Industry News

Construction Business Owner

Bridging the Labor Gap

In recent years, the U.S. construction sector has been caught in a perfect storm: a dwindling pool of skilled laborers just as demand for their expertise skyrockets. According to data from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the industry is grappling with a deficit of 501,000 workers to satisfy existing demand.  

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Yahoo! Finance

IoT in Construction Market to Record $46.3 Billion by 2032

The IoT in construction market is predicted to cross USD 46.3 billion by 2032, as reported in a research study by Global Market Insights Inc. IoT technologies enable continuous monitoring of construction sites, equipment, and environmental conditions, providing valuable data for project management and enhancing efficiency. Additionally, the push for smart buildings encourages the integration of IoT solutions that optimize energy usage, improve safety, and streamline operations. 

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Equipment World

Proposed DJI Drone Ban: What Contractors Need to Know

Last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would ban the importation and sale of new DJI drones into the U.S., over concerns about the company’s connection to the Chinese government.

If passed in the Senate and signed by the president, the bill requires the inclusion of DJI on a list of communications equipment or services determined by the Federal Communications Commission to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security.

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Niskanen Center

Understanding Single-Stair Reform Efforts Across the United States

Single-stair building code reforms, once a niche subject of mere speculation by disgruntled architects, have become law in several states and have positive legislative momentum in several others. Single-stair reforms allow construction of new residential buildings, typically above three stories, with only one exit stairway. These reforms have quickly become part of the playbook that housing supply reformers are running across the country. Bills in several states are moving these reforms one step closer to implementation, but opponents of single-stair legalization still have opportunities to derail them.

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City and County of San Francisco (SF.gov)

San Francisco Awarded $14 Million Federal Grant to Advance Building Electrification Projects

San Francisco and the City of Berkeley have been awarded a grant from the US Department of Energy $19.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to transform and modernize large buildings, including commercial and multi-family buildings. The regional grant, $14.3 million of which will go to San Francisco, will help develop and implement equitable building performance standards that will electrify buildings and eliminate emissions, and help move the Bay Area to a more resilient and equitable all-electric future.  

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Construction Dive

U.S. Cities Sharpen Focus on Building Performance Standards to Meet Net-Zero Goals

State and local governments are turning to building performance standards, or BPS, as a key measure to cut emissions and meet climate targets, according to a report from JLL. Thirteen U.S. cities have a BPS in place, accounting for about 25% of all U.S. buildings as of early 2024, and over 30 additional U.S. cities have pledged to pass BPS by 2026 or earlier, according to the report. By 2026, at least 40 U.S. cities will have BPS in place, with many setting net-zero targets by 2050 or earlier. 

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Governor Gavin Newsom

California Launches World-Leading Hydrogen Hub

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ARCHES announced the official signing of a landmark $12.6 billion agreement to build a clean, renewable Hydrogen Hub in California, including the up to $1.2 billion in federal funding that was announced last year when California was selected as a national hub. ARCHES is the first of seven Hydrogen Hubs throughout the country to officially sign their agreement with the DOE.

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CoStar

Construction Spending Expected to Rise as Material Costs Ease and Contractors Compete for Work

Spending on large U.S. commercial construction projects should rise slightly through the rest of 2024 as certain building materials become more affordable and contractors cut prices to replenish depleted project pipelines.

Construction spending is expected to rise 5.5% from last year to $2.13 trillion in 2024, according to the JLL 2024 Midyear Construction Update. JLL had earlier forecasted total construction spending to be flat for 2024 but revised the estimate upward based on its indicators for building materials and general contractors’ bidding patterns.

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The Construction Broadsheet

FAA Sends $123 Million to More Than 230 U.S. Airports

The United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently announced more than $123 million of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants for projects at 235 airports in 35 states and Washington, D.C.

The money, FAA officials said, will go toward new construction, renovations and repairs to airport facilities, infrastructure and other expenses.

The AIP program doles out more than $3 billion to airports every year.

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Smart Cities Dive

EPA Releases $325 Million in Environmental Justice Grants

It’s not too late for local governments to apply to the Community Change grants program, with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accepting submissions into November.

More than $325 million will go to 21 awardees of the Community Change grants program, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced. The grants are geared toward communities most negatively and disproportionately impacted by climate change, legacy pollution and historical disinvestment, according to the EPA.

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Construction Business Owner

Dodge Momentum Index Gained 10% in June

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased by 10.4% in June to 198.6 from the revised May reading of 179.9. Over the month, commercial planning increased 14.5% and institutional planning ticked up 0.2%.   

“Data centers continued to dominate planning projects in June – fueling another strong month for commercial planning,” stated Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network. “More momentum in planning, while not as strong as data centers, was seen across most segments and indicates confidence in 2025 market conditions. The DMI is up 43% from June 2019 levels, signaling strong construction spending in 2025.”   

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Construction Executive

Beat the Heat With This True/False Quiz

Keeping workers safe is a growing challenge in a rapidly warming world. The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 2013, with 2023 breaking thermometers as the hottest year ever, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Phoenix suffered 31 straight days of 110 degrees or higher in 2023, shattering the old record by 13 days; some projections show the Arizona city facing 102 days a year of extreme heat by 2050.

For workers, searing temperatures can increase the risk of conditions such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration. Heat-related illnesses can lead to a higher risk of hospitalization for heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Want to test your heat expertise? Take this true/false quiz.

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Construction Job Openings at 339,000 in May; Down By 38,000 From May 2023

The construction industry had 339,000 job openings on the last day of May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 2,000 last month but are down by 38,000 from the same time last year.

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Department of Energy

DOE Announces National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced a National Definition of a Zero Emissions Building to advance public and private sector efforts to decarbonize the buildings sector, which is responsible for more than one-third of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The definition is intended to provide industry guidance to support new and existing commercial and residential buildings to move towards zero emissions across the entire sector. A standardized definition for zero emissions buildings will help advance next-generation clean energy solutions, drive innovation, and tackle the climate crisis, while supporting workforce development. 

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Construction Business Owner

Construction Starts Increase 10% in May

Total construction starts rose 10% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.24 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonbuilding starts gained an impressive 49% during the month, driven by the start of an offshore wind project and an LNG facility, while residential starts lost 7% and nonresidential building starts were down 2%. On a year-to-date basis through May, total construction starts were up 11% from the first five months of 2023. Residential starts were up 16%, while nonbuilding starts gained 17%, and nonresidential building starts rose 3%.

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Nonresidential Construction Adds 17,100 Jobs in May

The construction industry added 21,000 jobs on net in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has increased by 251,000 jobs, an increase of 3.1%.

Nonresidential construction employment increased by 17,100 positions on net in May, with growth registered in all three major subcategories. Nonresidential specialty trade added the most jobs, with employment increasing by 13,000 positions. Nonresidential building and heavy and civil engineering added 3,000 and 1,100 jobs, respectively.

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National Institute of Building Sciences

National Institute of Building Sciences Names New CEO George Guszcza, CCM

The National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) Board of Directors is proud to announce the selection of Dr. George K. Guszcza, CCM, as the new President and CEO. Dr. Guszcza officially joins NIBS on July 1, 2024 and brings more than 25 years of experience in the built environment spanning the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the U.S., UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.

