials prices and stagnant bid levels,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Add to that the possible threat of a new era of labor unrest, and many contractors are worried that the recovery will end before it really starts.”

Source: The Associated General Contractors of America

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CONSTRUCTION

Soaring Prices And Delivery Delays

For Lumber, Steel And Other Inputs Squeeze Finances For Construction Firms Already Burdened By Pandemic

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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rice increases—some to record-setting levels— and long delivery delays are causing hardships for construction firms that are also experiencing challenges in completing projects with crews limited by illness or new work site procedures resulting from the pandemic, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials urged the Biden administration to review and rescind a range of trade tariffs in place, including for Canadian lumber, that are contributing to the price increases.

“The extreme price increases, as reflected in today’s producer price index report and other sources, are harming contractors on existing projects and making it difficult to bid new work at a profitable level,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.

“While contractors have kept bids nearly flat until now, project owners and budget officials should anticipate the prospect that contractors will have to pass along their higher costs in upcoming bids.”

Prices for materials and services used in construction and contractors’ bid prices both declined at the beginning of the pandemic but have diverged sharply since last April, Simonson said. A government index that measures the selling price for materials and services

used in new nonresidential construction increased 2.5 percent from December to January and 10.7 percent since April. Meanwhile, the producer price index for new nonresidential construction—a measure of what contractors say they would charge to erect five types of nonresidential buildings—increased only 0.2 percent over both the latest month and the nine months since April.

“The government data was collected more than a month ago, and numerous sources indicate price increases have continued or even accelerated since then,” Simonson added. “For instance, the Framing Lumber Composite Price compiled by the publication Random Lengths hit an all-time high last week. Several steel product prices are also reported at record levels, and copper futures are at an eight-year peak. Meanwhile, delivery delays

are affecting both imports and domestically sourced construction inputs.”

Association officials said that while there are a range of reasons driving price spikes for key building materials, tariffs on numerous materials, including lumber and steel, are contributing to those cost increases. They urged the Biden administration to rescind these tariffs to provide immediate relief to construction employers caught between stagnant bid prices and rising materials costs. They also urged the administration and Congress to explore new ways to expand capacity for a host of key construction materials by reviewing regulatory impediments to expanding logging and steel production, for example.

“Left unchecked, these rising materials prices threaten to undermine the economic recovery by inflating the cost of infrastructure and economic development projects,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Widespread harm is caused by maintaining tariffs on products that so many Americans need to improve their houses, modernize their infrastructure and revitalize their economy.”

Source: The Associated General Contractors of America

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ENERGY

ENERGY

CPS Energy

ExxonMobil

Takes Further Steps To Protect Customers From Excessive, Illegitimate and Illegal Prices

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

Tests Advanced

RECYCLING OF PLASTIC

Waste at Baytown Facilities ExxonMobil has completed the initial phase of a plant trial of a proprietary advanced recycling process for converting plastic waste into raw materials for production of high-value polymers.

The trial, at the company’s existing facilities in Baytown, Texas, marks another step in ExxonMobil’s efforts to help reduce plastic waste in the environment and maximize resource recovery.

• Developing capability to convert plastic waste into valuable products at scale • Proprietary process leverages existing integrated facilities • Plans to market ISCC+ certified circular polymers later this year

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xxonMobil intends to use results from the Baytown trial to scale-up advanced recycling capabilities at other global facilities, targeting a circular solution for converting difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into feedstock for virgin-quality plastic.

“ExxonMobil is taking action to help address the issue of plastic waste,” said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “This advanced recycling initiative brings together the strength of ExxonMobil’s integrated petrochemical facilities and our deep technology expertise in chemical processing to capture value from plastic waste and meet our customers’ growing demand for high-performance, certified circular polymers.”

ExxonMobil has already obtained certifications through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC+) process. ISCC+ is widely recognized by industry as an effective system to certify products that result from advanced recycling of plastic waste. Pending a successful completion of the next phase of the Baytown plant trial, the company plans to market commercial volumes of certified circular plastics later this year.

ExxonMobil has also formed a joint venture with Agilyx Corporation, Cyclyx International LLC, focused on developing innovative solutions for aggregating and pre-processing large volumes of plastic waste that can be converted into feedstocks for valuable products. Cyclyx will help supply ExxonMobil’s advanced recycling projects, and will aim to do the same for other customers.

The company supports making the most of resources and minimizing waste, which are the underlying principles of the circular economy concept. Advanced recycling, along with innovation and new processes, will play an important role in reducing plastic waste.

ExxonMobil is founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, which is focused on accelerating investment in safe, scalable and economically viable solutions to help address the challenge of plastic waste in the environment.

Source: ExxonMobil

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ecently, CPS Energy filed suit against the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) in Bexar County District Court to protect its customers from excessive, illegitimate and illegal prices.

"CPS Energy is taking this action to defend its customers. Those who suffered the consequences of ERCOT's failure must not be victimized by one of the largest illegal transfers of wealth in the history of Texas, too," said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "Ensuring the fair treatment of customers and preventing them from additional harm by outrageous, excessive charges is essential, and we are fighting to achieve that goal."

