Running a small construction business is no joke—so let’s not waste time.

Here’s what’s coming your way this week:

🚧 Article this week: California’s Recent Wildfires and Their Impact on Los Angeles Construction: A Call to Compassion and Preparedness.

🚧 3 curated articles this week we report on the horrific disaster happening in LA

Get the knowledge you need, stay informed, and enjoy the ride.
Let’s get building!

California’s Recent Wildfires and Their Impact on Los Angeles Construction: A Call to Compassion and Preparedness

The recent wave of wildfires that swept through California has been both heartbreaking and staggering in its scope. Communities in and around Los Angeles have felt the full brunt of these blazes, with families losing homes, local businesses destroyed, and entire neighborhoods displaced by the sheer force of nature. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered unimaginable loss, and we stand alongside them as they work toward rebuilding their lives.

Yet, the devastation we are witnessing is not entirely unforeseen. Critics point to a combination of government inaction and overly restrictive regulations that, ironically, prevent many proactive construction measures and hazard-mitigation efforts from ever getting off the ground. As construction professionals, we know that sound infrastructure and smart planning can make the difference between a town that withstands a disaster and one that buckles under it. In light of these fires, it’s crucial to examine the root causes, point out the failures, and determine how we can rebuild in a more resilient and responsible way.

Where Did We Go Wrong?

Government Oversight and Delays

While natural disasters are often unpredictable, effective leadership can make a significant impact on preventing tragedies or mitigating their scale. Many in the construction industry know that officials waited too long to address the severe wildfire risks or to invest in infrastructure improvements that could have reduced the spread of the fires (e.g., controlled burns, improved water infrastructure for firefighting, and stricter brush-clearing policies). We work in these hills all the time and we see first hand their condition.

Furthermore, red tape at multiple levels of government slows down or outright prevents projects that could help address fire hazards. The lack of streamlined policies for land management, and swift redevelopment has left many communities vulnerable. Although blame can be widespread, too many in positions of power have sidestepped accountability.

Restrictive Building Regulations

The Coastal Commission and similar agencies, intended to protect California’s distinctive landscapes and environment, are in part responsible for creating daunting obstacles to land development. While preserving coastal ecosystems is undeniably important, a blanket approach to restrictions can hurt communities by stalling needed construction projects, including those focused on fire prevention or post-disaster recovery.

In Los Angeles, developers and contractors often find themselves entangled in a maze of permits and years of legal hurdles that ultimately keep neighborhoods from getting the infrastructure upgrades they desperately need.

Gov. Newsom’s Recent Changes and What They Mean for Construction

In response to mounting concerns about California’s housing shortage, its vulnerability to wildfires, and the overall need for more streamlined development, Governor Newsom signed an executive order on January 12, 2025. The full details can be found in the official release on the Governor’s website.

This order lays out new measures to streamline construction permitting, expedite environmental reviews for critical rebuilding projects, and provide incentives for fire-hardened structures.

Will this mean a smoother path toward reviving damaged communities and embracing the latest fire-resistant standards? We shall see in the days and weeks ahead.

What does all of this mean for contractors?

1. Quicker Approvals: Projects that commit to fire-safe construction methods and comply with updated building standards may see fewer bottlenecks and potentially reduced wait times for permits.

2. Financial Incentives: Certain proposals include funding opportunities for fire-resilient building methods. This could mean lower insurance costs and more affordable financing for homeowners, contractors, and developers.

3. Expanding Opportunity: With an ongoing housing shortage, streamlined processes may pave the way for more developments, especially in areas previously caught in regulatory red tape.

While these reforms are steps in the right direction, I certainly remain skeptical about how effectively they will be implemented—and whether local agencies like the Coastal Commission will cooperate. Nonetheless, they signal that the state government is aware of the urgent need to rethink how we build and rebuild in fire-prone areas.

A Message to Our Fellow Construction Professionals

Compassion Over Profit

The rebuilding efforts following these wildfires will undoubtedly create a wave of construction opportunities. New homes, businesses, and public facilities will need to rise from the ashes. For trade contractors, this can translate into substantial work. However, we must approach these projects with empathy and compassion.

• Do Not Price Gouge: This is no time to take advantage of people who have lost so much. Fair pricing not only protects our reputations as professionals but also fosters good will within communities that need our help.

• Don’t Be Greedy: There will be enough work for everyone. Exploiting a crisis only serves to deepen the tragedy. We must show Californians that the construction community is here to help, not to profit unfairly from their misfortune.

• Lead by Example: By implementing best practices for fire-resistant building and working in partnership with local communities, contractors can demonstrate leadership and set a tone of cooperation and resilience.

Working Together for a Stronger California

Los Angeles and the rest of California will bounce back if we, as an industry, stand ready to collaborate with impacted communities, local government, and one another. The next few years will require a concerted effort among architects, contractors, engineers, and policy makers to ensure that what we rebuild is safer, more durable, and more responsible than what stood before.

If you’re reading this and considering coming out to California to contribute your skills, reach out to me. I’m committed to guiding you through the state’s regulations and connecting you with the right networks. Let’s make sure we come together in a spirit of solidarity and compassion for those most in need.

Our Thoughts and Prayers

As we move forward in addressing the aftermath of these devastating wildfires, our hearts and prayers remain with the victims and their families. We encourage everyone involved in the rebuilding process to remember the real human cost of this tragedy—and to strive for practices that reflect our shared humanity. If we, the construction community, unite under a banner of empathy and commitment to excellence, we can rebuild California stronger than ever.

Stay safe, stay compassionate, and let’s keep our neighbors in our thoughts and prayers.

— Written for The Pro Page, by someone who cares about both the future of construction in California and the communities we serve.

LIVE Updates on YouTube:

Governor Newsom signs executive order to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger

LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order to suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow victims of the recent fires to restore their homes and businesses faster.

The executive order issued by Governor Newsom will:

• Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.

• Direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements, including provisions of the Building Code, that can safely be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.

• Extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.

• Commit to working with the Legislature to identify statutory changes that can help expedite rebuilding while enhancing wildfire resilience and safety.

👉 Full Article Here

What do the LA fires mean for the county housing shortage?

The fires burning in Los Angeles County have forced more than 150,000 to evacuate. Officials estimate as many as 10,000 buildings have burned. That means many of the displaced victims will be looking for somewhere new to live, which could be difficult in LA given the county is already lacking enough available homes.

The people displaced in the Los Angeles fires won’t get to move back to their neighborhoods any time soon.

“The real restriction is just on labor and getting all that work done,” said Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin. She said her company analyzed other California fires, and it takes most people at least two years to rebuild. 

👉 Full story here.

About Keith Bloemendaal
With over 36 years in construction, I’ve built businesses from scratch—some scaled to millions, others taught me the hard lessons. Now, I help contractors work smarter with practical strategies and tech solutions that save time, cut headaches, and boost profits.

When I’m not solving problems or testing new ideas, you’ll find me sharing stories and mentoring hardworking pros like you.

Connect with me:
𝕏 @ContractorKeith
📩 Contractors Compass Newsletter