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McKissack & McKissack

McKissack & McKissack Appoints Carmelo Torrisi as President

McKissack & McKissack, one of the nation's leading Black- and woman-owned architecture, engineering, and construction management (AEC) companies, announced that Carmelo Torrisi, an AEC industry leader, has been appointed as the new president. Torrisi will focus on guiding McKissack & McKissack’s continued growth strategy across multiple markets and regions. 

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Smart Cities Dive

Smart Community Technologies Get USDOT Grant Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for stage 1 of the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation grants program, which supports advanced smart community technologies and systems that improve transportation safety and efficiency. The $500 million, five-year program, funded by the 2021 infrastructure law, is in its third year, with $148 million having been awarded in the first two rounds to 93 projects in 39 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

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Construction Dive

More Money Needed for Infrastructure Fixes

Federal infrastructure money is keeping the country’s infrastructure woes from getting worse, but that progress will be lost when that funding ends, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) said in a report entitled “Bridging the Gap.” ASCE releases the economic study every four years leading up to the release of its national Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

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U.S. Department of Commerce

Commerce Department Announces New Industry Voluntary Pledge to Bring More Women into Construction Industry

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge to bring more women into the construction workforce -- as well as several leading construction companies that have signed on to the Pledge. These companies are making an industry-wide call for more companies, unions, and training organizations to sign on to the Pledge. By signing on to the Million Women in Construction Community Pledge, leaders in the industry are demonstrating an ongoing commitment to increase women’s access to training, jobs, and leadership opportunities. 

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The Platta Law Firm

The Risks and Rewards of Alternative or Green Building Materials in the Age of Inflation and Supply Chain Woes

Over the past couple years, the pandemic has created chaos on supply chains around the world. Building materials are in short supply and prices have spiked. As a result, we are witnessing increased project and building costs that are affecting contractors, consumers and insurers alike. This article from The Platta Law Firm will share the risks and rewards of using alternative or green building materials in these times. 

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Equipment World

New OSHA Rule Allows Union Reps on Non-Union Jobsite Inspections

Despite construction industry association objections, a new rule will take effect May 31 that will allow union representatives to accompany federal safety inspectors on non-union employers’ jobsites. The rule, issued by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is designed to clarify workers’ and employers’ rights to have representation during OSHA inspections on all jobsites, whether they are union or non-union. It says workers may authorize another employee to serve as their representative or select a non-employee third party. That third-party representative has been expanded to include a representative of a labor union, an attorney or someone else of the employee’s choosing.

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CBS News

Federal Trade Commission Bans Noncompete Agreements

Federal regulators have enacted a nationwide ban on new noncompete agreements. The Federal Trade Commission voted 3-to-2 to approve the new rule, which will ban noncompetes for all workers when the regulations take effect in 120 days. For senior executives, existing noncompetes can remain in force. For all other employees, existing noncompetes are not enforceable.

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Construction Business Owner

Construction Starts Fell 8% in February

Total construction starts fell 8% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.07 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts dropped 16%, while nonbuilding starts lost 3%, and residential starts fell by 2%. For the 12 months ending February 2024, total construction starts were up 2% from the 12 months ending February 2023. Nonresidential building starts were down 2% while residential starts were 4% lower, and nonbuilding starts up 19% on a 12-month rolling sum basis.

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Risk & Insurance

Rates for Construction Project Insurance Are Stabilizing Despite Cost Pressures

Rates for insurance covering construction projects are showing signs of stabilization after a prolonged hard market cycle, according to a recent report on Q1 trends by WTW. However, the industry will continue to confront rate pressures due to inflation and interest rate uncertainty, exacerbated by a record year of natural catastrophe losses in 2023 and rising claims costs.

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Construction Business Owner

Construction Input Prices Increase 1.4% in February

Construction input prices increased 1.4% in February compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 1.3% for the month. Overall construction input prices are 1.5% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 1.8% higher.

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Construction Backlog Indicator Down in February, Contractors Remain Confident

Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 8.1 months in February, according to an ABC member survey conducted Feb. 20 to March 5. The reading is down 1.1 months from February 2023. Backlog fell for every size of contractor except for those with under $30 million in annual revenues in February. Over the past year, however, the largest contractors - those with greater than $50 million in revenues - have experienced the greatest decline in backlog.

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Construction Dive

Preparing for NLRB’s Joint Employer Rule

A federal district court has delayed the new National Labor Relations Board rule on joint employers, the second time the start date has been pushed back. 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce asked the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to block the rule. The court held a hearing on that motion Feb. 13, and said it will issue an opinion soon. 

For now, the way the NLRB determines if companies are joint employers will go into effect March 11, instead of Feb. 26. 

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Fast Company

NYC’s First All-Electric Skyscraper Doesn’t Use a Drop of Fossil Fuel

When it opens to residents this spring, the 44-story tower at 505 State Street in Brooklyn will be a vision of future buildings to come. The skyscraper will be powered fully by electricity and burn no fossil fuels on site, making it the first tower in New York City to do so. In a world where gas burning stoves remain commonplace and gas furnaces still heat most homes, it’s a climate-conscious approach to building design that feels years, if not decades, ahead of its time.

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Roads & Bridges

$4.9 Billion Announced for Funding Transformational Infrastructure Projects

More than $4.9 billion in funding was recently announced by President Biden and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. The funding will go to 37 projects through two major discretionary grant programs, the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant program and the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant program.

The Mega program, which was created by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and provides $5 billion in funding through 2026, is focused on projects that are uniquely large, complex and difficult to fund under traditional grant programs.

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EHS Today

Regulatory Update: DOL Rule Could Turn Contractors Into Employees

In a highly anticipated ruling, the DOL on January 9 announced  a final rule to help employers and workers better understand when a worker qualifies as an employee and when they may be considered an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

The rule provides guidance on proper classification and seeks to combat employee misclassification, a serious problem that impacts workers’ rights to minimum wage and overtime pay, facilitates wage theft, allows some employers to undercut their law-abiding competition and hurts the economy at-large. 

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Construction Job Openings in November Rise to Highest Level Since 2022

The construction industry had 459,000 job openings on the last day of November, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 43,000 last month and are up by 111,000 from the same time last year.

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Engineering News-Record

Ten Minutes with New CMAA Chair Khaled Naja

Khaled Naja last year embarked on two new gigs after serving as executive vice president at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where he received an ENR Newsmaker award for spearheading a massive modular move never done before in North America. Now CEO of Cruise Terminals International, he also recently became board of directors chair of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Naja previously served as board treasurer and chair of the group's audit and investment advisory committees. He s a member of the CMAA North Texas Chapter, where he first became active in the association.

ENR Transportation Editor Aileen Cho chatted with Naja about his new ventures. 

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Smart Cities Dive

US DOT Announces $1.5 Billion Round of RAISE Grants for 2024

The U.S. Department of Transportation opened applications for $1.5 billion in discretionary grants for road, rail, transit, and port projects under the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity program.

RAISE grants are open to a wider range of applicants than many other DOT programs, enabling project backers to obtain funding for projects that may not otherwise be eligible.

