Cheryl McKissack Daniel on Infrastructure, Tariffs, and Her Family's Legacy

Economic Headwinds and Infrastructure

• 📉 Cheryl McKissack Daniel notes that people are holding back on spending due to high prices and the impact of tariffs on the construction industry.
• 🏗️ Projects like the JFK Terminal One are experiencing delays, partly due to decreased tourism in New York City.
• 🚆 The FTA has slowed the release of capital program projects due to staffing reductions, impacting rail and transportation initiatives.

Future Infrastructure and Investment

• 💡 The pipeline for infrastructure projects remains positive, with potential in waterfront developments and MTA projects.
• 🏭 Significant investment is anticipated in microchip manufacturing plants, such as Micron in upstate New York, and in the casino industry once licenses are awarded.

Political and Regulatory Environment

• ⚠️ McKissack Daniel expresses concern over the potential energy crisis due to the sunsetting of offshore and onshore wind projects.
• ⚡ The demand for electricity is increasing with all-electric buildings, EVs, and data centers, making wind farms a critical resource.
• ⚖️ While not personally targeted, she notes that DEI programs are being suspended in some states to secure federal funding, impacting business operations.

The McKissack Legacy

• 📖 Cheryl McKissack Daniel recently authored "The Black Family Who Built America" to document her family's 200-year history in construction.
• ✊ The book serves as a testament to the family's enduring presence and resilience in the industry, highlighting black excellence that may have been overlooked.
• 🌟 McKissack & McKissack, the oldest minority-owned professional design and construction firm in the U.S., attributes its longevity to its talented professionals.