Permit Process Assessment

During the Summer of 2022, we worked with Avanzando Juntos to conduct an assessment and evaluate the local Contractor Registration and Permitting system. Several engagements took place, including surveying Hispanic contractors, meeting with municipal staff, and engaging in meetings with firms that had substantial permit volume. We developed materials in English and Spanish that covered the main steps to register as a contractor and submit permit applications. A Business Development presentation was also created to help contractors build a Business Plan. The meetings and contractor feedback led to discovery of other areas affecting construction entrepreneurs and firms seeking to scale. General Contractors also shared their interest in finding a solution to support their subcontractors to gain technical skills and build capacity to undertake projects, as they have had a shortage of firms that are equipped to lead some project phases. We believe many municipalities could benefit from initiatives we highlight below.

• Outreach & interactive workshops are needed to increase education & engagement
• engage bilingual consultants & those representative of the contractor community to address challenges
• lead inclusive opportunities by partnering with org’s to help contractors become insured, registered and increase overall capacity
• clarify permit Application confusion, ex. when GC license & Workers Comp is not needed
• status updates & guidance should be explained in a way the contractors understand
• workshops for minority special trade firms provide value and opportunities for public-private partnerships