Funding will be split equally to projects in urban and rural areas, and at least $15 million will be designated to projects located in areas of persistent poverty or historically disadvantaged communities.

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Construction Dive

Feds Award $653 Million for 41 Port Projects

The DOT awarded $653 million in grants to upgrade 41 water-based ports around the country. The funding is through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, which provides planning support, capital funding and project management assistance, and comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

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Construction Business Owner

What Contractors Should Know About the Build America, Buy America Act

Battling back from the Great Depression, the Hoover administration passed the “Buy American Act” in 1933. The basic premise of the law was to revive and bolster the economy by requiring U.S.-sourced iron and steel mined or produced in the U.S. to be used in projects for the federal government. 

In 1982 Congress passed the “Buy America Act,” which expanded the requirement that contractors utilize only U.S.-sourced iron and steel on state transportation projects receiving federal funding. The Buy America Act also expanded the items that must be U.S.-sourced to include manufactured items. 

More recently, a further expansion, called the “Build America, Buy America Act” (BABA), was passed in 2021 as part of the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act (IIJA). Contractors need to be aware of how the law has changed and how it could affect their businesses in new ways. 

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Reuters

U.S. Invests $2 Billion for Lower-Carbon Construction at Federal Buildings

The Biden administration said it will invest $2 billion in 150 federal building projects across 39 states that use materials that minimize carbon emissions, its latest effort to tackle climate change through government purchasing power.

The General Services Administration will prioritize the purchase of asphalt, concrete, glass and steel produced and disposed of with lower levels of associated greenhouse gas emissions that meet a standard for environmental products.

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Construction Dive

Construction Job Openings Inch Down

Construction counted 350,000 job openings on the last day of August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of jobs dropped less than 1% from July, but was up about 1.5% year over year.

The rate of jobs for which employers in construction are actively recruiting has remained largely unchanged this summer: From May to August the rate has decreased slightly from 4.6% to 4.2%. 

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Laland Baptiste

Paul Koopman Joins Laland Baptiste as Vice President/Operations Manager

Laland Baptiste is thrilled to welcome Paul Koopman to the firm as Vice President / Operations Manager – Western New York. Mr. Koopman will be assisting with the company’s expansion, with a focus on the upstate New York region. This role signals a significant stride in Laland Baptiste’s commitment to expanding its presence in the upstate New York region. Laland Baptiste is a certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise offering professional Construction Management and Civil Engineering services with expertise in transportation, infrastructure, and institutional facilities.

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Smart Cities Dive

ICC Launches Climate-Resilience Program to Support Building and Energy Code Changes

The International Code Council has introduced a new program to support the enforcement and implementation of building codes, according to a news release. Known as Building Capacity for Resilient and Sustainable Buildings, the initiative intends to help communities strengthen the resilience of buildings to climate change impacts and meet decarbonization goals. The ICC said this endeavor is part of Buildings Breakthrough, which seeks to expedite the journey toward achieving near-zero emissions by 2030.

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Construction Executive

OSHA Updates: New Submission Requirements for Injury and Illness Records

In a revival of an OSHA recordkeeping rule originally implemented under the Obama administration in 2016 and "rolled back" by the Trump administration in 2019, OSHA issued a final rule on July 21, 2023, requiring certain establishments in high-hazard industries to submit additional injury and illness data electronically to OSHA. The Final Rule is found at 29 CFR 1904 and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

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Construction Dive

Davis-Bacon Changes to be Effective October 23

The Department of Labor has made public its final rule updating Davis-Bacon prevailing wage regulations. The 716-page document says that the rule will be published in the Federal Register on Aug. 23, and will be effective 60 days from then, Oct. 23. It notes that the updates will apply to contracts entered after this date but, with limited exceptions, will not affect contracts entered into before then. 

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MOCA Systems, Inc.

Tim Negris Joins MOCA Systems, Inc. as CMO

MOCA Systems, Inc. (MSI), a leading provider of solutions for complex construction management, is pleased to announce that Tim Negris, previously marketing head for AI innovator Spell, Inc. until its acquisition by Reddit, has joined MSI’s executive team as Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Negris will lead marketing to increase global visibility and demand for MSI’s award-winning services and software solutions.

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Construction Dive

OSHA Heat Standard Still Not in Sight

Massive heat waves have hit large swaths of the U.S. this summer, breaking records for high temperatures across the country. For construction workers, the sweltering conditions mean an additional jobsite hazard. But there is no enforceable standard for protecting workers during extreme heat that contractors can look to for guidance.

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Roads & Bridges

USDOT Announces Streamlined Application Process for Infrastructure Projects

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced recently that the Department of Transportation (DOT) is now taking applications for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighbors Program.

The streamlined program, which combines two key grant programs created in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, will ease the process of applying and increase opportunity for communities seeking funding for projects that address harm from past infrastructure planning decisions, accelerate equitable community revitalization, and improve access to everyday destinations.

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Manhattan College

Milo Riverso Named 21st President of Manhattan College

Milo Riverso, Ph.D., PE, CCM, FCMAA, has been elected by the Board of Trustees as Manhattan College’s 21st president. With a compelling record of leadership at large and complex organizations; a thorough understanding of the current higher education landscape; and nearly four decades of unwavering service to Manhattan, Dr. Riverso is exceptionally qualified to lead the College during a time of both unique challenges and promising opportunities.

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Forbes

First Major U.S. Wind Farm Construction Begins

Construction of the initial turbines in the first major U.S. offshore wind farm began recently south of Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts, following a years-long legal battle and a series of federal slow-downs over the controversial project - part of the Biden Administration’s push for green energy and the first in a wall of offshore wind projects off the East Coast.

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Contractor Magazine

2023 Built Environment Workforce Survey Report

The National Institute of Building Sciences has released its 2023 Built Environment Workforce Survey. The new report, which was completed in partnership with Avenue M Group, takes the pulse on where things stand, with regard to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It covers more ground, including a breakdown of the definition of diversity. More than seven in 10 respondents included race (75%), ethnicity (74%), gender (73%), and age (71%) in their definition of diversity within the context of the built environment.

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Construction Dive

Higher Material Prices Here to Stay

The rollercoaster ride of construction material prices is lining up to throw contractors for another loop. 

Although prices for key input commodities should continue to fall in 2023 and 2024, according to a report from Oxford Economics, the level still remains greatly elevated compared to pre-pandemic. 

About 82.5% of construction materials experienced a significant cost increase since 2020, with an average jump of 19%, according to a construction materials report from construction cost data tracking firm Gordian.

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Construction Job Openings Down by 63,000 in March

The construction industry had 341,000 job openings in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings decreased by 63,000 last month and are down by 72,000 from the same time last year.

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Kitchell Corporation

Wendy Cohen, CCM, Named President & CEO of Kitchell Corporation

Wendy Cohen, CCM, was recently named President and CEO of Kitchell Corporation, assuming leadership of one of the largest employee-owned building companies in the Southwest. Wendy is only the fifth CEO in the company’s 73-year history and the first female in the role. Cohen moves into the role vacated by Jim Swanson, who retires from Kitchell after 15 years in the President & CEO role. 

