Studies

The Importance of Aggregates and Construction to California's Economy

A vital California economy depends on the accessibility and availability of large local supplies of high-quality construction materials.

Rock, sand and gravel (aggregate), Ready Mix concrete and industrial minerals are essential local materials that build roads, bridges, homes, hospitals, parks and public infrastructure. These materials also provide ingredients for beer, wine, vitamins, nutrients, and soil enhancements, as well as for paint, roofing shingles, glass, pipes, brick, plastic and solar panels.

The aggregate and construction industry is a major economic engine for the state and local communities.
 

For the full series of economic reports, check out our economic reports page under the advocacy tab.

THE ESSENTIAL ROLE AND BENEFIT OF CALIFORNIA’S CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS INDUSTRY DURING COVID-19

A recent study conducted by CalCIMA strongly validates the official classification of the combined construction and materials industry in California as a low-risk, “essential industry” that should remain operational during the pandemic. With stringent safety measures already in place that meet or exceed CDC, state and local requirements, few industries are as well suited or as strongly committed to protecting the health and safety of workers and the public.

In support of the essential industry designation, the report, The Essential Role and Benefit of California’s Construction and Materials Industry During COVID-19, highlights the critical role and benefit of the industry during COVID-19, demonstrating its ability to work safely, efficiently and responsibly, while helping to accelerate the re-opening and economic recovery of local communities.

 

KEY FACTS ABOUT CALIFORNIA'S SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

January 2022 - Investing in our transportation system generates jobs, fosters economic recovery and growth, and improves safety.

POWERFUL PARTNERS: BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES

In fact, approximately 53 percent of all jobs in our labor market can be classified as “middle skill,” meaning they require training beyond high school but not a college degree. Even though middle-skill jobs dominate today's economy, only 43 percent of workers have the training they need to qualify for these positions—leaving many employers without a reliable worker pipeline. 

 

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Community and technical colleges often make the most sense as academic partners, given their historic mission of serving students of all backgrounds with a variety of objectives, including those who have been in the workforce for quite some time but need to update their skills, adults seeking access to basic skills instruction, and students aiming to obtain the credits they need to transfer to a four-year degree program.

Postsecondary institutions across the country are changing to accommodate the increased demand for skilled workers by offering more career-oriented programs and collaborating with employers to develop and finance high-quality curriculum.

Read the full report here from the National Skills Coalition, a broad-based coalition working toward a vision of an America that grows its economy by investing in its people so that every worker and every industry has the skills to compete and prosper. Learn more here about the National Skill Coalition.  
 

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Rock Plants Make Good Neighbors. 

A recent study concludes rock quarries don’t adversely affect values for surrounding homes.  The report is "Quarry Operations and Property Values: Revisiting Old and Investigating New Empirical Evidence" by the Phoenix Center.  The authors “...find no compelling statistical evidence that either the anticipation of, or the ongoing operation of, rock quarries negatively impacts home prices.  If anything, the Phoenix Center’s scholars find that home prices fall—not rise—as the distance from the quarry increases.”