Workforce Demand in the Transportation Market
The transportation industry is experiencing a period of sustained growth, driven by historic levels of federal and state funding and a renewed emphasis on infrastructure investment. While this presents significant opportunities for both public and private sector entities, it also brings a distinct set of challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is the growing demand for skilled professionals to support the planning, design and execution of complex infrastructure projects.
At GBA, we are closely monitoring these market dynamics and adjusting our strategy to meet the moment. Our focus remains on delivering high-quality service while maintaining a sustainable and adaptable workforce.
Rising Demand and Limited Resources
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, along with additional state funding initiatives, has generated a substantial volume of transportation work across the country. While the availability of projects continues to increase, the number of qualified professionals in the industry remains limited. Firms across the nation are navigating a highly competitive labor market where recruitment, retention and compensation have become central considerations.
To address these challenges, GBA is investing in both external recruitment and internal workforce development. Our strategy includes attracting experienced professionals while also cultivating early-career talent through internships and mentoring programs. Even when immediate needs do not exist, we bring interns into our organization to develop future capacity. This long-term approach has proven valuable in strengthening our talent pipeline and preparing for future workload demands.
Intentional Project Selection and Workload Management
In today’s market, it can be tempting to pursue every available opportunity. However, we recognize that strategic focus is essential for long-term success. At GBA, we prioritize work that aligns with our technical expertise, resource availability and established client relationships. This approach enables us to maintain manageable workloads for our project managers and technical staff while delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes for our clients.
We are also placing greater emphasis on sustaining client relationships, even during periods when our internal capacity is limited. These efforts ensure that we remain a trusted partner and are positioned for future collaboration as capacity becomes available.
Understanding Market Cycles and Planning Accordingly
The transportation industry has consistently experienced fluctuations in workload, driven by changes in funding availability and economic cycles. While the current pace of work is high, it is important to recognize that this period may represent a temporary peak. Our team is approaching this growth cycle with a measured perspective, informed by prior periods of expansion and contraction, including those in the early 2000s and during the Great Recession.
While current funding levels remain strong, we are monitoring broader economic indicators and potential policy changes that may impact the long-term pipeline of work. Historically, public-sector infrastructure projects have tended to lag behind private-sector economic trends, underscoring the importance of securing multi-year projects and building flexibility into staffing plans.
Sustainable Growth Through People and Partnerships
The current workload reflects years of underinvestment in public infrastructure and a renewed commitment to meeting long-standing needs. Agencies such as the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) are now in a position to address critical improvements after more than a decade of constrained funding. This environment requires consultants who can offer stability, experience and a clear understanding of the public sector landscape.
At GBA, we are committed to being a long-term partner in that effort. Our approach is guided by practical experience, thoughtful workforce planning, and a commitment to building lasting relationships. By focusing on sustainable growth, we are positioned to serve our clients effectively today and well into the future.