Measure C, a key component of the Chargers' plan to build a new stadium and convention center annex downtown, was endorsed by the Associated General Contractors of America's San Diego chapter, it was announced Tuesday.
The chapter's board of directors voted Thursday to endorse the ballot measure on the November ballot, according to Brad Barnum, executive vice president of the group. Measure C would use an increase in the hotel-room tax to fund the construction of the project.
The Associated General Contractors of America's board of directors expressed its support, in principle, of a San Diego stadium initiative in May. In July, the joint stadium and convention center initiative sponsored by the San Diego Chargers received enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.
The group met with the Chargers and additional stakeholders to evaluate the initiative, according to Barnum.
In August, Associated General Contractors of America's government relations committee recommended to the board a support position, while addressing concerns about a potential union-only project labor agreement. AGC has a legislative policy position supporting fair and open competition, while opposing government-mandated, or coerced, PLAs, Barnum said.
"Project labor agreements discourage competition, are unfair to non-union contractors and subcontractors, cause construction costs to increase, and undermine the collective bargaining process between employers and trade unions," Barnum said in a statement.
