Data on Severity of Construction Worker Shortages to be Released Aug. 31

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At 1 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, Aug. 31, the Associated General Contractors of America will release new data showing the severity of construction worker shortages nationwide and by region and state* during a media conference call at 800-874-4559 (verbal pass code TURM15731). The new data is based on a comprehensive survey of construction firms and includes data on how many firms are coping with labor shortages and what some of the possible causes are for tight labor conditions. Stephen Sandherr, the association’s CEO, will release the new worker shortage data and identify measures public officials should take to increase the … Read more

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Construction’s Contribution to Economy Increases in 30 States in 2015

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The value added by the private construction industry as a percentage of gross domestic product increased in 30 states and decreased in only six in 2015, according to a report recently released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Nationally, construction’s direct contribution to GDP increased by 0.1 percent to 3.9 percent from 2014 to 2015. Construction accounted the highest percentage of state GDP in North Dakota, with of 7.6 percent in 2015, compared to a low of 3.1 percent in Connecticut and New York. Six states—Arizona, North Dakota, Mississippi, Oregon, West Virginia and Wyoming—saw a decrease in construction’s … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Moderates Slightly, Remains Positive

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index was positive in July for the sixth consecutive month, and tenth out of the last twelve months as demand across all project types continued to increase. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 51.5, down from the mark of 52.6 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index … Read more

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Healthy Outlook for Construction Market Despite Rising Challenges

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a strong 2015, there is a growing sense that the construction industry expansion will be more tempered over the next 18 months. However, continued strong demand for hotels, office space and amusement and recreation spaces will ensure continued growth in the overall construction spending market over this time period. The American Institute of Architects’ semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will increase just less than six percent for 2016, with next year’s projection being an additional 5.6 percent gain. “Healthy job growth, strong consumer confidence and … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Inches Higher in July

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index moved slightly higher in July, increasing 0.5 percent to 134.7 (2000=100) from its revised June reading of 134.1. The momentum index 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. July’s modest rise follows a substantial increase in June, which saw the index climb 10.9 percent from the previous month. The index has now moved higher in four consecutive months, the first such string of increases since late 2014. July’s … Read more

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