July: Infrastructure & Growth

Welcome to the July edition of Blakely Brown Insights!

This month, we're looking at potential changes to federal water infrastructure funding, what they could mean for the US engineering and recruitment markets, and the continued demand for talent across the Mission Critical sector.

We're also sharing a recent Electrical Project Manager placement from our Mission Critical team, alongside an update from our growing London office as Jack continues to build momentum in the US transportation market.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

With appreciation,

The Blakely Brown Team

2026 WRDA Advances with Increased Water Infrastructure Funding

The 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) has taken a significant step forward after House and Senate committees unanimously advanced their respective versions of the bill on July 14.

WRDA is passed every two years to authorize funding for major U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, including port and harbor improvements, inland waterway navigation, dredging, flood risk management and stormwater infrastructure. The legislation has traditionally received broad bipartisan support, and lawmakers could bring both versions to floor votes before the August recess, with the two bills expected to be reconciled later in the year.

For the water and wastewater sector, one of the most significant developments is the Senate version's proposed increase in funding for the Environmental Protection Agency's State Revolving Fund programs. The bill authorizes $16.5 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and $14 billion for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund between 2027 and 2030, alongside $260 million for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA).

The legislation also includes proposed changes designed to make project delivery more flexible and efficient. Both versions give non-federal entities greater opportunities to participate in water resource projects, while encouraging alternative delivery methods, multi-year contracts and greater use of private-sector expertise.

Additional provisions include a study into technologies for detecting and removing microplastics and nanoplastics, as well as a five-year reauthorization of the High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Grant Program.

While the final legislation still needs to pass both chambers and be reconciled, the proposed funding levels and policy changes could provide meaningful support for the continued development of America's aging water infrastructure.

What does this mean for engineers?

1. Increased funding could drive long-term project demand. The proposed increases to the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds, alongside WIFIA funding, could support a significant pipeline of water and wastewater infrastructure projects from 2027 onward.

2. Project delivery may become more flexible. Greater use of alternative delivery methods, multi-year contracts and private-sector participation could create new opportunities for engineering firms and project teams to deliver work more efficiently.

3. The scope of water infrastructure work continues to expand. Alongside traditional drinking water and wastewater projects, proposed funding and research provisions cover flood risk, stormwater, dams, dredging and emerging contaminants such as microplastics and nanoplastics, increasing the need for engineers with increasingly specialized expertise.

What does this mean for recruiters?

1. Funding increases could create new hiring demand. If the proposed SRF and WIFIA funding is approved, water and wastewater firms could see increased demand for engineers, project managers, program leaders and other technical professionals needed to deliver a larger project pipeline.

2. Competition for experienced talent is likely to increase. The funding may create opportunities, but the industry is already operating in a competitive talent market. Firms that wait until projects are fully underway to begin hiring could find themselves competing for a limited pool of experienced professionals.

3. Specialized expertise will become increasingly valuable. The proposed legislation covers a broad range of infrastructure needs, from drinking water and wastewater to stormwater, flood risk, dams and emerging contaminants. Recruiters who understand these distinct markets and the technical expertise required within them will be well positioned to support clients as demand grows.

Case Study: Supporting Growth in the Mission Critical Market

As demand for hyperscale data center projects continues to grow across the U.S., securing experienced leadership talent remains a priority for contractors expanding their project portfolios.

Recently, our consultant Begum partnered with an experienced Electrical Project Manager in Iowa who was looking to take the next step in their career. The candidate wanted greater exposure to large-scale hyperscale developments, a stronger long-term project pipeline, and a package that better reflected their experience.

Through a consultative approach, Begum matched the candidate with a leading contractor looking to strengthen its Mission Critical team.

The outcome

For the candidate:

$22,000 increase in base salary
Bonus increased from 15% to 18%
Vehicle allowance increased by 71%
Opportunity to work on major hyperscale data center projects
Stronger long-term career progression with a national contractor

For the client:

Secured an experienced Electrical Project Manager
Added proven data center delivery expertise to the business
Strengthened capacity across its Mission Critical team
Increased capability to deliver a growing pipeline of hyperscale projects

This placement reflects the continued momentum we're seeing across the U.S. Mission Critical market. By understanding both the candidate's career ambitions and the client's long-term growth plans, we were able to deliver a solution that created value on both sides.

If you're hiring within the Mission Critical sector, or considering your next career move, contact Begum at begum@blakelybrowngroup.com.

Blakely Brown London

Our London office has continued to build momentum over the last few months, with Jack now well settled into the team and making his mark across the US transportation market.

Having joined us in April, Jack has already closed his first fees and is building strong foundations within his market. His background in the Armed Forces has translated well into recruitment, bringing the resilience, discipline and relationship-building skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

With the London team continuing to grow, we're also speaking to ambitious people who are interested in building a career in executive search and developing their own market within the US AEC industry.

If you’re interested in learning more about joining our team, visit: https://blakelybrowngroup.com/join-us