AGC - Associated General Contractors

What is the AGC?

AGC was established in 1918 when over 250 general contractors representing 165 firms met in Chicago to form a unified voice for the construction industry. The organization advocates for contractors at the federal level, promotes workforce development, and provides resources to help construction companies succeed.

Core Functions

• Advocacy: Lobbying on federal legislation affecting construction
• Safety: Promoting best practices and reducing workplace incidents
• Education: Training programs, certifications, and continuing education
• Industry Standards: Developing contract documents and best practices
• Networking: Connecting contractors with peers, suppliers, and owners

AGC of Utah

AGC of Utah was founded in 1922, making it the state's largest and oldest commercial construction trade association. The Utah chapter represents more than 660 member firms that complete over 85% of the state's commercial construction annually, from highways to high-rises.

"Lead and unite Utah's construction community through advocacy, education, and resources." — AGC of Utah Mission

Utah Chapter Facts

• Founded: 1922 (over 100 years old)
• Members: 660+ firms
• Market Share: 85%+ of Utah's commercial construction
• Core Values: Skill, Integrity, Responsibility

What AGC Utah Does

• Government Relations — Four devoted lobbyists advocate for the construction industry at state and local levels, influencing policy and protecting contractor interests.
• Workforce Development — Over 100 training events annually, with 48,000+ people trained and educated in the past five years through safety classes, certifications, and continuing education.
• Apprenticeship Programs — Five apprenticeship programs help develop the next generation of skilled construction workers.
• Training Center — A new state-of-the-art Training Center is currently in development to expand education capabilities.
• Annual Convention — Utah's largest construction event, drawing nearly 2,400 attendees from across the industry.
• Member Discounts — Exclusive discounts and business development opportunities for member firms.

Notable Utah Construction Projects

AGC Utah members have contributed to some of the state's most significant infrastructure and building projects. These represent the type of work that AGC contractors deliver.

• Salt Lake City International Airport Expansion — A multibillion-dollar modernization project that transformed one of the nation's busiest airports. Years of work involving thousands of construction workers and dozens of AGC member firms.
• I-15 Corridor Improvements — The ongoing expansion from Farmington to Salt Lake City will add five general purpose lanes plus Express Lanes in each direction, with construction expected to begin as soon as 2027.
• Bangerter Three Interchanges — An award-winning UDOT project that converted three at-grade intersections into grade-separated freeway-style interchanges. Nearly 600,000 man-hours with zero OSHA recordable incidents.
• TRAX Light Rail System — Salt Lake's light rail system was built by AGC member contractors, connecting the valley and expanding over multiple phases.
• 2002 Winter Olympics Venues — AGC members built the venues that hosted one of the most successful Winter Games ever, including the Olympic Oval and ski jumping facilities.
• Utah State Prison Relocation — One of the largest public works projects in state history, relocating the prison from Draper to Salt Lake City's northwest quadrant.

Approximately $1 billion in additions have been allocated to Utah's roads, bridges, and transportation projects, much of which flows through AGC member contractors.

Why AGC Matters

For contractors, AGC membership provides access to training, networking, and advocacy that would be difficult to achieve individually. The organization gives the construction industry a unified voice on issues like workforce development, safety regulations, and infrastructure funding.

For Utah specifically, AGC has been instrumental in developing the skilled workforce needed to build the state's infrastructure, from highways to hospitals. The apprenticeship programs and training initiatives address the ongoing skilled labor shortage in construction.

The networking events and regional meetups also create opportunities for contractors to build relationships with peers, suppliers, and owners. A lot of work in construction comes through relationships, and AGC facilitates those connections.