"We are fighting to protect our customers from the financial impacts of the systemic failure of the ERCOT market and the outrageous and unlawful costs associated with that failure," said Paula Gold-Williams, President & CEO of CPS Energy.

"During a state declared disaster, ERCOT ran up $20 billion in charges for 5 days of energy supply due to its lack of oversight, preparedness, and failure to follow its own protocols. That is a huge amount of money and it's incredibly important we continue to fight for our customers to bring those bills down."

As part of its investigation into the February Storm, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas' Independent Market Monitor concluded that ERCOT made critical mistakes that resulted in erroneous electricity overcharges, and recommended the charges be reversed.

The Independent Market Monitor also said ERCOT exceeded the mandate of the PUC by continuing to set high prices long after the load shed.

As always, CPS Energy has and will continue to pay all lawful, legitimate charges for electricity. However, CPS Energy is also an energy supplier to ERCOT, which has failed to pay the community utility what it is owed under its market agreement. In today's petition, the utility is asking the Court to take action to prevent harm to CPS Energy and its customers. CPS Energy has brought action against ERCOT, for among other things, breach of contract, negligence, and violation of the Texas Constitution, and has petitioned the Court to prevent ERCOT from: 1. Charging excessive prices to CPS Energy and its customers in violation of the Texas Constitution; 2. Overcharging market participants like CPS Energy and its customers for the failures of others; and 3. Any effort to wrongfully declare CPS Energy in default.

When available, a copy of the filing can be found on the company's website at www.cpsenergy.com. CPS Energy will also provide relevant updates, as major developments occur.

Source: CPS Energy

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ENERGY

ExxonMobil Outlines Plans

To Grow Long-Term Shareholder Value in Lower Carbon Future ExxonMobil recently outlined its plans through 2025 to increase earnings and cash flow to

sustain and grow its dividend, reduce debt and fund advantaged projects, while working to commercialize lower emission technologies in support of the goals of the Paris Agreement.

• Industry-leading investment portfolio profitable at low prices and flexible to market conditions • Plans through 2025 increase earnings, cash flow to sustain and grow dividend, reduce debt and advance advantaged projects • Technology leadership to develop lower carbon solutions and create future value “We are fully committed to growing shareholder value by meeting the world’s energy demands today and pursuing a technology-driven strategy to succeed through the energy transition,” Darren Woods, chairman and chief executive officer, said at the company’s annual investor day.

bon. The company has an equity share in about one-fifth of global CO2 capture capacity and has captured approximately 40 percent of all the captured anthropogenic CO2 in the world. ExxonMobil also produces about 1.3 million tonnes of hydrogen per year and is developing technology that could significantly lower the cost of both CCS and low-carbon hydrogen.

The International Energy Agency projects that CCS could mitigate up to 15 percent of global emissions by 2040 and the authoritative U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that global de-carbonization efforts could be twice as costly without CCS. Using estimates and demand projections, includemissions -- commercial transportation, power genera- ing from IPCC Lower 2 degree Celsius scenarios, the

By Subcontractors USA tion and heavy industry. market for CCS and other low-emission technologies The company’s newly created business, ExxonMobil and products is expected to grow significantly by 2040.

News Provider Low Carbon Solutions, was established to commercial“Our development of next-generation technologies xxonMobil plans capital spending of $16-$19 ize low-emission technologies, and will initially focus and existing businesses positions us well to capitalize on billion in 2021 and $20-$25 billion per year on carbon capture and storage (CCS), the process of the growing demand for de-carbonization and market through 2025 on high-return, cash-accretive capturing CO2 that would otherwise be released into opportunities that are increasingly coming together to projects. Spending plans can be modified to reflect the atmosphere from industrial activity, and injecting support lower-carbon energy solutions,” said Woods. market conditions, as illustrated by successful efforts it into deep geologic formations for safe, secure and ExxonMobil met its 2020 emission reduction goals to preserve the value of investment opportunities while permanent storage. that included 15 percent reduction in methane emissions ExxonMobil is the industry leader in CCS technology versus 2016 levels, and a 25 percent reduction in flaring reducing capital spending by more than 30 percent in and has more than 30 years of experience capturing car2020 as a result of the pandemic. The company versus 2016 levels. also reduced cash operating expenses by 15 perThe company’s 2025 emission reduction plans cent in 2020 and expects permanent structural include a 15 to 20 percent reduction in upstream savings of $6 billion a year by the end of 2023 greenhouse gas intensity versus 2016 levels, sup“Our investment portfolio is the best versus 2019. ported by a 40 to 50 percent reduction in methFuture spending plans take into account poane intensity and 35 to 45 percent reduction in we’ve had in over 20 years, and will tential market volatility as the economy recovers flaring intensity. from the pandemic.

