A voice for construction, KCA’s impact, priorities and vision for Pa.

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The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) has long played a vital role in strengthening Pennsylvania’s commercial construction industry. 

With deep roots in Central Pennsylvania, the York County-based KCA has served as an advocate, educator, and resource for contractors across the state since 1940. 

“Through consistent advocacy, workforce leadership and industry collaboration, the KCA has helped shape an environment in which contractors can compete and deliver the projects that help Pennsylvania’s economy,” KCA Executive Director Jon O’Brien said. 

Headquartered in Dillsburg, KCA has long had an impact in Central Pennsylvania and across the commonwealth. 

“KCA’s long-standing impact is rooted in its mission to represent and advance the interests of commercial construction contractors statewide,” said O’Brien. “From Lehigh Valley to Erie and everywhere in between, the KCA has been a steady voice on behalf of contractors who build the structures that Pennsylvanians rely on, like the schools, hospitals, office buildings, water/wastewater plants, industrial facilities, etc. 

O’Brien noted that KCA’s presence is especially pronounced in Central Pennsylvania. 

“The region’s growth and development have been supported by member firms, industry partners, and workforce development collaborators working with the KCA,” he said. “By fostering the teamwork spirit among contractors, suppliers, vendors, educators and policy makers, KCA has helped sustain resilient construction ecosystem that responds to both regional needs and statewide priorities. 

“Beyond advocacy, the KCA has elevated industry standards through education, safety initiatives and professional development – ensuring the contractors are prepared to navigate evolving regulations, emerging technologies and complex project demands.” 

O’Brien noted that as Pennsylvania’s construction industry faces new challenges and opportunities, the KCA has sharpened its focus around several core priorities that are critical to long-term success. These priorities include strategic infrastructure, workforce development, and modernization of the 1913 Separations Act. 

“KCA strongly advocates for sustained, predictable investment in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure,” said O’Brien. “A reliable transportation system not only allows for easy access to the structures that KCA members build, but it also makes Pennsylvania a more attractive destination to outside investors. 

“KCA stands ready when called by state lawmakers, agencies and regional planning organizations to support funding strategies that reflect scale of need and allow contractors to plan, invest and retain skilled workers.” 

Workforce availability remains one of the industry’s most pressing challenges. 

“KCA has made workforce development a central pillar of its work – supporting the ACE Mentor Program, apprenticeship programs, scholarships, continuing education and outreach to students and career changers, like our military veterans,” O’Brien stated. “In Central PA, these efforts are especially important as demand for skilled labor and job site supervision continues to grow. 

“By partnering with schools, workforce boards, union apprenticeships and employers, the KCA helps ensure that construction careers are visible, accessible and aligned with real-world construction needs.” 

O’Brien said the Separations Act is a state mandate requiring public construction projects to use multiple-prime contractors which forces public owners (schools, government agencies, etc.) to award separate prime contracts directly to at least four contractors, essentially making the public owner act as the general contractor. 

“It needs to be modernized because the construction industry has evolved since 1913, with more efficient delivery methods now available that can reduce delays, claims, cost overruns and administrative burdens,” said O’Brien. “Pennsylvania is the only state that requires this cumbersome mandate – it’s time we save tax dollars on public construction.” 

O’Brien noted that while the KCA does not build projects itself, its advocacy and programming directly support the commercial construction activity taking place across Central Pennsylvania. 

“Recent efforts include KCA’s engagement around the 2026/27 State Budget and submitting construction priorities to Governor Shapiro‘s team,” he said. “In the area of workforce development, KCA continues to support the ACE Mentor Program, highlighted by the launching of this high school program that introduces students to careers in construction to Centre County. 

“Additionally, the KCA is in the process of becoming an approved Educational Improvement Organization under the State’s Education Incentive Tax Credit program to increase and improve the amount of construction career information delivered to our high schools.” 

In the area of supporting future industry professionals, O’Brien pointed to KCA’s scholarship program, which is entering its fifth year. The past four years have seen the KCA award more than $80,000 in scholarships for students seeking construction degrees. 

KCA is also nationally recognized for its efforts to help in mental health awareness for construction workers. Its podcast, The Building PA Podcast was recently named one of the country’s best resources for mental health and wellness. 

January saw the KCA’s Mental Health Awareness Task Force start a monthly seminar series titled, “Building A Strong Workforce”. The educational series tackles mental health issues facing construction trades and offers what O’Brien calls “practical tools, real conversations, and trusted solutions to build safer jobsites, healthier cultures and stronger teams.” 

When it comes to technology, O’Brien said KCA’s AI Task Force is rolling out educational programming to help construction professionals not only embrace AI but to benefit from it and become more productive. 

“Looking ahead, KCA envisions a Pennsylvania construction industry that is stronger, smarter and more sustainable,” said O’Brien. “KCA’s future work will continue to focus on smart, long-term funding strategies, expanding workforce pipelines and modernizing outdated laws. 

“Ultimately, KCA’s vision is simple, yet powerful: when commercial construction thrives, Pennsylvania thrives. KCA will continue to play a critical role in shaping an industry that builds opportunity, resilience and lasting value in Pennsylvania.”