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Nonresidential Construction Spending Increases By 0.7% in March

National nonresidential construction spending increased by 0.7% in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $997.1 billion for the month. Spending increased on a monthly basis in 8 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending rose 1.0%, while public nonresidential construction spending increased 0.2% in March.

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Construction Dive

Commerce Department Announces $562 Million for Coastal Resiliency Projects

The Department of Commerce has recommended $562 million in funding for nearly 150 projects across 30 states and territories focused on climate change resiliency projects. Announced recently, the awards will be made under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative with funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.

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Business Wire

Rivian Hires Anthony Sanger, CCM, as First VP for its Georgia Manufacturing Facility

Rivian Automotive, Inc. today announced it has hired Anthony Sanger, CCM, as the first Vice President of Facilities for its planned manufacturing facility at Stanton Springs North in Georgia. Sanger brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked in the program and construction management industry for more than 35 years. Sanger joins Rivian after six years with Turner & Townsend. Prior to this, he worked at AECOM for more than 20 years.

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Construction Job Openings Jump By 129,000 in February

The construction industry supported 412,000 job openings in February, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey. JOLTS defines a job opening as any unfilled position for which an employer is actively recruiting. Industry job openings increased by 129,000 last month, but are down 9,000 from the same time last year.

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Construction Dive

What Women Workers Say Needs to Change in Construction

It’s no secret that construction has a problem recruiting and retaining women. A new survey from the nonprofit National Center for Construction Education & Research highlights the unique benefits women bring to construction, obstacles they encounter getting into and staying in the industry and advice on what contractors can do about it.

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Construction Dive

Construction’s Labor Gap Tops 500,000

The construction industry’s outlook for labor is bleak. In order to meet demand, contractors will need to hire an estimated 546,000 workers in 2023, and that’s in addition to the industry’s normal pace of hiring, according to a new analysis by Associated Builders and Contractors. In 2022, the industry averaged more than 390,000 job openings per month, the highest level on record. Construction’s unemployment rate of 4.6% for 2022 was the second lowest ever, indicating there are few construction workers seeking jobs, and therefore the pool to fill demand is shallow.

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Breaking Ground

Construction Bills That Will Become Law in 2023

 

The federal and state governments have a range of bills, some already in place, that will govern construction issues in 2023. Workplace safety and employment laws will activate at the national level, along with hiring practices and worksite requirements. At the state level, there is also a range of safety, employment and environmental regulations. Finally, at the county level are zoning ordinances and restrictions on noise.

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Associated General Contractors of America

Construction Employment Increases in 30 States and D.C. Between November and December

Construction employment climbed in 30 states and the District of Columbia from November to December and 42 states added construction jobs during the past 12 months, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said demand for many types of commercial construction projects remain strong and that firms would likely have added more people if they could find workers.

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Circle of Blue

Federal Government Advances Big Water Projects

Before ending its session and swearing in new members, Congress passed a fiscal year 2023 budget with key provisions for water infrastructure and disaster recovery. That’s in addition to approving legislation that authorizes Army Corps of Engineers projects for flood protection, navigation, and environmental restoration.

Combined, the two bills run to more than 8,000 pages. Water sector advocates, though confounded by how some infrastructure funds are being allocated, were generally pleased with what the bills contain.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Dodge Momentum Index Advances In November

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased 3.8% in November to 207.2 from the revised October reading of 199.6. During the month, the DMI continued its steady ascent, with the commercial component rising 4.3%, and the institutional component ticking up 2.7%.

Commercial planning experienced a healthy increase in hotel and data center projects and modest growth in stores and office projects. While education and healthcare projects slowed in November, the institutional component remained net-positive alongside a robust increase in planning projects for government administrative buildings and religious facilities. On a year-over-year basis, the DMI was 25% higher than in November 2021, the commercial component was up 28%, and institutional planning was 21% higher.

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Equipment World

The 20 Largest Road Projects Funded by Infrastructure Law

First-year funding of the historic $1.2 trillion infrastructure law has led to more than 25,000 new highway and bridge projects moving forward in states, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.

To measure the largest investment in the federal highway system since the 1950s, ARTBA sifted through U.S. Treasury Department data through August 31, and it listed the top-20 largest road projects receiving that funding.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Total Construction Starts Increase in October

Total construction starts rose 8% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.12 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. In October, nonresidential building starts gained 9%, and nonbuilding starts rose 26%; however, residential starts fell by 3%.

Year-to-date, total construction was 16% higher in the first ten months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Nonresidential building starts rose 37% over the year, residential starts remained flat, and nonbuilding starts were up 17%.

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Bridgit

Recession-proofing Your Construction Company for 2023

Talk of a looming recession has only intensified over the past few months and varying industries have begun to take action to prepare for the impact. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, change has been the only constant for the construction industry and the economy at large.

Overall, the economic forecast for construction is stable because project backlogs are steady and contractors are anticipating rising sales and employment. Of course, all of this can change, especially in an industry that has to react so aggressively to the whims of the global economy. As it stands, contractors have a great opportunity to put themselves in a strong position whether or not the economy recovers or continues staggering. 

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Touchplan

Today's Construction Economy Q4 2022

This quarter’s edition highlights the persistently high inflation and its continued impact on construction pricing. An old Wall Street maxim states that the best cure for inflation is high prices, and that is bearing out in some corners of the construction economy as owners are beginning to balk. Materials prices are easing, but labor availability and wages are prevailing issues and have become the biggest concern among contractors.

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Construction Executive

What Contractors Need to Know About OSHA Heading Into 2023

It is becoming increasingly clear that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is having an active year, perhaps emboldened by an administration increasingly engaged in its long-term institutional goals. Much of the discussion this past year has focused on the agency’s efforts to address the hazards of heat injury and illness on the job.

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Associated General Contractors of America

32 States Add Construction Jobs Between August and September, and 47 States For the Year

Thirty-two states added construction jobs between August and September and 47 states boosted construction employment during the past 12 months, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the job gains were welcome news but that significant labor shortages in the industry likely held back even larger employment gains.

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Construction Business Owner

Dodge Momentum Index Rises in September

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, improved 5.7% in September to 183.2 from the revised August reading of 173.4. The DMI is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In September, the commercial component of the Momentum Index rose 2.9%, while the institutional component also increased, seeing a double-digit gain of 11.7%.

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U.S. Department of Labor

U.S. Dept. of Labor Awards Over $11.7 Million in Grants to Educate on Workplace Safety, Health

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the award of $11,746,992, in grants to support worker and employer education to make workplaces around the nation safer and healthier. Administered by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program is making grants to 90 nonprofit organizations in fiscal year 2022 for education and training on hazard recognition and injury prevention, workers' rights, and employers' legal responsibilities to provide safe and healthful workplaces.

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Construction Dive

OSHA Expands Severe Violator Program

The Department of Labor is updating the criteria for OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program, expanding it to include violations of all hazards and standards across all industries. Doug Parker, OSHA assistant secretary, said the agency’s past criteria were “unnecessarily artificial and were not reaching employers who were committing repeat willful violations.” OSHA estimates SVEP — which concentrates inspections on employers who have several willful, repeated or failure-to-abate violations —  includes roughly 500 employers currently.

