Merit in Motion

Join host Russell Johnson, Frank Boecker, and Mike Brown for a compelling debrief of ABC Southern California’s recent trip to Washington, D.C. From legislative meetings on the Fair and Open Competition Act to emotional visits at the Pentagon, this episode captures both the policy stakes and the human stories behind ABC’s fight for merit shop values.

In this episode, we sit down with Russell Johnson, Government Affairs Director at ABC Southern California, to talk about the critical role ABC is playing in the ongoing recovery efforts following the devastating Los Angeles fires. Recorded after his panel appearance at the BizFed Institute’s Rebuild LA Summit, Russell shares key insights on permitting delays, insurance hurdles, labor shortages, and the importance of using licensed, reputable contractors when rebuilding homes and businesses. We also dive into how ABC SoCal is helping upskill and expand the construction workforce to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled labor. Whether you're a property owner, contractor, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical knowledge and an honest look at the challenges and opportunities ahead for Los Angeles.

In the premiere episode of Merit in Motion, ABC SoCal President & CEO Mike Mitchell sits down with Government Affairs Director Russell Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on the policies, politics, and challenges impacting California’s merit shop contractors. Russell shares his personal journey into advocacy and breaks down the latest on tariffs, interest rates, and the legal battles surrounding Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). From the “Trump effect” on the National Labor Relations Board to hopeful shifts in state and federal policy, this episode is packed with insights every contractor and construction professional should hear.