Key Takeaways

• ABC of California’s 2026 Legislative Action Day will be held in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, 2026, centered at the State Capitol.
• This is a focused advocacy event for the merit shop construction community featuring coordinated meetings with legislators and staff.
• The two-day structure includes a Tuesday evening reception and dinner to unify attendees, followed by a full Wednesday program with training, keynotes, and Capitol meetings.
• The first part of Legislative Action Days consists of two days of advocacy training to prepare attendees for effective engagement.
• Featured speakers Steve Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco are gubernatorial candidates whose views on free enterprise and public safety directly connect to contractor priorities.
• Attendees will meet with key committee staff to discuss the topics they will advocate on, a highlight of the event.
• Legislative Action Day is a pivotal moment in the 2026 election cycle to protect open competition, public safety reforms, and free enterprise in California construction.

Purpose and Significance of ABC of California’s Legislative Action Day

Legislative Action Day is ABC of California’s flagship advocacy event for merit shop contractors in 2026. Unlike typical industry conferences, exhibitions, or conventions that focus on networking, professional development, and broad policy discussions, this is a coordinated, disciplined effort to bring the voice of open-shop construction directly to the people who shape California’s regulatory and economic future.

For contractors, business owners, and chapter leaders across the state, this event is a rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with state legislators and their staff in Sacramento. The mission is clear: ensure that decision-makers have a clear understanding of how policies affecting workforce rules, bidding practices, and project delivery impact the employers and workers who build California’s infrastructure.

Merit shop principles—open competition, free enterprise, and equal opportunity—are directly affected by decisions made at the California State Capitol. When lawmakers consider expanding project labor agreements, altering apprenticeship standards, or adding new compliance mandates, the consequences ripple through every contractor’s payroll, project timeline, and ability to compete fairly. ABC of California’s Legislative Action Day exists to make sure those consequences are understood before votes are cast.

The timing of the 2026 event carries added weight. This is a gubernatorial election year, which means competing visions for California’s economy will shape the policy conversation for years to come. Employers who want to influence debates over workforce regulation, public safety, and infrastructure investment need to be present when those debates are taking shape. Showing up in April—well before the November election—signals to candidates and incumbents alike that the merit shop community is organized, informed, and watching.

Event Overview: Dates, Location, and Who Should Attend

Legislative Action Day will take place in Sacramento on Tuesday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with all advocacy focused on the California State Capitol.

Tuesday evening’s reception and dinner will be held at a downtown Sacramento venue within walking distance of the Capitol. The Wednesday morning program will convene at the same site, allowing attendees to move seamlessly from breakfast and training sessions to their scheduled Capitol meetings on foot. It is important to decide early whether your event will be in person, hybrid, or virtual to ensure effective planning and maximum participation.

Who should prioritize attendance?

• ABC member contractors of all sizes—from small subcontractors to large general contractors
• Project executives, estimators, and operations managers who see policy impacts on bidding and delivery
• HR and safety leaders navigating compliance burdens and workforce regulations
• Chapter board members and volunteer leaders responsible for regional advocacy
• Allied merit shop partners including suppliers, bonding companies, and professional service firms

We invite all stakeholders, advocates, and community members to join Legislative Action Day and make their voices heard.

Small and mid-sized contractors are especially critical voices. When a project labor agreement requirement is attached to a public works contract, it often prices out the very firms that could complete the work at a lower cost. When apprenticeship restrictions limit who can train and hire, it is smaller contractors who lose flexibility first. These are the stories legislators need to hear—and they carry the most weight when delivered in person by constituents from their own districts.

Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Reception and Strategic Alignment

Tuesday evening marks the start of Legislative Action Day with a hosted reception followed by a seated dinner for all registered participants.

This is where contractors from Northern, Southern, and Central California chapters connect, compare regional challenges, and align on shared priorities. The conversations over dinner are not small talk—they are the foundation for the unified message ABC will carry into the Capitol the next day.

Brief welcome remarks from ABC of California leadership, including President Greg Gutierrez, will set expectations for Wednesday’s Capitol meetings. Attendees will hear an overview of the agenda, logistics, and the key issues driving the 2026 legislative session.

Throughout the evening, ABC staff and policy experts will circulate to answer questions about priority bills and advocacy practices. First-time participants can expect personal attention to ensure they feel confident before heading to the state house the next morning.

The energy of Tuesday night is about building unity and confidence. Guests leave dinner knowing they are part of something larger—a statewide coalition ready to advocate with one voice.

Wednesday, April 8, 2026: Program Agenda and Momentum

Wednesday is the centerpiece of Legislative Action Day (LAD). The schedule is designed to build momentum from the first cup of coffee through the final debrief.

Pre-event training sessions are commonly held to prepare attendees for LAD, and these are often led by board members and advocacy committee members. Attendees also receive guidance on the do’s and don’ts of legislative office visits to ensure effective advocacy.

The morning builds toward the main event: face-to-face meetings at the Capitol. By the time teams walk across the Capitol grounds, they will have heard from leaders who frame the political and economic stakes, received detailed policy briefings, and practiced the skills needed to make their voices heard.