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Construction Business Owner

Dodge Momentum Index Dips in August

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) ticked down by 1.2% in August to 171.9 from the revised July figure of 174.0. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In August, the commercial component of the Momentum Index rose 1%, while the institutional component fell 5.6%.

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Construction Dive

Construction Job Openings Spike Higher

In a sign that rising interest rates and talk of recession have yet to cool the scorching construction labor market, job openings in the sector increased 22,000 in July from June, up 4.6%, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data from Associated Builders and Contractors.

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MOCA Systems, Inc.

Today's Construction Economy

This report on the state of the construction economy highlights the remarkable strength in the nonresidential construction market, even in the face of continually high inflation. Some materials prices are leveling off and even falling, though, and contractors are able to roll high inputs costs into their bids. That is a delicate balance, as profit margins are forecast to fall as owners balk at increasing bid prices. Scarce skilled labor also continues to be an issue.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Dodge Momentum Index Moves Higher In July

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased 2.9% in July to 178.7 from the revised June figure of 173.6. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning. The index is shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In July, the commercial component of the Momentum Index rose 5.5%, while the institutional component fell 2.0%.

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Construction Dive

PPI Posts First Decline Since April 2020

Nonresidential construction input prices fell 1.8% in July, providing evidence that the worst of skyrocketing costs for building materials may be in the rearview mirror. An Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of the July producer price index, which measures the selling prices of goods and services, found input costs were down in eight of 11 subcategories for nonresidential construction, with a 27.6% reduction in natural gas costs leading the way.

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Construction Unemployment Is Under 2% in 10 States

The not seasonally adjusted national construction unemployment rate plunged 3.8% in June 2022 from June 2021, down from 7.5% to 3.7%. Meanwhile, all 50 states had lower unemployment rates over the same period, according to a state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Ten states had an estimated construction unemployment rate under 2%; the highest unemployment rate was 6.5% in New Mexico.

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Construction Business Owner

Dodge Momentum Index Shows Gains in May

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) jumped 7% in May to 176.2 (2000=100), up from the revised April reading of 165.2. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In May, the institutional component of the Momentum Index rose 9%, and the commercial component increased 6%.

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Forbes

Women Are Building More Momentum In The Construction Field

Even before the pandemic and the subsequent labor issues it produced, there's been a focus on the longstanding shortage of workers in the construction sectors. According to a 2021 report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, "A majority (62%) of contractors report high difficulty finding skilled workers, up from 55% who said the same last quarter (and up 20 points year-over-year)." To address the labor shortage, companies across the U.S. have ramped up workforce development programs to increase the number of workers – including women – in construction and other fields.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Total Construction Starts Inch Higher in April

Total construction starts rose 3% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $945.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts rose 6% and residential starts increased by 4%, while nonbuilding starts fell 4%. Year-to-date, total construction was 6% higher in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.

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Construction Business Owner

New Crane Index & Quarterly Cost Report Reveal Construction Trends

The latest Crane Index and Quarterly Cost Report (QCR) was released by Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), an independent global construction and property consultancy providing management and advice throughout the built environment. Together, the two documents provide an on-the-ground picture of construction activity in 14 key North American markets and data-driven insights into the industry.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Total Construction Starts Decline in March

Total construction starts fell 12% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $903.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts lost 29%, in part due to the start of three large manufacturing facilities in the prior month. When those three large projects are removed, nonresidential starts in March would have risen 10%.

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Construction Dive

Biden Administration Mandates U.S. Iron, Steel for Infrastructure Projects

Projects funded by the $1.2 trillion infrastructure package must only use iron and steel produced in the U.S., according to a White House memo.

The requirement, which was included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, means all manufacturing processes for the metals, from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings, must occur in the U.S. starting May 14.  

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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

National Emphasis Program to Protect Workers From Heat Hazards

For the first time, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a National Emphasis Program to protect millions of workers from heat illness and injuries. Through the program, OSHA will conduct heat-related workplace inspections before workers suffer completely preventable injuries, illnesses or, even worse, fatalities.

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Construction Dive

2022 Construction Champions: The Industry's Top Women Leaders

In 2022, women in construction are not only working to build some of the country’s largest and most important projects, they also are leaders in another important area: helping to recruit more women into the industry. Out of more than 650 submissions, these 34 women stand as shining examples of how intuition, dedication, and intelligence are shaping the industry.

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Associated General Contractors of America

Construction Industry Adds 60,000 Jobs In February

Construction employment climbed by 60,000 jobs between January and February as hourly pay rose at the steepest pace in nearly 40 years, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association leaders urged officials in Washington to boost support for career training and education to enable more workers to pursue high-paying construction careers.

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The National Association of Women in Construction

Learn All About Women in Construction Week!

WIC Week or Women in Construction Week, March 6-12, 2022, celebrates, educates, and promotes the role of women in the construction industry. The theme for this year's WIC Week is "Envision Equity" which seeks to raise awareness of opportunities for women to enjoy a wide range of roles in the construction industry, from tradeswomen to project managers to administrative positions, and even business ownership.

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Construction Business Owner

Materials Prices Soar 20% Over the Last Year; Bid Prices Accelerate but Continue to Lag Cost Increases

Prices of construction materials jumped more than 20% from January 2021 to January 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) of government data. The association recently posted a new edition of its Construction Inflation Alert, a report to inform project owners, officials, and others about the challenges volatile materials costs, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages posed for construction firms.

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Construction Dive

Billions of Dollars Set to Boost U.S. Port Projects in 2022

Ports from coast to coast are eyeing improvement projects to help alleviate supply chain issues that have plagued businesses since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus on port projects in the recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is part of an overall push from the Biden administration to help alleviate the clogged supply chain in the U.S.

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Construction Business Owner

Construction Costs Up 7.42% Over the Past 12 Months

International property and construction consultancy firm Rider Levett Bucknall has released its new Quarterly Cost Report (QCR) for North America. With data current to mid-fourth-quarter and featuring construction cost information for 14 United States and Canadian markets, the QCR provides a statistical view of the state of the construction industry, detailing indicative construction costs for eight building sectors.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Dodge Momentum Index Declines In December

The Dodge Momentum Index fell 3% in December to 166.4, down from the revised November reading of 170.7. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In December, commercial planning fell 4%, and institutional planning slipped 1%.

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Safework CM

Leadership Changes at Safework CM

Rebecca Jones, FCMAA, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SafeworkCM, will transition to the position of Chair on SafeworkCM’s Board of Directors, and current President, Domingo Camarano, will assume the titles of both President and CEO, effective immediately. This planned evolution has been in the works for two years and will provide collaborative executive leadership with a focus on growth and service diversity

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Associated General Contractors of America

Continued Increases In Construction Materials Prices Driving Up Price Of Construction Projects

Rising construction materials prices appear to be starting to drive up the price of construction projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials noted that despite a big jump in what contractors charge for projects, the rise in materials prices is still much higher.