The plans are expected to reduce absolute grow earnings and cash flow in the near “Our investments are expected to generate greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 30 returns of greater than 30 percent,” said Woods. percent for the Upstream business. Absolute term while remaining flexible to market “And 90 percent of our upstream investments flaring and methane emissions are expected to conditions and benefiting from ongoing in resource additions, including in Guyana, decrease by 40 to 50 percent under the plans.

Brazil and the U.S. Permian Basin, generate a 10 The company also aims for industry-leading cost-reduction efforts. Looking ahead, percent return at $35 per barrel or less. Downgreenhouse gas performance and to eliminate stream investments improve net cash margin by routine flaring in line with the World Bank ini30 percent and our Chemical investments grow we’re working to reduce our emissions and tiative by 2030. high-value performance products by 60 percent.” develop solutions, such as carbon capture To grow shareholder value through the transiThe company’s investor day presentations tion to a lower carbon economy, ExxonMobil has are available on its Investor Relations site at and low-carbon hydrogen, needed to defocused its extensive research and development exxonmobil.com. portfolio on technologies to address hard to carbonize the highest emitting sectors of de-carbonize sectors of the economy responsible Source: ExxonMobil the economy – a critical requirement for for approximately 80 percent of energy-related

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society to achieve its net zero ambition.”

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IT & TECHNOLOGY

5 Surprising Ways

Clean Technology is Improving Daily Life in between corn and soybean seasons.

The crop sequesters carbon and can be harvested as a low-carbon feed for livestock.

5. Boosting affordable housing inventory so more people can find homes. Construction technologies like Blokable’s prefabricated building system are addressing the housing affordability crisis by creating multi-family housing units that are highly efficient, drastically reducing the volume of construction waste.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

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limate-related crises like rising sea levels, severe weather events and longer drought seasons are challenging the global economy. They’re also driving the launch of new clean technologies.

Hereare arefive fiveexamples examples Here of of how how these new technologies these new technologies are are changing and improving changing and improving daily daily life: life: 1. Making clean energy easier to access. With the renewable energy sector experiencing tremendous growth, solar energy is becoming a more affordable solution for Americans who were previously left out of the solar revolution. Projects like the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund are putting solar on homes and tribal buildings in rural parts of Indian Country to reduce energy costs and advance Energy Sovereignty.

2. Creating new jobs when they’re needed most. In addition to cleaner air and reducing carbon, the renewable

energy sector is creating thousands of clean energy jobs in communities across the U.S. 3. Improving buildings like hospitals, schools and offices. With commercial buildings accounting for about 40% of all electricity use in the U.S., and heightened concern around safety and indoor air quality, the founders of startup 75F are using internet-of-things-powered building management systems and cloud-based software to improve heating and cooling efficiencies, maintain occupant comfort and improve air quality in commercial buildings.

4. Helping farmers become more productive and resilient. Agriculture currently accounts for 70% of the world’s water usage and 14% of its energy usage. Startup Pluton Biosciences is using microbes to help identify and address soil imbalances and diseases before they become a larger problem on particular parcels of land. This is helping farmers remain productive and efficient in the face of unpredictable weather patterns, pollution and crop infestations. The company CoverCress is working on a new cash crop for the Midwest that farmers can plant during winter months

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Programs like the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, which works with the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, are investing in new clean energy startups, helping them bring game-changing climate solutions to market. Experts say that such investments will be critical in the years to come.

“Continued investment in startups and entrepreneurs focused on low-carbon solutions will help build a stronger global economy and more resilient communities, and help avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” says Ramsay Huntley, sustainable finance strategist at Wells Fargo.

Source: StatePoint

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MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR

As one of the nation’s largest commercial builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority- and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success.

Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making sure the contributions that strengthen the local economy reflect the demographics of the community at large.

w w w. t u r n e rc o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m

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The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston (UH) is committed to promoting the inclusion of HUB vendors in university procurements. The HUB Program ensures compliance with state HUB laws, assists UH departments in locating HUB vendors; as well as offering HUBs assistance to facilitate access and contracting opportunities.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

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DM7 is a familiar name and strong contender in the construction field. This construction, development, and management organization, remains committed to safety, quality, cost, and schedule to successfully serve clients. Construction is this company’s core function and founding business practice, with their principles, values, and culture allowing them to provide quality services that accommodate client needs for the successful completion of projects. CDM7’s impressive development portfolio is built around leveraging their construction resources, relationships, and partnerships, to create sustainable places for people to meet, explore, create, share, inspire, and live. CDM7 has over 60 years of combined relevant industry know-how that clients trust to keep their businesses moving, with less overhead.

Trey Harris founded CDM7 and leads as president and CEO. Harris has gained a keen proficiency in this industry, having worked in various positions in construction before CDM7. “I worked for a large commercial construction firm prior to founding CDM7. They made it mandatory for all employees to get 30 hours of training every year. Because of this, it provided me with a great foundation for understanding the construction business. Taking classes in business development, pre-construction, financial management, safety, and many others have, no

doubt, provided me the skill set needed to strategically and effectively run a profitable construction company,” Harris said.

