Undertaking a new construction project can quickly seem like an overwhelming task; builders and executives need to navigate permits, draw up designs, purchase materials and far more. Amid all these moving parts, there’s one element that frequently gets overlooked, despite being crucial to the entire project’s success: the hiring process. This is especially true when a project has local hiring requirements—a mandate that the project employ talent from the surrounding community.

Too often, hiring local talent becomes an afterthought in the process that’s addressed at the last minute with minimal planning or coordination. For example, a builder might reach out to a community-based organization (CBO) late in the process, only to learn that the CBO can’t provide a work-ready team. Or, subcontractors may be relied on to meet local hiring goals, later to discover that only primary contractors count toward the goals.

In any of these examples—and many others—builders end up with a talent shortage and the local community does not see the benefits they were promised at the outset of the project. Without the talent to lay the bricks and mortar, all other parts of the project grind to a halt.

For this reason, it’s essential for construction executives to have a robust local hiring plan from the start. Below, find several tips for planning and fulfilling local hiring requirements to ensure the project moves ahead successfully.

Builders should prioritize local hiring from the get-go. For large economic development projects in particular—like downtown mixed-use high-rises or significant retail spaces—it’s crucial to bring the local community into the planning process early. Working with the local government to identify and engage with community stakeholders leads to a better understanding of their needs and wants. For example, if the community particularly needs employment for young people, then builders can partner to develop early training to prepare young adults for employment on the construction site.

Of course, committing to local hiring is just the first step. Seeing it through properly entails a number of best practices. First, builders should establish realistic and achievable hiring targets. Do a thorough analysis of the project and the community to determine how much local talent that can be reasonably hired. Fight the urge to overpromise and set unattainable hiring targets. Then begin to build and strengthen relationships with local CBOs and community leaders. They know and understand the community deeply, and will be invaluable allies in getting the right talent on board at the right time.

Builders must also invest time and money if they wish to see their local hiring plans succeed. This entails providing the local community with resources and building a reliable pipeline for workers. Contractors want their talent to have the skills to succeed. This means training for certain trades, but also OSHA certification and compliance to ensure local talent is well versed in all occupational safety and health regulations. The return on this investment is a trained, safe workforce for this job and future opportunities.

Another crucial part of local hiring is equitable hiring. Construction jobs have the potential to uplift disadvantaged groups by providing good jobs and in-demand skills. Equitable hiring helps to reflect the demographics of the community, giving the builder value-added insights from the population whom the project serves. Indeed, this may be one of the key reasons that a community pushed for a local hiring mandate in the first place. The purpose of local hiring commitments is also to ensure some of the benefits of development go to the neighborhood where development is happening. From the very start, builders should develop strategies for reaching and working alongside groups who can most benefit from the opportunity. Working together with CBOs and other local experts is a crucial part of equitable hiring.

Finally, follow through on hiring commitments and report on success. Community partners and the local government will only know that contractors met their commitments when they tell the local government.

As contractors plan their next construction project, don’t make local hiring an afterthought. Done correctly—with proper planning and foresight—local hiring can greatly benefit the builder and the community. And it can open the door to future projects in the region with reliable, proven talent.