The unemployment rate for construction workers fell to the lowest April level in five years as contractors added more than 150,000 employees in the past year despite a dip in employment last month, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that, despite the monthly drop, the industry is likely to continue adding jobs for much of 2013. “It is heartening to see that both nonresidential and residential segments of the construction industry added significant numbers of workers in the last 12 months, even though gains from March to April … Read more

Construction employment increased in 152 out of 339 metropolitan areas between March 2012 and March 2013, declined in 126 and was stagnant in 61, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many metro areas are adding jobs as construction spending increased 4.8 percent, or $38.9 billion, during the same timeframe. “Today's figures on employment by metro area and construction spending nationally in March highlight the uneven and fragile recovery that construction is experiencing,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The totals are up on … Read more

Washington, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index is reflecting a steady upturn in design activity.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate from nine- to twelve-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the March ABI score was 51.9, down from a mark of 54.9 in February.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).   The new projects inquiry index was 60.1, down from the reading of 64.8 the previous month. “Business … Read more

Construction employment increased in 30 states in March as the industry expanded but at a slower pace than in February, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department. Association officials cautioned, however, that many states remain vulnerable to construction cutbacks from newly enacted and proposed decreases in federal funding for infrastructure. “A majority of states are adding jobs month by month and year-over-year,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The expansion appears poised to continue for residential and private nonresidential construction. But investment in infrastructure and public buildings is still on a downward … Read more