Under Harris’ leadership, CDM7 continues to grow, with a newly acquired license to complete work in Louisiana. This achievement allows the company to extend its reach beyond Texas, gaining more opportunities for new bids and contracts. The certifications, memberships, and associations combined with hard work contribute to CDM7 making its impressive mark in the construction industry. But Harris knows that without a core team of talented and ardent individuals, this company’s growth and achievements would not be possible.

“Our company has an immense understanding of how to build, welcoming the challenge of taking on intricately detailed projects. CDM7 is a fully fledged commercial construction company that fulfills each client’s construction needs, exceeding their expectations.”

—Trey Harris, President and CEO of CDM7

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

SUBC USA: What are some of the challenges you face in this industry, and how do you overcome those challenges to stay competitive?

CDM7: The greatest challenge in this business is finding the right opportunities that fit our business model and allow us to make fair fees. With a pandemic that has stopped traditional business practices, it has been challenging to qualify for new work, even with company credentials in order.

To overcome these challenges, we focus on three ways to partner with firms that have strong ties within the industry: design-build, JV partnerships, and minority participation.

SUBC USA: Please tell us about your company and the $15 million dollar bonding.

CDM7: If you can bond in this business, that speaks volumes to how your company operates. In addition, if you can bond up to $15 million dollars, this means you have capital and a stellar company on your hands. Bonding for some companies is challenging because of how they keep their books and a lack of training in financial construction management. Bonding is like a credit card, and everyone has a limit. Your success rate on each project helps to increase your limit, which in turn, provides the company with more opportunities.

SUBC USA: Your company has over 60 years of combined experience that makes you qualified, so talk about some of the combined experience/leadership behind the company that is a component of CDM7’s strong foundation.

CDM7: Prior to founding CDM7, I held various operational roles throughout the construction industry. Rising from the ranks of office engineer to general manager and completing over 2.6 million sq. ft. of space at over $625 million dollars, it really gave me great understanding of how to successfully run a construction business. Knowing that I wanted to grow the company at a rapid pace, I focused on finding individuals who had similar experiences at their previous companies as well. This has allowed me to trust in their knowledge of the foundational practices and procedures that are required to run a sound construction project. Skilled and committed people are the key to growth and producing exceptional work. Without great people, we would be stagnant in growth.

SUBC USA: Talk about how your company stands on its core values to deliver on every project.

CDM7: These values are profoundly important to any business, but especially to a construction business. Every day on the jobsite, you face obstacles and challenges that can be tough to overcome; having a strong value system is important.

Honor is big to me because the construction industry is filled with vultures who have demolished the construction culture with dishonesty. Innovation and technology are key because we are just on the cusp of what is to come. Staying ahead of the technology curve will be paramount in helping us control our overhead and maximize the construction schedule and processes. A clairvoyant person is one who can see the future. And in construction, you must be three steps ahead in every move you make. Partnerships and relationships hold the key to our future. As the adage says, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future!”

Q&A with Trey Harris, president and CEO of CDM7:

SUBC USA: This is a veteran-owned company. What efforts do you/your company practice to hire veterans for your company or to help veterans receive work in this industry?

CDM7: Being that this is a veteran-owned construction company, we always look to invest in the growth of individuals, especially veterans, who demonstrate an interest and passion for this field. Being afforded the opportunity to coach and mentor those who have served this country is always a plus. They especially deserve an opportunity to not only work in this business, but gain the expertise to be qualified for promotion as industry leaders.

SUBC USA: What are your efforts to mentor the next generation of minority-owners in this industry?

CDM7: Mentoring the next generation is something that I am truly honored to do, and I enjoy it as well. I’m constantly sharing my insights with minority subcontractor owners to help them understand the thoughts of top-tier general contractors (GCs).

The minority contractor ecosystem was truly created for subcontractors and not for the general contractor, so there are very few minority GCs. As we go from being minority GCs to just a GC, it will be important to help the future generation of construction industry leaders who intend to follow our path.

SUBC USA: Tell us about the significance of the reference to the number 7 in the company name.

CDM7: The number seven represents completion and the supernatural power of God. We want to be a company that finishes what we start. CDM7 believes that if we do the natural, God will do the super; together, we will produce a supernatural result that our clients will love.

SUBC USA: What are some goals for the company moving forward?

CDM7: Moving forward, it will be important for us to not simply be known as a minority company, but as a commercial general contracting company that just so happens to be owned by a minority. We want to be able to hire, train, and give opportunities to people that look like us. When contributing my time to speak with construction majors at Prairie View A&M University, I can see how important it is for individuals like myself to spend time with them and share real world stories. In life, everything has to do with exposure. If you never get exposed to things, you’ll never know how to operate in specific situations. I want to make sure that those who want to know, receive the knowledge and opportunity to make a difference in the construction industry.

SUBC USA: With OSHA citing so many construction companies for not complying with COVID-19 safety standards, what is CDM7 doing to keep its construction teams safe and productive during this time?

