Contractor Development Programs (CDPs) have been designed to increase the capabilities and capacity of small, local, diverse, and disadvantaged contractors through the various services they provide. When barriers are removed, contractors are given the opportunity to participate in meaningful public construction projects. It has been proven that contractors can be highly successful when provided with the right tools, support, and guidance. In addition, when public agencies require the utilization of small, local, diverse, and disadvantaged firms on their projects, it can be a win-win for all. As businesses grow their capacity, they transition into a position to hire from their communities, becoming a catalyst for workforce development. In this interactive workshop, we will use real-life challenges and barriers contractors face and together we will create solutions for a comprehensive Contractor Development Program Plan in which participants can take back to their respective marketplaces and implement with support from local implementors.

• Shanette Anderson | Senior Program Manager, Emerald Cities Collaborative
• Anabel Barragan | Construction and Labor Relations Specialist, Touchstone Project Solutions
• Maria Quiroz | Program Manager, City of San Diego
• Kevin Ramsey | President, Alameda Construction Services, Inc.
• Veronica Soto | Senior Advisor for Workforce Development and Economic Impacts, Los Angeles World Airports
• Moderator: Traci Watson | Vice President, Alameda Construction Services, Inc.