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Construction Business Owner

Outstanding Women in Construction 2021

In the following pages, we’ve highlighted nine women who are driving change for women throughout the industry. Outstanding Women in Construction is designed to celebrate that change and recognize those who are pursuing progress. This year’s contest drew nearly 200 nominations from across the U.S. and many sectors of the industry. Finalists were selected based on their expertise, leadership and management, and the exceptional contributions they have made to their companies, construction specialties and communities.

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Constructor Magazine

Forecasts Turn More Optimistic but Risks Remain

Forecasters agree that nonresidential construction spending in 2022 will exceed 2021 levels in most categories. Indications are mounting that nonresidential construction activity will soon pick up, although there has been little improvement so far. But a host of threats make the timing and extent of a turnaround uncertain.

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National e-Ticketing Task Force

The Launch of The National Construction Materials e-Ticketing Task Force

Last week, public and private highway, infrastructure, and construction materials industry leaders announced the launch of The National Construction Materials e-Ticketing Task Force (e-Ticketing Task Force). The industry is seeking to promote the use of e-Ticketing and find innovative ways to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impacts and become safer. The e-Ticketing Task Force provides a first in the nation model for how the public and private sector can work together to facilitate the digital transformation of the construction industry.

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Construction Inclusion Week

Welcome to the Inaugural Construction Inclusion Week!

In 2020, a group of general contractors - Gilbane, DPR, Turner Construction, Mortenson, McCarthy, and Clark Construction Group - created a consortium titled Time for Change with a single purpose: identifying ways to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in construction. Through this effort, Construction Inclusion Week was born. The inaugural Construction Inclusion Week is October 18-22, 2021.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Dodge Momentum Index Recovers in September

The Dodge Momentum Index gained 11% in September to 164.9 from the revised August reading of 148.0. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year.

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Construction Dive

Contractors Tackle Worker Suicides, Mental Health Stigma

Mental health issues, including suicide, affect the construction labor force at a much higher rate than most other occupations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called the suicide rate for construction workers "alarmingly high." With this in mind, executives are seeking to help their employees and change the wider industry, and are framing their pursuits in a way that bypasses the stigma.

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Construction Dive

Industry Pulse: The Latest Construction Data and Statistics

There are a number of reports and outlets that help experts and executives keep their finger on the pulse of the construction industry. Curated by the Construction Dive staff, this page centralizes data from those resources and helps visualize it as a one-stop resource about construction industry spending, hiring, starts and billings. This construction industry data page is updated bimonthly.

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Construction Business Owner

Complying With OSHA Silica Safety Guidelines

Construction workers are at risk for exposure to silica, which can cause respiratory injuries in its crystallized form. Respirable crystalline silica particles are created when cutting, grinding, drilling and crushing silica-containing materials. This includes stone, rock, concrete, brick, block and mortar. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), more than
2.3 million workers in the United States are exposed to crystalline silica dust — 90% of which are employed in construction.

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Construct America

Growth in Construction Workloads Continues to Accelerate with Firmly Positive Expectations

The Q2 2021 Construction Monitor results show activity gaining velocity over the quarter, as all sectors continued to grow at the aggregate level following the pandemic. What’s more, forward-looking indicators strengthened again in Q2, with respondents now anticipating greater momentum coming through for private non-residential and commercial workloads alongside solid growth in infrastructure projects.

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Construction Input Prices Up 23.1% Year Over Year

Construction input prices rose 0.6% in July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data. Nonresidential construction input prices increased 0.8% for the month. Construction input prices are 23.1% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices increased 23.4% over that span.

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Electrek

California Energy Commission Mandates Solar for New Buildings From 2023

The California Energy Commission’s five-member panel recently voted to require solar panels and battery storage in new commercial buildings and certain multifamily residences beginning January 1, 2023. The types of buildings that are included in the proposal are, according to the New York Times, “hotels, offices, medical offices and clinics, retail and grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and civic spaces like theaters, auditoriums, and convention centers.”

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KMI International

KMI International Announces Organizational Changes; Retirement of Mike Kraus

KMI International is pleased to announce the retirement of one of its Founders, Mike Kraus, who is stepping down as the company continues its transition to becoming employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP). Along with John Manning, Kraus founded and built KMI in 1999, delivering success as a project manager, engineer, executive in charge, and business development lead. Kraus will continue to serve on the board to further execute the transition and provide guidance as the company moves along a prescribed path.

In line with these changes, several other organizational changes are also being made. Read the full story for all the information.

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For Construction Pros

What's in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package?

The wait is over. After months of delay, Senators unveiled a $1.2 trillion, eight-year infrastructure bill during a rare Sunday session after they worked through the weekend. According to The Hill, the 2,702-page bill, spearheaded by Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ.), and a larger group of roughly two dozen negotiators, is substantially narrower than the multitrillion-dollar plan envisioned by President Biden earlier this year but the legislation would authorize more than half a trillion dollars in new spending to bolster the country's roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure.

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Construction Business Owner

Construction Employment Lags Or Matches Pre-Pandemic Level In 101 Metro Areas

Construction employment declined or stagnated in 101 metro areas between February 2020, the last month before the pandemic, and last month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) of government employment data released today. Association officials said that labor shortages and supply chain problems were keeping many firms from adding workers in many parts of the country.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Total Construction Starts Slip in June

Total construction starts lost 7% in June, slipping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $863.6 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. All three major sectors (residential, nonresidential building, and nonbuilding) pulled back during the month. Single family housing starts are feeling the detrimental effects of rising materials prices. Large projects that broke ground in May were absent in June for nonresidential building and nonbuilding starts, resulting in declines.

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Construction Business Owner

Dodge Momentum Index Loses Steam in June

Following 6 months of consecutive gains, the Dodge Momentum Index fell to 165.8 in June, down 5% from the revised May reading of 175.1. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. 

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Multi-Housing News

Top 10 Markets for Construction Activity

Despite volatile market conditions in the past year, the multifamily sector remained a solid performer, with continued rent growth and steady development activity across the country. While developers experienced some construction delays due to the lack of construction materials and rising costs, multifamily projects continued to break ground.

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Construction Dive

The Latest Construction Data and Statistics

There are a number of reports and outlets that help experts and executives keep their finger on the pulse of the construction industry. Curated by the Construction Dive staff, this page centralizes data from those resources and helps visualize it as a one-stop resource about construction industry spending, hiring, starts and billings. This construction industry data page is updated bimonthly.

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Associated General Contractors of America

Construction Employment In April Remains Below Pre-Pandemic Peak In 36 States And D.C.

Construction employment in April remained below the pre-pandemic high set in February 2020 in 36 states and the District of Columbia, despite increases from March to April in 26 states, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials said that the sector’s recovery was being undermined by increases in materials prices, delays in receiving key construction supplies, and labor shortages.

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Construct America

Road Builders to Benefit the Most From an Infrastructure Deal, Economist Says

Road builders will be the biggest winners of any infrastructure spending bill passed this year by Congress, with contractors who work in the environmental public works space sharing in the spoils, too, according to a leading construction economist.Richard Branch, chief economist at Hamilton, New Jersey-based Dodge Data & Analytics, broke down three competing scenarios for infrastructure spending starting at the end of 2021.