CDM7: We take the safety and health of our employees extremely seriously, thus resulting in the creation of an extension to our already existing safety plan, specifically outlining key pre-screening questions before our employees, and subcontractors are able to begin daily work. If anyone exhibits signs of sickness, they are immediately sent home.

A limited number of employees are allowed to be in a confined space at the same time to adhere to social distancing. When applicable, meetings are held virtually to lessen face-to-face contact. Everyone must wear a face covering and wash/ disinfect their hands regularly.

CDM7 stays ahead of the curve, remaining competitive in this arena, and aspires to find ways to work with their clients, owners, and partners, adding value to any organizational structure. With vast experience and expertise, CDM7 consistently delivers a cost-effective project in a safe manner through managing their schedule and quality control. The end result is always one their clients take pride in and patrons will love.

For more information on CDM7, please call 281-831-0802 or visit www.cdmseven.com.

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LEGAL

When Will Workers Get a Break?

By Julianne Malveaux, NNPA Newswire

N

ow that the impeachment trial of the 45th President is over, perhaps our legislators can turn their attention to working people, or more accurately, those who used to work and are not now working. There were 18 million unemployment insurance claims now than a year ago, and nearly 10 million fewer jobs than before the pandemic. The first Friday report that the unemployment rate has dropped is misleading when the number of people fleeing the labor market is alarming. Most disturbing, of course, is the departure of women from the labor force.

Last month alone, more than 250,000 women left the labor market, compared to 71,000 men.

Further, many of those working, especially in meat packing, manufacturing, and most service occupations, don’t have the luxury to physically distance at work. Some of these folk earn appallingly low wages, in some cases hovering near the $7.25 minimum, the same rate it has been for more than a decade. To be sure, minimum wages are higher in some cities and states, with the District of Columbia, San Francisco, and Seattle establishing a $15 minimum. Other jurisdictions have passed legislation gradually moving the wage to $15.

President Biden promised to support new minimum wage legislation, and Senator Bernie Sanders is pushing hard. The Raise the Wage Act of 2021 was introduced on January 26, and House Speaker Pelosi has said a version of the bill will be sent to the Senate for approval. There is likely to be pushback, especially from states that have not raised their wage above the federal level. It is useful to note that in Florida, where the former President enjoys popularity, a ballot measure supporting a $15 minimum wage passed. Even conservatives have to eat!

Senate Bill 53, the Raise the Wage Act, would gradually raise the federal minimum wage from the current $7.25 level to $15 by June of 2025. The first increase would happen this year, raising the wage to $9.25 this year. In subsequent years the wage would rise to $11.00 in 2022, $12.50 in 2023, $14.00 in 2024, and $15 by June of 2025. The most significant bump is 31 percent,

from the current $290 per week (for a full-time week) to $380 per week. Even with that increase though, a family of four is living below the poverty line of $26,500.

The minimum wage for a family with one worker won’t exceed the poverty line until 2024 when the wage is $14 an hour.

Some households with minimum wage workers have more than one person contributing to household expenses. But many minimum wage workers work parttime, not full time, and don’t work part-time by choice.

Many employers offer less than a 40-hour workweek to avoid paying benefits.

Raising the minimum wage gives at least 27 million workers a raise. Most of them are women. A third are Latino, and 40 percent are African American. Raising the wage would reduce inequality and poverty. Senator Sanders is prepared to push this legislation through by reconciliation if he can’t get Republican support. If Republican Senators value their constituents’ voices, they will support legislation that brings relief to some of them.

There may also be some assistance coming to working people via the Protecting the Right to Organize, or PRO

Act. This legislation protects workers’ rights to form unions, limits employers’ right to interfere with union activities, and strengthens other workers’ rights. With several dozen new provisions, the PRO Act represents the first attempt to overhaul the National Labor Relations Act in more than seventy years. The legislation passed the House in 2020, passing mostly along party lines, but the Republican-controlled Senate declined to deliberate. This time, Democrats control the schedule, and the legislation will receive some review and deliberation. But Chambers of Commerce and other business groups are likely to oppose it. Research shows that the presence of unions in the workplace increases wages.

Equally importantly, it protects workers from unsafe working conditions.

Perhaps legislation will provide workers with some relief this year. It is also possible, though, that working people, especially those near the bottom, will get caught up in partisan squabbling. Workers need a break, need a raise, need safe working conditions. Can Washington deliver?

Source: NNPA

MANUFACTURING

BGL Insider Special Report Provides a Global Perspective on IoT in Automation & Manufacturing

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

C

rown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading independent investment banking firm, has released a new research report on IoT in Automation & Manufacturing.

The industrial technology report covers global capital markets and mergers and acquisitions insights, trends and issues affecting the industry, and performance and valuation data. IoT is transforming the global manufacturing industry, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating the timeline for adoption.

For report, visit: https://www.bglco. com/research/iot-in-automationmanufacturing-propelled-by-covid-19bgl-insider/

Globally, digitization has permeated more than half of all industries, with IoT being deployed in major areas of product development, traditional supply chain, and manufacturing. Manufacturing is the fifth leading segment incorporating IoT technology. Companies spent $267 billion on digitization in 2020.

