About Building Georgia

Building Georgia is a workforce initiative designed to grow Georgia’s infrastructure construction labor force. Increasing demands from historic-level federal transportation investments have intensified the ongoing shortage of skilled construction workers throughout the state. Launched in 2023 through a partnership between the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), the Georgia Department of Transportation, (GDOT) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Building Georgia brings together public agencies, employers, training providers, and communities. The goal is to strengthen the talent pipeline in construction, skilled trades, and emerging infrastructure sectors and leverage opportunities from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other legislation.

Our History

Our History

The foundation for Building Georgia was established in response to the unprecedented funding opportunities provided by the IIJA, signed into law in 2021. With over $1.2 trillion allocated for infrastructure projects nationwide, and tens of billions designated for Georgia, leaders across the state recognized the urgent need for a strong, coordinated workforce strategy.

Specifically, ARC’s analysis projected the creation of up to 40,000 additional jobs annually in Georgia’s 20-county metro region from 2022 to 2026, covering both traditional trades and emerging technologies.

To meet this challenge, ARC and TCSG co-hosted a summit in early 2023 with over 90 stakeholders from government, education, transit, airport operations, and the private sector. The summit confirmed a shared vision for workforce development and laid the foundation for Building Georgia as a cross-sector collaboration.

Later in 2023, the Building Georgia Advisory Council was formed to offer high-level governance and guidance. The Council includes leaders from ARC, GDOT, MARTA, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, TCSG, private industry, nonprofits, and the education sector.

Program Objectives

Building Georgia is centered on four main objectives. Each objective is supported by committees (Labor Development, Communications, Finance, and Early Education Promotion), all working under the guidance of the Advisory Council.

Develop targeted training programs aligned with employer needs, utilizing flexible federal transportation funding to expand talent pipelines across infrastructure sectors.

Connect job seekers and employers through a centralized digital platform that integrates with Georgia’s Labor Exchange, enhancing access to infrastructure careers across the state.
Expand long-term funding opportunities by identifying innovative public, private, and philanthropic investments to support and develop workforce initiatives.
Encourage early promotion of skilled trades by collaborating with K-12 and post-secondary partners to raise awareness and interest in high-demand, high-impact careers.

Who We Serve

Building Georgia supports a wide network of partners and recipients initially in the metro
Atlanta area with the intent of expanding throughout the state.

Whether you’re an employer looking to hire, a jobseeker ready for a new career, or a
community leader seeking resources, Building Georgia is here to help connect people,
programs, and purpose for a stronger, more resilient Georgia.

Employers and industry partners in construction, energy, transportation, broadband, and manufacturing seeking skilled labor.

Employers and Industry Partners

Employers and industry partners in construction, energy, transportation, broadband, and manufacturing seeking skilled labor.

Training Providers

Training providers such as TCSG colleges, trade programs, and private trainers focused on building workforce readiness.

Local Governments and Agencies

Local governments and agencies managing infrastructure projects and workforce development challenges.

Jobseekers

Jobseekers, especially from underrepresented or underserved communities, looking for pathways into high-growth careers.

Educators and School Systems

Educators and school systems working to introduce skilled trades and career pathways earlier in the education pipeline.

Employers and Industry Partners

Employers and industry partners in construction, energy, transportation, broadband, and manufacturing seeking skilled labor.

Training Providers

Training providers such as TCSG colleges, trade programs, and private trainers focused on building workforce readiness.

Local Governments and Agencies

Local governments and agencies managing infrastructure projects and workforce development challenges.

Jobseekers

Jobseekers, especially from underrepresented or underserved communities, looking for pathways into high-growth careers.

Educators and School Systems

Educators and school systems working to introduce skilled trades and career pathways earlier in the education pipeline.

Building GA Timeline

November 2021

The IIJA was signed into law, prompting a workforce response in Georgia.

2022

ARC conducts a regional workforce analysis and releases a white paper outlining IIJA-related job demand.

March 2023

Building Georgia is formally launched through an ARC–TCSG partnership.

April 2023

Building Georgia Summit held; stakeholders align on vision and strategy.

Late 2023

Building Georgia Advisory Council and working committees are established.

2024-2025

Building GA website developed, employer contractors meeting held at the Federal Reserve, first newsletter distributed, and employer curriculum review.

Ongoing

Development of training pilot programs, communications strategy, and funding roadmap begins.

2025-2027

Full-scale pilot implementation; expansion of training programs and labor exchange portal; impact evaluation and reporting.

Building GA Timeline

November 2021

The IIJA was signed into law, prompting a workforce response in Georgia.

2022

ARC conducts a regional workforce analysis and releases a white paper outlining IIJA-related job demand.

March 2023

Building Georgia is formally launched through an ARC–TCSG partnership.

April 2023

Building Georgia Summit held; stakeholders align on vision and strategy.

Late 2023

Building Georgia Advisory Council and working committees are established.

2024-2025

Building GA website developed, employer contractors meeting held at the Federal Reserve, first newsletter distributed, and employer curriculum review.

Ongoing

Development of training pilot programs, communications strategy, and funding roadmap begins.

2025-2027

Full-scale pilot implementation; expansion of training programs and labor exchange portal; impact evaluation and reporting.