Harris & Associates’ 2024 Year in Review

7.5 minute read

December 23, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year marked by growth, leadership, and collective impact. This year, Harris & Associates celebrated 50 years of service, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to solving complex challenges for municipal, water, transportation, and educational institutions. Guided by our Purpose—to build equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities—we have worked smarter together to deepen relationships, achieve national recognition, and deliver lasting value for the communities we serve.

Here is a look back at the milestones that made 2024 truly monumental.

Leading with Purpose: Michelle White Becomes Harris & Associates CEO

This year began with a pivotal leadership transition as we welcomed Michelle White as our CEO. Alongside the Harris leadership team, Michelle inspires our employee-owners to actively seek diverse perspectives and drive innovation in pursuit of shared goals. Her commitment to empowering our people to live our Purpose, Vision, and Shared Values—across Harris and in the communities we serve—positions us for continued growth and success as we look forward to the opportunities ahead.

Celebrating 50 Years: Growing Stronger, Together

In July, Harris proudly celebrated our 50th anniversary. Since our founding in 1974, we have grown into a trusted advisor across multiple disciplines while remaining dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve.

Harris employee-owners have been instrumental in shaping our purpose-driven legacy. From advancing the nation’s first High-Speed Rail project to enhancing transportation and water infrastructure, delivering major bond programs that support student success, and expanding opportunities for under-resourced communities, their unwavering dedication has made a lasting impact for generations.

To honor this milestone, we organized company-wide volunteer events throughout the summer, giving back to the communities that have supported us over the years—a testament to our enduring commitment to service.

National Recognition: Top Workplaces USA

Harris was honored as one of USA Today’s Top Workplaces in 2024, reflecting the strength of our people-first culture and our focus on organizational alignment, professional growth, and inclusivity. Additionally, Harris received repeated recognition as a Top Workplace in Orange County, San Diego, and the Bay Area, reinforcing our empowering and inclusive workplace.

Building Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Communities

I-405 Improvement

Our projects earned recognition this year for contributing meaningful change. The I-405 Improvement Project received a prestigious award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Orange County branch. Spanning a three-mile stretch through four cities, this $75 million project successfully reduced congestion and enhanced regional mobility. Harris provided construction management services to deliver a safer and more efficient transportation corridor for one of California’s busiest freeways.

Centennial Bridge Project for UC Berkeley

Harris provided construction management services for the $20 million replacement of a 60-year-old bridge on a landslide-prone hillside. Through meticulous planning, our team delivered a modern, seismically resilient three-span prestressed box girder bridge. Despite steep slopes and limited access, we prioritized safety and sustainability, ensuring a lasting connection between the main and Hill campuses.

Upgrade of Pump Station D for the City of San Diego

Harris began designing an upgrade to the City of San Diego’s second-largest pump station. Built more than 80 years ago, this upgrade will increase the station’s capacity by more than 200%, addressing climate-driven demands and accommodating future conveyance projects. Our design engineers are currently working on submitting 30% design drawings for this vital project, which will enhance the station’s resilience.

Housing Element and 2045 General Plan Update for the City of Irvine

Harris partnered with the City of Irvine to prepare its 6th Cycle Housing Element and complete the 2045 General Plan Update, establishing a framework for equitable, sustainable growth. This effort involved identifying and planning over 60,000 fair housing sites, enabling additional buffers for lower-income site requirements under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The update involved amending the City of Irvine’s zoning ordinance in accordance with the Housing Element, updating the land use, safety, circulation, and noise elements, creating a new Environmental and Climate Action Element and developing a strategic implementation for future uses to support the residential units required by RHNA. This work positions Irvine to accommodate future growth while fostering sustainability and inclusivity.

Orange County Vibe Project for the City of Anaheim

Harris prepared the original environmental impact report (EIR) and subsequent addendums for this $4 billion entertainment district development. Spanning 100 acres, this transformative project will include vibrant parks, residences, restaurants, and cultural venues, creating a vibrant, sustainable hub centered around the Honda Center.

Fire Suppression Assessment District Formation for the Higgins Fire Protection District

As the Assessment Engineer for the Higgins Fire Protection District, Harris successfully developed and implemented a fire suppression assessment to address critical funding needs. This initiative provided supplemental revenue, allowing for the reopening of a fire station that had been closed for eight years and the hiring of six new firefighters—significantly enhancing community safety and resilience.

La Jolla Elementary School Upgrades & Morse High School Upgrades for San Diego Unified School District

Harris played a pivotal role in transforming two historic San Diego schools—La Jolla Elementary and Morse High School—into state-of-the-art campuses, both of which were completed and celebrated with ribbon-cutting ceremonies this year. At La Jolla Elementary, upgrades included new and modernized classrooms, new kindergarten and student service facilities, advanced security measures, technology enhancements, and an outdoor learning area. These projects represent vital investments in the future, providing students with the innovative learning environments that foster growth, creativity, and success.

Alisal Integrated Health Center for the County of Monterey

Harris provided construction management and labor compliance services for this 20,000-square-foot behavioral health clinic, which brings essential mental health services closer to East Salinas residents who previously had to travel 45 minutes for care. By improving access to mental health services, this state-of-the-art facility enriches the lives of residents and strengthens the community it serves.

Ramona Resource Center & Calavo County Park for the County of San Diego

Harris continues to strengthen its partnership with the County of San Diego by delivering critical facilities that enhance community well-being. In September, we broke ground on the $19 million Calavo County Park. In early December, the $15 million Ramona Community Resource Center was completed, providing the Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) with a state-of-the-art facility to offer essential services to the Ramona community. This center delivers vital programs, including mental health services, child welfare programs, and access to CalFresh and Medi-Cal, improving quality of life for thousands of residents.

Investing in Growth and Innovation

As we reflect on this year’s impactful projects, Harris is also looking ahead with a focused commitment to growth and innovation. In 2024, we welcomed Dr. Rueben Smith as Chief Growth Officer and CM Education Lead. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Dr. Smith brings a wealth of expertise in client relations, strategic growth, facilities management, and educational infrastructure development. His deep market knowledge and business intelligence will enhance our ability to serve as trusted advisors, elevate our approach to delivering exceptional work, and identify opportunities for expansion.

Dr. Smith’s addition to our leadership team underscores Harris’ dedication to driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve.

Advancing Industry Leadership

2024 was also a year of collaboration, connection, and thought leadership. We participated in and hosted key industry events, including the League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, American Planning Association California Conference, Mobility 21 Southern California Transportation Summit, California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Annual Conference, Construction Management Association of America 2024 Conference, American Public Works Association PWX 2024 Conference, and the San Diego Community College District Measure HH Fundraiser.

At these events, our experts shared valuable insights and best practices on sustainability, resilience, finance, AI in asset management, and equitable planning, reinforcing Harris’ role as a thought leader and helping shape the future of our industry.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the partnerships, projects, and people who have made this year extraordinary. With Harris’ strong leadership and the dedication of our employee-owners, we are excited to continue building equitable, resilient, and sustainable communities into 2025 and beyond.

Thank You

From all of us at Harris & Associates, thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we will continue to build on our purpose-driven legacy and create a brighter future for generations to come. For more about our projects and initiatives, visit www.WeAreHarris.com.