Welcome from ABC President Greg Gutierrez

Greg Gutierrez’s welcome remarks serve as the formal kick-off to Wednesday’s advocacy efforts. His message will set the tone for the entire day and articulate why ABC’s presence at the Capitol matters in 2026.

He will connect statewide legislative priorities to contractors’ lived experience—backlog pressures, workforce shortages, compliance burdens, and barriers to fair competition.

His introduction will also cover logistics: how teams are organized, where to find your schedule, and who to contact for support during Capitol visits. The message will be confident and forward-looking, emphasizing that Legislative Action Day is part of ABC of California’s year-round commitment to policy engagement—not a one-day effort.

Keynote: Steve Hilton on Free Enterprise and Reform

Steve Hilton will deliver the keynote address, offering perspectives on free enterprise, accountability, and reform that directly address the challenges facing merit shop contractors.

Hilton is an author, broadcaster, and entrepreneur. His book, Positive Populism, critiques overregulation and advocates policies that empower small businesses and innovators. As a former Fox News host and Silicon Valley entrepreneur who founded the Golden Together PAC, he has built a platform focused on government accountability and economic reform. He is a declared candidate for Governor of California in the 2026 election.

His message will connect to merit shop priorities:

• Reducing red tape that delays construction projects by two to three years in California
• Defending open competition on public works against restrictive mandates
• Fostering an environment where small contractors can invest in apprenticeship and workforce development

Attendees can expect practical takeaways on how the next Governor could reset California’s economic trajectory—and what that means for employers trying to grow in a challenging regulatory environment.

Featured Speaker: Sheriff Chad Bianco on Public Safety and Economic Stability

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco will address the connection between public safety and economic stability—a link that directly affects the construction industry’s ability to plan, bid, and build.

Sheriff Bianco is a 30-year law enforcement veteran, elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022 with 58% of the vote. He was a vocal advocate for Proposition 36, which passed in November 2024 with 68% approval, strengthening penalties for fentanyl distribution and repeat theft.

His perspective matters for contractors. Worksite thefts rose 15% in 2024, costing the industry an estimated $500 million annually. When job sites are not secure, projects face delays, insurance costs rise, and workers lose confidence in the communities where they are asked to build.

As a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, Bianco will address how public safety policy and enforcement decisions made in Sacramento shape economic stability, tax revenues, and long-term infrastructure investment. Predictable, safe communities are essential for contractors to bid confidently and retain skilled workers.

Advocacy Preparation: Equipping Attendees to Influence Policy

A key part of Wednesday morning is structured advocacy training so every person entering Capitol meetings is prepared, confident, and aligned with ABC of California’s unified message.

This is where participants receive briefing packets, talking points, and district-specific information tailored to the 2026 legislative agenda. Preparation is what differentiates an effective Legislative Action Day from an informal visit. Teams will rehearse their asks, assign speaking roles, and review meeting protocols before walking to the Capitol.

The goal is outcome-focused: every participant should know exactly what legislation ABC supports or opposes, what specific ask to make of each legislator, and how to back up that ask with real-world examples.

Policy Briefing with Michelle Rubalcava

Michelle Rubalcava, ABC California’s government affairs director, will walk attendees through the association’s priority bills and regulatory issues for the 2026 session.

With more than 15 years of experience tracking 50+ bills annually, she will spotlight specific legislation affecting merit shop contractors:

• Proposals expanding project labor agreement requirements on public works
• Changes to apprenticeship standards that could limit workforce flexibility
• Procurement rule modifications affecting bidding opportunities

Her briefing will translate bill language into real-world impact. Attendees will understand how a measure might affect labor costs, training pipelines, or compliance obligations.

She will provide concise leave-behind materials and clear asks for legislators—support, oppose, or amend—so every team makes consistent, disciplined requests. Unified messaging across all ABC chapters strengthens the overall advocacy effort and helps lawmakers track the industry’s position.

Advocacy Skills and Meeting Protocol with Carmen Berry

Carmen Berry will lead the session on Capitol meeting expectations, etiquette, and effective advocacy techniques.

Her advocacy training covers the fundamentals:

• How to open a meeting and introduce yourself and your role in the legislator’s district
• How to stay on message and present your key issues clearly
• How to close with a respectful, specific ask
• How to follow up with staff after the visit

She will offer practical tips on managing time in short meetings, handling tough questions, and coordinating speaking roles within each team. Professionalism and discipline are emphasized: appropriate attire, on-time arrivals, and a respectful tone throughout.

First-time participants should feel reassured. Structured preparation makes Capitol meetings straightforward and impactful. You do not need prior experience to be an effective advocate—just a willingness to share your story and represent your business and employees.

Capitol Meetings: Merit Shop Voices at the State Capitol

The Capitol meetings are the heart of Legislative Action Day. This is where influence happens.

Small teams of ABC members walk from the host venue to the California State Capitol, passing through security, navigating legislative office buildings, and meeting in conference rooms with Assemblymembers, Senators, and their staff.

Teams are organized by geographic region and legislative district. This ensures that lawmakers hear directly from employers who live, hire, and build in their communities. A contractor from Fresno meets with Central Valley legislators. A team from San Diego advocates with their elected officials. This localized approach makes every meeting relevant and personal.

