Sarasota-Manatee builders group tackles anti-growth sentiments

The 2026 Midterm elections are upon us, and discussions around growth deserve more than slogans, buzzwords or overcorrection. Our region needs visionary leadership. Here’s why. 

Growth brings both opportunities and challenges. Managing a growing region requires near-term solutions and long-term vision — addressing infrastructure, traffic, affordability and public services while continuing to create prosperity for future generations. Overcorrection can lead to stagnation, limiting jobs, investment and economic mobility that strong communities depend on. A strong community is one where families can build a life, young people can see a future, workers can earn a good living and businesses can invest with confidence. It is a place with access to education, healthcare, public services, housing, recreation, arts, entertainment, culture, jobs and gathering places that support a full and vibrant quality of life. 

A dynamic region does not happen by accident. It requires visionary leadership, responsible governing, thoughtful planning, predictable public policy, coordinated infrastructure and reliable funding. It also depends on collaboration between the public and private sectors to support local employers, encourage investment, develop skilled workers and strengthen the regional economy.   

That is why Gulf Coast Builders Exchange (GCBX), representing all segments of the commercial construction industry, believes well-managed growth is essential. It allows communities to address the challenges of a growing region while creating opportunity that supports local business, expands career pathways, circulates dollars locally and strengthens the tax base needed to fund public services and capital improvements. 

With more than 400 member companies supporting over 30,000 local jobs, GCBX brings together the businesses and professionals that build, remodel, maintain, and improve the public, private, institutional, and infrastructure projects that Gulf Coast communities rely on every day. The work of our members can be seen in the places that shape daily life — schools, hospitals, public facilities, roads, utilities, workplaces, places of worship, commercial centers, entertainment venues, cultural spaces and other projects that help communities function, grow, and thrive.

The commercial construction industry also creates avenues to rewarding careers for young people who want to build a future close to home — whether through skilled trades, technical training, construction management, engineering, design, business or the many other professions connected to the industry. A strong local workforce depends on a strong local economy.  We can choose both: addressing growth concerns and creating tomorrow’s opportunity. The future of our region depends on our ability to manage growth responsibly while continuing to build strong communities where people want to live, work and invest. 

As you evaluate the issues and candidates this election cycle, look beyond the buzzwords. Look for visionary leaders who understand that addressing today’s growth concerns and supporting continued economic and community advancement go hand in hand. GCBX supports well-managed growth that addresses today’s challenges while protecting local jobs, economic strength, innovation and the forward-thinking investment that creates opportunity and builds a resilient and prosperous region.

John Wiseman

JP Wiseman Construction, GCBX Chairman