One-Fifth Metro Areas Lost Construction Jobs between September 2020-2021, Reports AGC

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Nearly one-fifth of U.S. metro areas lost construction jobs between September 2020 and September 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data. Association officials noted that the job losses are occurring in many metro areas as plans to boost investments in infrastructure languish in Washington and firms cope with shortages, delivery delays and construction materials price increases. “Many metro areas are having a hard time getting back to construction employment levels from last fall that were already low because of the pandemic,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The challenge is … Read more

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Nonresidential Construction Spending Contracts 0.6% in September, Says ABC

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National nonresidential construction spending contracted 0.6% in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published recently by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $791.2 billion for the month. Spending was down in 11 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories, with spending in amusement and recreation unchanged for the month. Both private and public nonresidential spending declined 0.6% in September. “It is not surprising that nonresidential construction spending declined in September,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Nonresidential construction spending has generally been trending lower for several months and the factors … Read more

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Only 14 States + D.C. Added Construction Jobs Since Pandemic Began as Supply Problems, Lack of Infrastructure Bill Undermine Recovery

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Only 14 states and the District of Columbia have added construction jobs since just before the start of the pandemic in February 2020, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that widespread supply chain disruptions amid and the lack of a much-needed federal infrastructure bill have impeded the sector’s recovery. “Construction employment remains below pre-pandemic levels in more than two-thirds of the states,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Supply problems have slowed down many projects and forced contractors to hold down employment, while the lack … Read more

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Marcum Releases 2nd Annual National Construction Survey, Findings Highlight Optimism in Construction Industry

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Marcum LLP released its second annual survey of the national construction industry. Survey responses highlight the construction industry’s comeback, with optimism on the rise as GDP climbs and unemployment drops. The Marcum National Construction Survey covers a range of topics, from top priorities to problems, strategies, possible solutions and the effects of the pandemic. This year’s study — conducted in the spring as the pandemic began showing signs of receding in the U.S. — revealed a marked uptick in outlook by construction leaders as compared to the 2020 survey, which was fielded in the throes of the coronavirus crisis. While … Read more

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Construction Officials Renew Push for Immediate Removal of Tariffs on Key Construction Materials, Urge Congress and Administration to Take Steps to Repair ‘Every Level’ of Supply Chain

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The prices contractors pay for construction materials far outstripped the prices contractors charge in the 12 months ending in September, despite a recent decline in a few materials prices, while delivery problems intensified, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials urged Washington officials to end tariffs on key construction materials and take steps to help unknot snarled supply points. “Construction materials costs remain out of control despite a decline in some inputs last month,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, supply bottlenecks continue to worsen.” The producer price index … Read more

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