CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While the Carolinas AGC Construction Barometerâ„¢ notched up 1% for third quarter 2010, continuing its upward movement for the third consecutive quarter, there’s still simply no clear trend out of the recession. Values that strengthened a bit in second quarter deteriorated somewhat in third quarter, while variables that fell in second quarter strengthened modestly in the third. Contractors do appear to be growing cautiously more optimistic about 2011, reporting they expect stable-to-modestly improving business conditions over the coming year. Quarter three’s construction labor market showed a bit stronger demand for skilled labor and a small increase in … Read more

Phoenix, Ariz. and Hanford-Corcoran, Calif. Top List of Metro Areas Adding Jobs while Chicago and Napa, Calif. Lose Most Jobs for the Year Construction employment either increased or remained steady in a growing number of metropolitan areas — 120 of 337 — between November 2009 and November 2010 according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment is improving slightly thanks in large part to temporary federal funding for stimulus and military construction. “It is good to see the construction industry finishing the year on a … Read more

13 States Plus D.C. Add Jobs Year-To-Year; California Has the Largest Number of Monthly Gains and Yearly Losses in Construction Jobs; Texas and Oklahoma Have Biggest 12-Month Gains While Nevada Has Steepest Percentage Losses Construction employment expanded in 20 states between October and November, while the list of states with year-over-year construction job gains grew to 13 states plus the District of Columbia, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data released today by the Labor Department. The new figures continue a year-long pattern of mixed results in construction employment as overall demand remains … Read more