“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” — William Faulkner

In leadership, grand visions often come with overwhelming obstacles. Faulkner's insight reminds us that monumental achievements are the culmination of countless small actions. As leaders, we may feel daunted by the size of the "mountains" before us be it transforming a company culture, launching a groundbreaking product, or driving social change.

But what if we shifted our focus to the small stones? Each stone represents a task, a conversation, or a decision that, while minor on its own, contributes to the larger goal. By breaking down colossal objectives into manageable steps, we make progress feasible and maintain team motivation and morale.

This approach raises important questions: How can we identify the "small stones" in our ambitious projects? What daily actions can we take that align with our ultimate vision? Moreover, how do we encourage ourselves and our teams when progress seems slow?

Let's engage in a conversation about embracing incremental progress. By sharing strategies and experiences, we can learn how to effectively carry away the small stones that stand between us and our mountains. After all, leadership isn't just about envisioning the summit; it's about taking each step that brings us closer to it.

In a state renowned for its natural beauty and bustling urban growth, Washington residents are increasingly taking on home improvement projects and new construction. But beneath the surface lies a complex web of utility lines gas, electricity, and water that could turn a simple dig into a dangerous disaster. 'Dig Safe Washington' is raising the alarm, but is the message getting through?

Each year, accidental strikes on underground utilities lead to service disruptions, costly repairs, and even life-threatening accidents. Despite the availability of free utility marking services, there's a troubling rise in incidents where homeowners and contractors neglect to make a simple call before digging.

"Many people are unaware of the risks lurking just below their feet," says Laura Mitchell, a safety coordinator with 'Dig Safe Washington.' "Ignoring the proper protocols doesn't just endanger the individual; it puts entire communities at risk."

So why are so many bypassing this critical step? Is it a lack of awareness, or do people perceive the process as inconvenient? The reality is that dialing 811 before you dig is a quick and free service that can prevent catastrophic outcomes.

As urban development accelerates, the underground landscape becomes even more congested. This isn't just a concern for large construction companies but for anyone planting a tree or installing a new mailbox. The question remains: Are we taking the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our neighbors?

It's time for a statewide conversation about underground safety. Before you pick up that shovel, pause and consider what's at stake. A simple phone call could save lives and prevent disasters. Are we listening to 'Dig Safe Washington's' urgent warning?

Federal funding for resilient infrastructure now includes smart surfaces an approach that utilizes green roofs, cool pavements, permeable materials, and solar panels to combat urban heat and reduce flooding. Through initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), local governments can access millions in grants. Notable programs like the $5 billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and the $8.7 billion PROTECT funding are transforming city landscapes to absorb water, reflect heat, and store carbon.

A recent case shows how Davis, California, allocated a $24 million PROTECT grant to cool pavement to reduce the heat island effect while improving roadway safety. Additionally, South Carolina's Central Midlands region is using $9 million in grants to integrate smart surfaces across municipalities, focusing on reducing greenhouse emissions and supporting local workforce development.

Communities looking to enhance infrastructure resilience can revisit their project lists, incorporating smart surfaces to gain federal backing. With resources available for low-carbon building materials and renewable energy, federal programs now offer pathways for every U.S. city to align with sustainable goals. Will cities seize these funding opportunities to create lasting, resilient infrastructure?

San Francisco has recently streamlined its permitting process to meet the state-mandated goal of constructing 82,000 housing units by 2031. However, despite these efforts, housing construction remains sluggish. The city previously required developers to allocate approximately 22% of units as affordable housing, a stipulation that deterred some builders. In 2023, the state intervened, advising San Francisco to reduce this requirement to between 12% and 15% to encourage development.

Beyond regulatory adjustments, developers face significant economic hurdles. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with rising interest rates and escalating construction costs reportedly increasing by 40% to 50% has created a challenging environment for new projects. For instance, the 30 Van Ness project experienced delays due to these factors. The developer, Lendlease, negotiated with the city to eliminate the previous 25% affordable housing requirement, allowing all 333 condos to be market-rate units. This agreement is pending approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Experts suggest that the real estate market requires time to recover from economic downturns. Sam Moss, Executive Director of the Mission Housing Development Corporation, notes, "Real estate takes five years to catch up after a downswing, and we are in the middle of the catch-up period."

In contrast, Berkeley has made notable progress by embracing higher-density housing developments, particularly near BART stations and university campuses. Mayor Jesse Arreguin acknowledges a shift in perspective, stating, "Our community has come to realize... that we have to embrace new housing, that we have to embrace density." Berkeley is reportedly nearly halfway toward meeting its state mandate of 9,000 new units.

San Francisco's experience highlights the complexities of balancing regulatory frameworks, economic realities, and community needs in addressing housing shortages. While policy reforms are essential, overcoming financial and logistical challenges remains critical to accelerating housing construction.

Introduction

Good morning, Team! Today’s toolbox talk will cover a critical safety topic: eye protection. On construction sites, our eyes are constantly exposed to hazards like flying debris, dust, chemicals, and bright light. Even minor eye injuries can lead to serious complications, affecting our ability to work and impacting our overall quality of life. Proper eye protection is essential for preventing injuries and safeguarding our vision.

Preventing Eye Injuries: Why Eye Protection Matters

Eye injuries on construction sites are common but preventable. By wearing appropriate eye protection and following safe work practices, we can avoid incidents that might lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. Eye safety is not just a personal responsibility but a team effort, as one person’s actions can impact everyone’s safety.

Strategies for Eye Protection

Discussion Questions

Conclusion

Eye protection is essential for preventing injuries and protecting one of our most valuable senses. By wearing the right eye protection, inspecting it regularly, using additional protection for high-risk tasks, keeping lenses clean, and staying aware of nearby activities, we can maintain our vision and work safely. Let’s all commit to following these eye protection practices every day on the job.

See clearly, work safely!