This article is part of an ongoing series on our municipal and civic projects across the U.S. For more, read about our work in public libraries, city halls, county courthouses, corrections facilities, fire stations and public health facilities.

For this installment, we sat down with some of our top experts around the country to discuss their project experience and the current and future state of this unique market.

What do you find most exciting about working for municipal or civic clients?

“There is something special about working on projects that our communities voted on and feel passionate about. The best part of a project is often seeing the excitement on neighbors' and patrons' faces at a groundbreaking or on opening day. Most of our public projects have spent years gathering community interest, funding and approvals, and we are always honored by the opportunity to deliver a project that meets a community's need.”

         - Travis Reed, Project Executive, Howard S. Wright, a Balfour Beatty Company (HSW)

How has the civic construction market changed over the last several decades?

“The landscape has evolved dramatically. Delivery models have shifted. We see more and more collaborative delivery models like progressive design-build and construction manager at-risk (CMAR), which align best with our strengths as collaborators.

Funding has also become more complex and layered, involving local bonds, state allocations, public and private grants and more. Clients need an ally like Balfour Beatty that understands the stakes and the need for increased accountability.

Projects today also pursue ever higher sustainability, resilience and security goals, from energy net-zero status to wildfire-proofing. Projects are simply more sophisticated than ever before and require a construction partner with equally sophisticated expertise.”

         - Dan Ferguson, Justice and Civic Construction Director

How can preconstruction teams contribute to the success of public projects?

“On a project like the Traphene Hickman Library in a Park in Cedar Hill, Texas, collaboration is key, at every step and with every stakeholder. Cedar Hill Parks and Recreation, the librarians, the city manager, police chief and City Council members – everyone was an integral part of the process and crucial in our successful delivery. The project required our team to communicate with efficiency, implement a sturdy decision-making process and do whatever it took to overcome unforeseen developments and keep the project moving forward. The city trusted us, and we delivered.

When we delivered the guaranteed maximum price (GMP) in 2022, to call supply chains disrupted would be an understatement. Shortages and price escalations posed unpredictable challenges for procurement and accurate pricing. To give our client a more confident footing for financial decision-making, we provided strategic input on product selection and procurement phasing, extensive collaboration with our design partner to identify multiple material options that met design intent and budget goals and we remained available for changes at a moment’s notice.”

         - Kellie Jasso, Senior Preconstruction Director, Texas

Public projects often work with tighter budgets than private development. How can you help a public client maximize every dollar?

“It starts with asking the right questions and really listening. Where is their money currently going? Is it sinking into constantly maintaining aging systems, operational inefficiencies or temporary repairs?

Once we understand those drivers, we can help a client prioritize what they value most – not just first cost – but based on long-term performance. Supplemented by our early design engagement, clear and proactive procurement strategies and constantly evaluating our value engineering options, we help clients get the best bang for their buck without compromising performance.”

          - Josh Henson, Project Executive, Georgia

What sets Balfour Beatty and Howard S. Wright apart in the public construction market? Why choose us?

“In today’s construction industry, most major contractors have equivalent technical capabilities, so it has to be something more.

What really makes the Balfour Beatty experience special is our people and how they leverage their technical expertise, operational processes and tools. Our teams don’t just see themselves as builders, but as service providers – true Relentless Allies who engage our client’s needs and collaborate with all stakeholders to reach the best possible solutions. Every decision is driven by relationships and deep personal care for the client’s public-serving mission.”

          - Henry Thacker, Operations Director, Florida