Construction Employment Increases in 243 Metro Areas between October 2016, 2017

Construction employment increased in 243 out of 358 metro areas between October 2016 and October 2017, declined in 59 and stagnated in 56, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the best way to ensure metro areas continue to add construction jobs is to treat small and medium-sized employers more fairly and include new infrastructure funding as part of federal tax reform. “Growing demand, especially from the private sector, is continuing to drive construction employment gains in many parts of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s … Read more

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Construction Industry Adds 11,000 Jobs in October and 187,600 During 2017, Hourly Earnings Continue to Rise

Construction employment increased by 11,000 jobs in October to the highest level in nine years, while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 4.5 percent, the lowest October rate since 2006, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that while hurricane recovery work may have helped boost employment in the sector, most of the gains are occurring because of strong demand for many types of private-sector projects across much of the country. “The construction industry continues to contribute to the nation’s economic expansion, adding jobs at double the rate of … Read more

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Construction Spending Up in September, Down on YOY Basis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nonresidential construction spending rose .5 percent in September, totaling $698.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data from the U.S. Census Bureau. However, nonresidential construction spending is down 2.9 percent on a year-over-year basis, with construction spending related to manufacturing down 20.3 percent since September 2016. August and July nonresidential spending totals were revised upwards by a collective $11 billion, however. “There is a lot of positive news about the U.S. economy right now,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The nation has added nearly 1.8 million net … Read more

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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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