• The number of industrial IoT connections is forecasted Caption for image: Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), a leading to grow more than five-fold independent investment banking firm, has released a new research between 2016 and 2025, report on IoT in Automation & Manufacturing. The industrial technology report covers global capital markets and mergers and increasing from 2.4 billion to acquisitions insights, trends and issues affecting the industry, 13.8 billion. and performance and valuation data. IoT is transforming the global • The global IoT market manufacturing industry, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating in manufacturing is expected the timeline for adoption. to grow from $65.1 billion to $100.1 billion between of 11.4%. Among the key drivers are 2020 and 2024, representing a CAGR the growing popularity of intelligent Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

technologies, increasing investment in digitization, and the emergence of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and analytics to streamline manufacturing processes.

COVID-19 has renewed the focus on efficient use of resources, leading manufacturers to increasingly utilize technology to enhance decision making and increase productivity. Companies are forging strategic partnerships with M&A a primary lever to fast-track digital initiatives.

Source: Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

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PERMITS

Winter Freeze

5 Tips on When a Residential Repair Permit Is Required in Texas

By Helen Callier Contributing Writer

A

s I wrote this article during the week of a surprise freeze, millions of my fellow Texans were without power and were attempting to stay warm huddled inside their homes.

Others sought shelter at warming centers to weather the freezing temperatures and to protect their family. Though many parts of Texas are experiencing warmer weather, the effects of frozen pipes busted in thousands of homes are keeping plumbers busy with work.

Just like the Texas electrical grid, managed by the Electrical Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), infrastructure failed, some houses in Texas were not built to withstand freezing temperatures for any long period. As a result, water pipes inside walls can and do burst causing damage to sheetrock, electrical wiring, flooring, and cabinetry. When this happens, and if you live within a city jurisdiction, make sure any trade contractor that you hire pulls the required repair permit. We have heard too many horror stories from other natural disasters where a trade contractor completed work that was

In In Conclusion Conclusion

beyond minor work, and months later the homeowner finds out that a permit was never pulled. Don’t let this be you!

Consider the following tips as a general rule of thumb when residential repair permits are required, especially when living within a city jurisdiction limit in Texas.

RepairPermits PermitsAre AreRequired RequiredFor: For: Repair • Major plumbing repairs and installation of new plumbing that is longer than specified as minor work in accordance to jurisdiction’s building code • Replacing electrical wiring beyond original footprint • Remodeling • Replacement or repair of structural members

Repair Permits Are Not Not Required RequiredFor: For: • Sheetrock repair and replacement • Painting and wallpapering • Repair of cabinetry • Replacing countertops • Replacement of carpet and other flooring types • Minor electrical repairs In addition, our historical industry data from prior natural disasters in Texas show that when faced with making re-

pairs and minor work, homeowners often decide that it is a good time to complete major remodel work that they have wanted to do for a long time.

In this scenario, note that building a new addition, enclosing a carport, converting a garage, expanding a room, adding porches, and other similar work involving substantial changes to the house structure require actual architectural and structural plans to submit to the city permitting to obtain a building permit.

Also, some home associations rules and regulations may require approval before proceeding in any major remodels.

In addition, if a house was destroyed by fire due to faulty wiring, improper use of generators, space heaters and more, a building permit is required by most city jurisdictions to rebuild a fire damaged house in Texas. Note, rural areas and county jurisdictions have other requirements which may be less stringent.

Check permitting jurisdictions web sites for additional information.

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Wintery storms and freezing conditions are dangerous in areas that normally have warm winters and lack the infrastructure to properly handle inclement weather, like Texas recently experienced. This also includes residential housing that may require repairs to electrical wiring, plumbing, walls, cabinets, and floors when water pipes burst. When this occurs, take the necessary precautions, and ask a licensed trade contractor if work being performed requires a repair permit. If the answer is yes, then ask the contractor if the repair permit has been secured.

We are deeply moved by the extraordinary fortitude of Texans during challenging times and offering tips on when a repair permit may be needed is a showing of our commitment to the Lone Star State and to the construction industry. Are you a construction project executive or contractor in Texas? Then call the PermitUsNow building code experts at 1.844.

PERMIT.4 for any questions on building permits or visit www.permitusnow.com to request a quote for your next residential construction project. And if you have any good stories about permitting, connect with me on LinkedIn. #BuildSafe

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22 | March 2021

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SAFETY

SAFETY

US Department of Labor Encourages Industry Employers, Stakeholders To Join OSHA’s National Safety StandDown To Prevent Falls in Construction

Is Your

Use #StandDown4Safety to promote the 8th annual event

By Subcontractors USA

WORKPLACE Taking This COVID-19 Precaution?

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

D

espite safety efforts and countless resources spent, factories, warehouses and labor union workers are continuing to be hit hard by COVID-19. As the vaccine slowly rolls out nationwide, ensuring that viruses can’t spread through surface contact remains a crucial component in keeping America’s workforce safe.

New technology can help.

