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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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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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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Nonresidential Construction Sector Posts 1st Job Gain Since March

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The construction industry gained 22,000 jobs between August and September as nonresidential construction firms added employees for the first time in six months, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data. Association officials said nonresidential construction has been affected by the widespread supply chain problems, which are causing owners already uncertain about future demand for commercial space to delay or even cancel some projects. “While it is refreshing to see job gains in both residential and nonresidential construction, nonresidential building and infrastructure employment remains far below its pre-pandemic peak,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s … Read more

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National Construction Association Announces Diversity and Inclusion Awards

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Rolin Construction was named as the 2021 Diverse Business of the Year award winner by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association also awarded Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Awards, sponsored by Willis Towers Watson, to Austin Commercial; Gilbane Building Company; KAI Enterprises; Trinity Subsurface, LLC; Hilti North America and the Nevada Contractors Association. “These awards recognize successful construction industry diversity and inclusion programs. They also recognize successful women and minority-owned member firms,” said Bob Lanham, the association’s president and president of Williams Brothers Construction Co., Inc. “For us, inclusion means that no matter what you look like, no matter … Read more

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