News

The Hidden Risks of Using AI on Construction Projects

Published: May 28, 2025 E. Peyton Aldrich Associate, Atlanta Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is becoming an increasingly common presence in the construction industry. From drafting scopes of work and flagging safety issues to evaluating subcontractors and reviewing contracts, AI is beginning to shape how construction professionals plan, manage, and deliver work. While these tools can make projects more efficient and data-driven, they also introduce legal, contractual, and operational risks that aren’t

Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program - Required Updates

Did you know it is mandatory for employers with 50 or more full-time employees in the Bay Area to register with the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program? Even if your employer offers commuter benefits, to be in compliance with the Bay Area Air District’s Regulation 14, Rule 1, they are required to enroll in the program.  Annual registration updates are also required. Enrollment in the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program is easy and free by visiting 511.org, and employers can choose from five commuter

May is Wildfire Awareness Month - Let’s Get Prepared, Together

Wildfire Awareness Month is here, and there’s no better time to take action. May marks the start of peak wildfire season in California — a critical window for communities, contractors, and builders to strengthen fire resilience through education, collaboration, and proactive planning. This month, we’re highlighting tools and trainings to support you and your clients in reducing wildfire risk: California Fire Safe Council Vendors List A curated list of wildfire resilience products and professionals is

Remodeling in a Fear Economy - 5 Top Takeaways by Alisa Hoffman, Design Set Match

While I don't claim to be an economist or political expert, I can tell you that the remodeling industry has entered what I'm calling a "Fear Economy." This term describes the current climate of uncertainty and reactive purchasing behavior we're witnessing in the home improvement sector. Since the recent presidential election, clients have been asking what we're doing about impending tariffs and how they should approach their home projects. Initially, the answer was straightforward: remodel now because

Big Skills Tiny Home is Looking for Learning Leaders

Workers Comp Insurance Fraud: It costs more than you think

For more information, download this printable brochure here or contact: Marin County District Attorney's Office Attn: Insurance Fraud Unit 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 130 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.473.6450co.marin.ca.us/da  

Enhancing Employee Well-being and Reducing Healthcare Costs Through Blood Pressure Management

Invest in your employees' well-being and manage long-term healthcare costs by proactively addressing a major health risk: high blood pressure.   Affecting nearly half of U.S. adults and significantly increasing the risk of costly conditions like heart disease and stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure represents a substantial health burden for employees and a potential financial strain for employers. Blood pressure measures the force of blood against artery walls. Maintaining healthy levels is crucial

Support the Legacy of the Marin Builders Association Scholarship Program

Since 1978 the Marin Builders Association Scholarship & Workforce Training Fund has provided nearly $1 million in scholarship awards to deserving high school seniors. Scholarship winners have gone into nearly every profession, including the building trades, construction management, engineering, architecture, and more. Our Scholarship Program offers an opportunity for all students pursuing a college, university, or trade school education to apply for a financial award. We emphasize the need for trained

Resilient Neighborhoods Presents: FREE Online Climate Action Workshops

Resilient Neighborhoods empowers people to take personal and local action to reduce their household greenhouse gas emissions and create connected communities resilient to disasters. We offer two workshops every season. Workshops are virtual and can be done from the comfort of your own home. You'll meet 5 times over 8 weeks with a team of Marin County community members. Meetings are 90 minutes followed by an optional Q&A session.Thursday Team Dates: Jun 12 (Kickoff), Jun 26, Jul 10, Jul 24 & Aug 7 6:30 -

Construction Related Hiring Opportunities

At the Marin Builders Association, we are often approached by graduates of our construction training programs, or those interested in pursuing a career in construction trades.   Often times, we are asked to connect these applicants to our members who may be hiring or offering an internship at their company. If your firm offers internships or if you have upcoming job opportunities, we want to hear from you! To join a short list of employers who are looking to hire or offering internships, please take 3

Standing Room Only at MBA's March Member Morning

If you BUILD it, they will come! We welcomed over 130 guests at our March Member Morning on Thursday, March 20th. Thank you to everyone who attended and filled the room with such incredible energy!  The theme of the event was Member Connections and we could not be more proud to have provided our members with this opportunity to do just that. Special thanks to our delicious coffee and donut sponsor, George Petersen Insurance Agency! We hope to see all of you at the next one!

Free Safety Training Options for MBA Members

Marin Builders Association has been awarded a Susan Harwood Training Grant which will provide FREE safety training to contractors and their workers throughout Marin County. Your interest in the potential topics will help us determine what trainings to offer to you, our members. Your reply will take less than 2 minutes and will help us meet our grant requirements. We appreciate your help!   Take 2 minute survey

California Employers, Get Ready! Wide Range of Employment-Related Laws Will Take Effect January 1, 2025 + 4 Essential California Employee Handbook Updates for 2025

New California employment laws are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025. These laws address a variety of issues, including the state minimum wage, discrimination protections, paid time off, and employers’ messages about unionization.  Quick HitsCalifornia’s minimum wage will increase from $16.00 to $16.50 per hour.New legislation clarifies that employers may not discriminate against workers because they have a combination of protected characteristics or do not have a driver’s license.California

New Law Changes in 2025 Affecting Licensees, Applicants and Stakeholders

Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is advising licensees, applicants, and other stakeholders of key legislative updates following the implementation ofSenate Bill 1455 (Ashby, 2024). This bill, effective January 1, 2025, extends the Board’s “sunset” date from 2025 to 2029 and makes other changes to the law, which are described below. Key Provisions of SB 1455    1. Public Works Project LicensingWhat’s New?  Awarding authorities must now ensure that public works project bidders