Construction Spending Increases Between September 2016, 2017 as Growing Private-Sector Outpaces Public-Sector Declines

Overall construction spending increased between September 2016 and September 2017 as growing private-sector residential demand continues to offset annual declines in public-sector investments in infrastructure and other projects, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged members of Congress and the Trump administration to include new funding for roads, bridges, clean water and other important infrastructure as part of any new tax reform measure. “The ongoing economic expansion is a favorable sign for private residential and nonresidential construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But lawmakers continue to underfund … Read more

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Carolinas AGC Observes Careers in Construction Month

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Eariler this year, Carolinas AGC asked Governors in both North and South Carolina to name October “Careers in Construction Month,” to promote increased awareness of the construction industry and to recognize the need for construction education and training. Carolinas AGC offered a mix of events and training to highlight the importance of the industry to its members, the public and the economies of both states. During the month of October, Carolinas AGC held networking events in Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina and Fayetteville, Wilmington and Ashville, North Carolina. Its staff and members held partnering meetings with the … Read more

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Congressional Tax Reform Proposal Aims to Lower Tax Rates for Construction Employers

The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in reaction to the release today of a Congressional proposal to reform the federal tax code: “The tax proposal released today provides a much-needed framework that will provoke important debate about the best way to improve the tax environment for employers and workers. As Congress and the Trump administration work to further refine today’s proposal, we will continue our vigorous advocacy work to ensure the measure benefits construction employers of all types and sizes. In particular, we will work to ensure that pass-through businesses, … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 250 out of 358 Metro Areas between August 2016, 2017

Construction employment increased in 250 out of 358 metro areas between September 2016 and September 2017, declined in 56 and stagnated in 52, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that continued strong demand for construction is placing new strains on an already tight construction labor market. “Construction firms in many parts of the country continue to expand to keep up with demand for their services,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet construction growth would likely have been even more robust if contractors could find … Read more

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Construction Jobs Increase in 35 States, D.C. between September 2016 Year-Over-Year

Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between September 2016 and September 2017, while 26 states added construction jobs between August and September as some state employment levels were impacted by recent hurricanes, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released recently. Association officials noted that construction employment in many parts of the country would have been higher if more qualified workers were available. “Contractors in most states still report they are busy and expect to stay that way for the foreseeable future,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for … Read more

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