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Drop in State Construction Unemployment Rates Points to Industry Recovery

Construction employment is holding its own, although it is not back to pre-pandemic levels, according to state-by-state analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors for March 2021. These data show that on a year-over-year basis, the not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates rose nationally and in 33 states, fell in 15 states and were unchanged in two states, Oklahoma and Washington.

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Construction Dive

Soaring Material Prices, Supply Chain Delays Spook Owners and Developers

The road to recovery may be longer than you think. As the second quarter of 2021 kicks off, contractor confidence is high, with plenty of optimism that the coming resurgence of re-started projects will lift construction firms from the abyss of COVID-19 to go even beyond their pre-pandemic heights. Just look at the Associated Builders and Contractors' Confidence Index, which is now positive for sales, profit and staffing level expectations for the next six months. 

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Construction Executive

Construction Adds 110,000 Jobs in March

The construction industry added 110,000 jobs in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released recently by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The industry has added 931,000 jobs since April 2020, recovering 83.6% of the jobs lost during earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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For Construction Pros

Survey Shows Job Opportunities for Women in Construction Are On the Rise

Results of a workforce survey by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Safe Site Check In indicate that job opportunities for women in construction are on the rise. Released in conjunction with Women in Construction week, March 7-13, the survey of more than 700 women actively working in the industry shows 71% of respondents agree that opportunities for women in construction are increasing, while 28% believe they are about the same and only 1% reports the opportunities are decreasing.

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Construction Business Owner

Nonresidential Employment Declines in February, Labor Market Tightness to Continue

According to an Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry lost 61,000 jobs net in February. While construction unemployment has risen to 9.6% in February (4.1% higher than last year), unemployment across all industries dropped slightly last month to 6.2% (6.3% in January).

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Construction Business Owner

Dodge Momentum Index Increases to Start 2021

The Dodge Momentum Index increased 3.1% in January to 139.4 from the revised December reading of 135.2. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Data & Analytics, is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The commercial component of the index moved 9.9% higher, offsetting an 11.7% decrease in the institutional component.

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Construction Dive

7 Legal, Other Trends Influencing Construction in 2021

2021 will certainly be an interesting year in commercial construction as trends that had been on the horizon meet the impact of the pandemic. That also means it will be even more important for architects, contractors, engineers and owners to frequently revisit plans as the industry adapts to ongoing changes so that they can better reduce their likelihood of facing litigation.

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Construction Business Owner

6 Key Takeaways From the U.S. Chamber's Q4 Commercial Construction Index

More contractors are facing a shortage of building materials as the pandemic continues, according to fourth quarter data from the United States Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index (Index). In Q4 2020, 41% of contractors said less availability of building products and materials is a severe consequence of the pandemic, up from just 15% saying the same in Q3.

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Associated Press (AP)

U.S. Construction Spending Increases Solid 0.9% in November

Spending on U.S. construction projects increased 0.9% in November as strength in home building offset weakness in other parts of the construction industry. The November gain followed a bigger 1.6% rise in October and left construction spending up 4.4% through the first 11 months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Commerce Department.

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MBP

MBP Announces New President/CEO and COO

On behalf of MBP’s Shareholders and Board of Directors, the firm is pleased to announce that Christopher Payne, PE, CCM, has been appointed as the firm’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, and John MacKay, PE, CCM, CFCC, as Chief Operating Officer. This represents a significant milestone in the 31-year history of the firm, as MBP’s Founders, Charles E. Bolyard, Jr., CCM, PSP, CFCC, and Blake V. Peck, PE, CCM, transitioned their ownership to the next generation of leaders.

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Construction Business Owner

Outstanding Women in Construction 2020

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics population survey results indicate there are 971,000 women working in construction today, in contrast to the 9,721,000 men working in the industry. What’s being done to close the gap? There is a  growing faction comprised of individuals, associations, and organizations that aims to even up those numbers. Construction Business Owner’s Outstanding Women in Construction is designed to celebrate that change. Here, 10 women are highlighted who are making change happen.

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Construction Business Owner

Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 20 States, Showing Regional Improvements in Jobs Numbers

Like most of the economy, construction, and therefore construction employment, was hit hard by the spread of COVID-19 and measures to limit the pandemic. However, construction performed better than many other occupational groups and has been relatively quick to rebound, though not back to its pre-COVID-19 levels, according to a state-by-state analysis of United States Bureau of Labor Statistics data by Associated Builders and Contractors.

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Construction Dive

The Latest Construction Data and Statistics

There are a number of reports and outlets that help experts and executives keep their finger on the pulse of the construction industry. This page centralizes data from those resources and helps visualize it as a one-stop resource about construction industry spending, hiring, starts and billings.

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Construction Business Owner

COVID-19 & Construction: The Ongoing Effects of the Pandemic on Business

Insights from Dodge Data & Analytics on the impact of coronavirus currently & what's expected in the future.

The construction industry stands in a unique position when gauging the impacts of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Largely declared an essential industry, many construction projects were not shut down, even in the early months of the pandemic. However, the public funding on which infrastructure projects rely and the general economic health of the nation both threaten to significantly slow down the market. This is why getting the perspective of contractors on their business expectations and on how they are responding to the new requirements and conditions is so essential.

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West Monroe

C-Suite Poll: Outlook in Q4 2020

In our quarterly pulse survey of 150 C-level executives, respondents share how they’ve shored up their businesses and pivoted them amid never-ending change. They also share their primary investment areas that, heading into 2021, will help them prevail in the post-pandemic economy. Data shows 57% have invested in new data and analytics platforms and 3 in 4 are strongly considering M&A for their post-COVID strategy.

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MBP

MBP Announces Ownership Transition

MBP, a leading, multi-disciplined construction consulting firm announced that after 30 years, MBP’s Chairman, Charles E. Bolyard, Jr., CCM, PSP, CFCC, and Chief Executive Officer, Blake V. Peck, PE, CCM, will transition from their company ownership positions at the end of the year. 

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Associated Builders and Contractors

Nonresidential Construction Employment Expands in September

The construction industry added 26,000 jobs on net in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the last five months, the industry has added 689,000 jobs, recovering approximately 64% of the jobs lost since the start of the pandemic.

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Construction Dive

ICC Offers Guidance for Remote Virtual Inspections

The coronavirus pandemic has sped up the implementation of remote virtual inspections for many building departments, and many officials have indicated that their agencies will probably continue to use remote inspections even after social distancing rules ease up. Using common, inexpensive communication tools like Facetime, Skype and drones, inspectors report that most inspections that can be done visually in person can be done remotely. 

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Federal Aviation Administration

U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces More Than $1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Grants to America’s Airports

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced that the Trump Administration will award more than $1.2 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to 405 airports in 50 states and the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Hill International

Hill International Welcomes Drew Jeter as New President for the Americas Region

Hill International, the global leader in managing construction risk, announces the appointment of Drew Jeter as President for the Americas Region, effective July 13. Mr. Jeter succeeds Michael V. Griffin, P.E., who will be retiring after a 39-year career with Hill. Mr. Jeter will oversee the operations of Hill's Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Southern, Western, and Latin America Regions, and report directly to Chief Executive Officer Raouf Ghali.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Construction Starts Show Additional Gains in June

Total construction starts increased 6% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $641.4 billion. This marks the second consecutive monthly gain in construction starts following the COVID-19 induced declines in March and April. In June nonresidential building starts gained 6% and starts in the nonbuilding sector moved 27% higher. Residential starts, by contrast, fell 6% during the month.

