Construction Employment Increases Year-Over-Year, Contractors Concerned About Transportation Funding

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Construction employment expanded in 232 metro areas, declined in 66 and was stagnant in 60 between April 2014 and April 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said even as contractors in many parts of the country continue to expand their payroll, many firms remain concerned about the potential impacts of federal transportation funding shortfalls. “Demand, particularly from private sector clients, has rebounded enough that many firms have been steadily expanding their headcount during the past twelve months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases Between March and April, AGC Reports

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Construction firms added jobs in 40 states and the District of Columbia between April 2014 and April 2015 and in 30 states and D.C. between March and April, according to a recent analysis of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that even as construction employment continues to expand, workforce shortages and infrastructure funding challenges threaten future growth. “The latest data show that construction is growing across most of the country but the gains remain uneven by month and state,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Construction employment grew faster than overall employment … Read more

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Architecture Billings Remain Stuck in Winter Slowdown

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Riding a stretch of increasing levels of demand for thirteen out of the last fifteen months, the Architecture Billings Index dropped in April for the second month this year. 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 April ABI score was 48.8, down sharply from a mark of 51.7 in March. This score reflects a decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 60.1, up … Read more

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U.S. Census Bureau Reports on March 2015 Construction Spending

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The U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce recently announced that construction spending during March 2015 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $966.6 billion, 0.6 percent ( ±1.3 percent)* below the revised February estimate of $972.9 billion. The March figure is 2.0 percent ( ±1.6 percent) above the March 2014 estimate of $947.3 billion. During the first three months of this year, construction spending amounted to $206.7 billion, 3.2 percent ( ±1.5 percent) above the $200.4 billion for the same period in 2014. Private ConstructionSpending on private construction was at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of … Read more

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Construction Firms Add 45K Jobs in April; Unemployed Workers Drop to 14-Year Low

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Construction firms added 45,000 jobs in April and 280,000 over 12 months, as the sector’s unemployment rate fell to a nine-year April low of 7.5 percent, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that even as the industry continues to expand, growth has been erratic and inconsistent. “Construction employment resumed strong growth in April after slipping in March and is now growing at more than double the growth rate for total non-farm employment,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Nevertheless, job growth remains spotty with the nonresidential building sector losing jobs even … Read more

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