What makes these conversations effective?

• Personal stories: A contractor describing how a regulatory mandate forced a 30% payroll increase, or how a project labor agreement excluded them from a public works bid
• Data-driven arguments: Statistics showing merit shops complete 70% of public projects at 15-20% lower costs
• Clear asks: Specific requests to support, oppose, or amend pending legislation

Respectful, informed dialogue is central to ABC’s approach. Teams are firm on principles of open competition and free enterprise, yet constructive and solutions-focused. Past Legislative Action Days have logged over 500 meetings influencing more than a dozen bills. Research shows that 78% of legislators report constituent visits like these sway their decisions.

Meeting times are short—typically 15 to 20 minutes—so preparation matters. Teams arrive with materials in hand, roles assigned, and a clear agenda. Staff meetings are just as valuable as meetings with the legislators themselves; staff often shape recommendations and track constituent concerns throughout the session.

Afternoon Reception, Debrief, and Ongoing Strategy

After Capitol meetings conclude, attendees reconvene for an afternoon reception and debrief session at the host venue in downtown Sacramento.

The debrief is a facilitated conversation. Teams share key takeaways:

• Which legislators were receptive, skeptical, or undecided
• Commitments made or follow-up requests from offices
• Unexpected questions or concerns raised by staff

ABC of California staff will collect feedback to refine ongoing strategies, identify legislative champions, and track where additional education or pressure is needed. This information feeds directly into year-round advocacy efforts.

The reception offers an opportunity to strengthen relationships among contractors, celebrate advocacy successes, and reinforce the importance of staying engaged beyond April. Legislative battles are not won in a single day. The connections made and the intelligence gathered at this event shape ABC’s strategy for the entire legislative session.

This is the bridge from a two-day event to ABC’s long-term advocacy work defending merit shop principles, public safety reforms, and a competitive marketplace.

Why 2026 Legislative Action Day Matters for Merit Shop Construction

This Legislative Action Day carries strategic importance that extends well beyond a single session in Sacramento.

The 2026 gubernatorial election will determine the direction of California’s economy for years to come. Competing visions for workforce policy, public safety, and infrastructure investment are already taking shape. Steve Hilton’s message on free enterprise reform and Sheriff Chad Bianco’s focus on public safety and accountability connect directly to the legislative fights merit shop contractors face every session.

ABC of California is using this event to send a clear, unified signal to federal policymakers and state legislators alike: open competition, accountability, and workforce opportunity must remain central to California’s future.

The stakes are tangible. California’s merit shop community represents a $200 billion construction engine, contributing 4.1% of the state’s GDP and supporting one million jobs. When policies favor union-only agreements or add unnecessary regulatory burdens, it is not an abstraction—it is lost opportunities, higher costs, and fewer jobs for the skilled workers who build this state.

Your participation is both a responsibility and an opportunity. You advocate on behalf of your employees, your apprentices, and the communities that depend on a healthy construction sector. You join friends and colleagues who share your commitment to open competition.

The timing matters. Early March may seem far away, but preparation begins now. Register early, prepare thoroughly, and plan to attend in force on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 7-8, 2026.

FAQ

Who is eligible to attend the 2026 Legislative Action Day?

ABC of California member companies, their employees, and invited industry partners are welcome to participate. This includes contractors, suppliers, bonding companies, and professional service firms aligned with merit shop principles. Space may be limited for certain components, so early registration is encouraged—especially if you want to request meetings with specific legislators. Visit ABC of California’s registration page for details on how to secure your spot.

Do I need prior advocacy or lobbying experience to participate?

No prior experience is required. The program is designed to support first-time participants through detailed briefings and on-site coaching. Carmen Berry’s training session will walk you through meeting expectations, and teams are structured to pair newer attendees with experienced advocates. You will receive materials and talking points in advance so you feel prepared and confident entering every meeting.

Is there a registration fee, and what does it cover?

Registration details, including any fees and what they cover, are available on ABC of California’s event page. Typically, registration includes the Tuesday reception and dinner, Wednesday breakfast, advocacy training materials, and coordination of Capitol meetings. Some sponsorship opportunities may also be available. Contact ABC of California directly for exact pricing, deadlines, and any early-registration discounts.

How will meetings with legislators be scheduled?

ABC of California staff will coordinate meeting requests with legislative offices in advance, grouping participants by region and district. You do not need to schedule your own meetings. On Wednesday morning, you will receive a personalized schedule that includes meeting times, office locations, and team assignments. This allows you to focus on preparation rather than logistics.

What should I bring and how should I prepare before arriving in Sacramento?

Review any pre-event briefing materials sent by ABC of California. Confirm your legislative district so staff can assign you to the appropriate team. Come prepared with brief examples of how state policies affect your projects and workforce—specific stories resonate with legislators and staff.

On the practical side, wear business attire suitable for Capitol visits, bring comfortable walking shoes, and carry business cards for follow-up with legislative staff. Check the event site for any additional tips or a complete logistics guide before you travel to Sacramento.