Human coronaviruses can persist on inanimate surfaces such as plastic, glass, fibers and metals for up to nine days, according to the National Institutes of Health, making surface protection in the workplace critical to infection prevention. Routine cleaning and disinfection are momentary, leaving surfaces immediately vulnerable to recontamination -- particularly in highly trafficked areas, like break rooms, manufacturing lines and facility entrances. A new EPA-approved product called SurfaceWise2, when used as directed, offers continuous protection from COVID-19 with a single application, making safety in the workplace more reliable and more efficient. The product was developed by biotechnology company Allied BioScience, which has a mission of reducing the footprint of global infection caused by the transmission of microorganisms encountered in daily life.

While many Americans have been able to safely work from home since the start of the pandemic, an entire segment of the workforce has been forced to choose

between their wages and their health,” says Michael Ruley, CEO of Allied BioScience. “Employees have the right to a safe workplace, and a long-lasting surface coating that protects against viruses -- including all strains of COVID-19 -- can hopefully make this choice a little easier.”

Independent lab studies conducted by leading infectious disease expert, Dr. Charles P. Gerba found SurfaceWise2 to be effective against Human Coronavirus 229E, the EPA-approved surrogate, demonstrating the ability to successfully protect against COVID-19.

Surfaces coated with SurfaceWise2 were found to reduce the concentration of these viruses by greater than 90 percent in 10 minutes and by greater than 99.9 percent within two hours of contact.

Compatible with virtually all surfaces, SurfaceWise2 will be a versatile tool in the fight against infection as businesses reopen or continue operations. Beyond the novel coronavirus, it’s effective against many viruses and bacteria that run rampant in the workplace. The coating is non-toxic, non-irritating, and contains no chemicals that produce harmful vapors or gases. Having undergone rigorous reviews and extensive testing, it carries the lowest possible EPA toxicity rating and can be safely used in enclosed spaces -- critical as much of the workforce must be indoors. To learn more, visit surfacewise.com.

Alongside precautions like mask-wearing and social distancing, using new technology to help ensure that viruses aren’t spread through high-traffic surfaces will be crucial to keeping America’s workforce safe.

News Provider

T

he U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced recently that it has scheduled the eighth annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction for May 3-7, 2021. OSHA encourages construction employers and other stakeholders to join the event to promote awareness and training to address one of the industry’s most serious dangers.

“Workers suffer serious and fatal injuries from falls and have a devastating impact on families and businesses,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health James Frederick. “This important collaboration with the construction industry encourages employers to learn how to better control fall-related hazards and improve their safety and health programs.”

OSHA developed the fall prevention campaign, as part of the national safety stand-down and in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Occupational Research Agenda, and The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Since 2014, this collaboration has helped train nearly 10 million workers on fall prevention.

OSHA encourages everyone to use #StandDown4Safety to promote the event on social media, and to share feedback after their events and obtain a personalized certificate of participation.

OSHA’s Fall Prevention Stand-Down webpage offers a wide range of compliance resources in many languages, including Spanish, Polish, Russian and Portuguese.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance.

Source: StatePoint

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Source: OSHA

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TRANSPORTATION

Dr. Joe Seabrooks

Named to Southern Dallas IPTMA Board of Directors

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

D

r. Joe Seabrooks, President of Dallas College's Cedar Valley Campus, was selected as the newest member of the Southern Dallas County Inland Port Transportation Management Association (IPTMA) Board of Directors on Thursday, February 25.

Dallas College (formerly Dallas C ou nt y C ommunity College District) formally joined the Southern Dallas IPTMA in January. Dallas College serves more than 100,000 students annually in academic, continuing education and adult education programs.

“On behalf of the Board, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Seabrooks to the team,” said Alberta Blair, chairwoman of the IPTMA and public works director for Dallas County. “Joe brings decades of experience as an educator, mentor and community leader to the IPTMA Board.

His leadership will be paramount as we continue to expand and develop new and exciting transportation opportunities for the Inland Port area.”

Dr. Seabrooks has been the president of Dallas College's Cedar Valley Campus since 2016, leading a campus that serves approximately 9,800 students, and growing enrollment nearly 45% over the last four years. He holds a B.A. in Psychology, Masters in Higher Education Administration and a PhD in

Interdisciplinary, Urban Leadership and Policy Studies and Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“Much like our Dallas College campuses, the Southern Dallas IPTMA is focused on opportunity,” explained Seabrooks. “With the tremendous growth of jobs and education opportunities in Southern Dallas, often the largest hindrance is access to safe and reliable transportation. Working together to develop these transportation lifelines will serve the people of North Texas and further the opportunities for our future community leaders.”

The S out her n Dallas County Inland Port Transportation Management Asso ci at ion (IPTM A) provides comprehensive tra nsportation solutions to employers a nd employees in the Southern Dallas County Inland Port area. Funded by its members, the organization helps to coordinate transportation services and improve connectivity within Inland Port’s boundaries. Members include private businesses, nonprofit organizations, city and county governments, and local government agencies.