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Construction Business Owner

Nonresidential Construction Recovered 56% of Jobs Lost Since March Employment Report

National nonresidential construction spending declined 0.9% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published by the United States Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $812.5 billion for the month. Private nonresidential spending declined 2.4% in May and public nonresidential construction spending increased 1.2%. 

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Deloitte

2020 Engineering and Construction Industry Outlook: A midyear update

In 2019, the engineering and construction industry saw overall market growth despite cost pressures, labor shortages, and trends toward fixed-bid projects. We originally forecast this trend would persist into 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift in project timelines and a drop in the sectors’ labor and employment. As recovery in the aftermath of the crisis begins, how can engineering and construction organizations prepare for the “next” normal? Our 2020 engineering and construction industry midyear outlook provides actionable insight.

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Dodge Data & Analytics

Construction Starts Post Small Gain in May

Total construction starts rose 3% from April to May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $595.1 billion, following a 25% decline the previous month. Several large nonresidential building projects broke ground in May resulting in the gain. Removing those large projects from the statistics would have resulted in no change in starts over the month. In May, nonresidential buildings increased 8%, while residential building starts rose 4%.

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Construction Business Owner

How McCarthy Building Co. Fosters Inclusivity in its Workforce

A study by equipment rental company BigRentz found that women are at a higher risk for workplace injury due to poorly fitted equipment than their male coworkers. Because proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can minimize construction accidents, McCarthy Building Companies Inc. began the women’s safety vest initiative, acting on the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and the thought that jobsite safety equipment should be provided accordingly.

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Construction Dive

Contractors, Army Corps of Engineers Transforming Buildings into Makeshift Hospitals

When the coronavirus pandemic first emerged in China, the country reportedly responded by quickly building modular hospitals to house those infected with COVID-19. Around the U.S., efforts to flatten the curve have pushed the federal government, often spearheaded by the Army Corps of Engineers, to construct hospitals in convention centers or other similar spaces, or for contractors to speed up construction of traditional hospital projects already underway.

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MBP Press Release

John MacKay Promoted to Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance

MBP is pleased to announce the promotion of John L. MacKay, Jr., PE, CCM, CFCC, to Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance.

John joined MBP in 1993 and has risen steadily through positions of increasing responsibility. He has over 27 years of comprehensive engineering and construction management experience including over $20 billion of CPM scheduling, cost estimating, and constructibility review, as well as the preparation, analysis, and evaluation of construction claims, expert testimony, negotiation, and litigation support services.

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CEOWorld Magazine

Top 6 Trends That Are Transforming Construction Industry In 2019

Contractors and builders must keep up with the latest trends in the construction industry in order to stay ahead of the competition. In 2019, builders and construction engineers are more inclined towards integrating new technologies and ideas into their projects in order to transform their operations. Incorporating the latest industrial trends and technologies enable them to excel in their work and business.

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HDR

HDR's Paul Bowen Named to Regional Transportation Construction Services Role

Paul Bowen was recently named HDR’s transportation construction services lead for the central region, which stretches from Texas to Minnesota.

An associate vice president at HDR, Bowen has over 35 years’ experience executing major transportation projects in the construction services industry, including project procurement, program management, business development, operations and technical leadership.

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Dewberry

Carol Holland Named President of CMAA’s National Capital Chapter

Carol Holland, PE, CCM, LEED AP, has been named president of the board of directors for the National Capital Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA).

Holland, a 25-year veteran of the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, has a proven technical and executive management track record. She currently holds the role of associate vice president and market segment leader at Dewberry in its Baltimore, Maryland, office.

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Turner & Townsend

Global capital projects expert Tim McManus joins Turner & Townsend Board of Directors in the Americas

Industry leader Tim McManus has joined Turner & Townsend’s Americas Board of Directors to help shape North America growth priorities.

Tim brings more than 40 years of professional services experience and is recognized as an expert on the development and delivery of global capital projects and programs.

His appointment comes at a pivotal moment in the company’s North America expansion, as significant business growth is positioning Turner & Townsend for new opportunities, deeper client engagements and more complex commissions.

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)

Construction Job Growth Steady in June

The construction industry added 21,000 net new jobs in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, employment in the industry has expanded by 224,000 jobs, representing an increase of 3.1%. Nonresidential construction employment gained 14,900 net jobs in June and is up 146,700 jobs during the last 12 months.

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Supply House Times

Construction Employment Increases in 38 States from 2018 to 2019

Thirty-eight states added construction jobs between March 2018 and March 2019, while construction employment increased in 29 states between February and March, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America, Labor Department data released on April 19, 2019. Association officials said the widespread gains show demand for workers remains strong and urged federal officials to enact immigration reforms to boost the supply of qualified workers.

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Plotlines

Inspiring Women in Construction: Role Models for the Next Generation

For every 100 individuals who work in construction, only about nine of them are female. This gender imbalance is even more lopsided for construction laborers (those individuals working in the field to build our future communities, cities and landscapes). Each year, the National Association of Women in Construction hosts Women in Construction Week to raise awareness of the growing impact of females on the industry, and to highlight the breadth of opportunities available to them.

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Transportation.gov

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $1.5 Billion in BUILD Transportation Grants to Revitalize Infrastructure Nationwide

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced $1.5 billion in discretionary grant funding to 91 projects in 49 states and the District of Columbia. The grants are made through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grants program and support road, rail, transit, and port infrastructure projects across the country.

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Engineering News-Record

ENR 2018 Top 100 Professional Service Firms

Professional services firms in the construction industry were once thought of as entities hired by owners to keep an eye on contractors during the construction process. However, as construction has become more complex, funding sources have become more elusive and project delivery has become more diverse, owners now are relying on professional services firms to provide a much wider array of services.

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PRWeb

AFG/GSA PBS Named Winner of 2017 CMAA NCC CM Excellence Award

The AFG Group, Inc. (AFG)/General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) Team has been named winner of the 2017 Construction Management Excellence Award for Small Firms by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) National Capital Chapter (NCC) for its efforts on the $16.6M GSA Sidney Yates Federal Building Exterior Restoration Project.

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MyChesCo

Bancroft Wins National Construction Awards for Longwood Gardens Project

A panel of industry experts served as the competition’s judges. This year’s panel included representatives from the Building Owners and Managers Association International, the Smithsonian Facilities Construction Division, the Construction Management Association of America, Engineering News-Record, Design-Build Institute of America and various construction-related firms nationwide.

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Nevada Business

Roche Receives ABC Pyramid Award for Excellence in Construction

A panel of industry experts served as the competition’s judges. This year’s panel included representatives from the Building Owners and Managers Association International, the Smithsonian Facilities Construction Division, the Construction Management Association of America, Engineering News-Record, Design-Build Institute of America, and various construction-related firms nationwide.

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