All Politics Is Local: The State-by-State Push for Design-Build Authority

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State legislatures across the country are in session, and like every year, the decisions made now could directly affect how projects are delivered for years to come.

In the latest episode of Design-Build Delivers, we hung out with DBIA’s Director of State and Local Legislative Affairs, Richard Thomas, and Legislative Committee Chair Vince Campanella to unpack what’s happening in 2026. From progressive design-build expansion to sunset clauses and subtle procurement language changes, the legislative landscape remains active and consequential.

Some states are refining mature programs. Others are transitioning from pilot programs to full authority. And in a few cases, familiar bills are resurfacing with new language that could impact Owners, designers and contractors alike.

Resources in this episode:

• Guide for Enactment of Design-Build Legislation
• Model Legislation
• State Statute Report
• DBIA State Advocacy Resources
• Design-Build for Transportation/Aviation and Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conferences

Access all our free design-build resources and learn more about Design-Build Done Right® at dbia.org.

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