For more information, please visit www.dart.org.

Source: DART

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AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION

CapMetro Brings

On-Demand Service to Pflugerville with Pickup

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

C

apital Metro will launch a new Pickup Zone in Pflugerville beginning March 23, bringing on-demand public transportation to the City.

The service takes customers to and from anywhere within the local service zone. Customers can request a ride directly from the smartphone app or by calling the Pickup Service Center at 512-369-6200.

“We are thrilled to bring Pickup to Pflugerville,” said Chad Ballentine, Capital Metro’s vice president of demand response and innovative mobility. “The service will provide reliable, accessible and on-demand transit to the community. Pickup is an innovative way to build connections and bridge gaps that naturally occur in any transit network.”

Service in the Pflugerville Pickup zone will be available weekdays between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. The handicap accessible service will pick customers up from their location within 15 minutes or less. Pickup service can help customers in Pflugerville get to important locations, such as shopping centers, medical services, City Hall, the Library, local parks and downtown Pflugerville.

“It’s time to try pickup in Pflugerville,” Mayor Victor Gonzales said. “This one-year pilot project supports the goals of Pflugerville’s Transit Development Plan while providing residents a safe, reliable and efficient transportation option. With the convenience of ondemand transit, I hope that residents can use this to get to work, appointments or connect to the Tech Ridge bus system to access additional routes across the region. I’m excited that it’s now time to give Pickup a try. Give it a ride.”

Customers can download the app from their phone's app store ( iOS and Android) by searching for "Capital

Metro Pickup," register for an account and book a trip. Those in the service zones without access to the smartphone app may call 512-369-6200. A one-way ride costs $1.25 - the same charge as a Single Ride pass used to take MetroBus and MetroRapid services. A Capital Metro Day Pass, 7-Day Pass or 31-Day Pass will cover a Pickup ride as well.

Kids ages 18 and younger ride free. Children 10 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Capital Metro piloted the Pickup service in 2017 and 2018 in Northeast Austin, including the Mueller and Windsor Park neighborhoods. In June 2019, the agency launched service in Manor after which additional zones in Austin and Leander were added. The Pickup service app was developed in partnership with Via which operates on-demand ridesharing networks in New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C. The company licenses its technology to transportation providers globally, including neighboring cities of Arlington and Fort Worth.

Source: Capital Metro

AUSTIN TRANSPORTATION

CapMetro Elects New Board Officers, Welcomes Austin City Council Member Leslie Pool

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

A

t a recent Capital Metro board meeting, the board of directors elected new board officers and welcomed Council Member Leslie Pool, a city of Austin appointee, to serve on Capital Metro's board of directors.

Wade Cooper was re-elected as Capital Metro’s board chair, Travis County Commissioner Jeff Travillion was elected as board vice chair, and Board Member Eric Stratton was elected as board secretary.

“I am honored to be re-elected as CapMetro’s board chairman,” said Board Chairman Wade Cooper. “We’ve got many projects ahead of us with Project Connect, and I look forward to working with the Austin Transit Partnership. I also want to welcome Council Member Pool. Her deeply rooted connection to the community and dedication to service will be great assets to the board.”

Council Member Pool was sworn in during the board meeting, and takes the place of Travis County Attorney Delia Garza, who stepped down from the Capital Metro board at the end of 2020.

“I am excited to join the board of Capital Metro at this time of significant growth for the transit agency,” said Pool. “I look forward to working with my new colleagues on the board of directors and with Capital Metro’s expert staff as Austin forges its transit future.”

Elected to the Austin City Council in 2014, Leslie Pool's expansive legislative record focuses on the environment and sustainability; transportation; open government accountability and transparency; and ethics, campaign finance and lobbyist reform and reporting.

Pool led on adopting the city’s Energy Resource, Generation & Climate Protection Plan; Austin’s Climate Protection Plan; and the resolution creating a Community Climate Resilience Plan. She co-sponsored the vehicle electrification resolution and the resolution declaring a climate crisis. Her environmental goals target sustainability and resilience, improving standards for clean air and water, flood mitigation, stewardship of our water resources and livability. She is a diligent advocate for increased investments in civic assets like community parks, libraries, trails and open space.

In 2015, Pool traveled to Paris for the historic United Nations Climate Conference. The objective of the Paris Summit was to achieve a binding, universal agreement on climate. An additional outcome was renewed focus on cities as natural leaders in attaining net zero-emission and environmental sustainability goals. Pool works locally with organizations like ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability to further Austin’s urban sustainability through policies that support low emission, nature-based, equitable and resilient systemic change.

Pool’s work on these issues includes broadening access to sustainable transit and trails for our community and the region and will continue as a member of the Capital Metro board of directors. Having sponsored two successful transportation initiatives that furthered community goals for two new rail stations for key areas and an expanded Red Line Parkway Trail, Pool brings a successful track record and a focus on expanding transportation options for Austin and the region.

For more information on the Capital Metro board, please visit CapMetro.org/Board-Meetings.

Source: Capital Metro

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