Construction employment increased in 141 out of 337 metropolitan areas between February 2010 and February 2011, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that the relatively positive figures were likely affected by significantly improved winter weather in February, combined with the benefits of ongoing stimulus and other temporary federal construction programs. “With nearly half of all U.S. metro areas finally adding construction jobs, these numbers are welcome news,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But warm winter weather probably played a larger role in driving these … Read more

AIA Calls for Renewal of Program to Spur Job Creations in Design and Construction Industry  WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects has called on Congress to renew in full the Build America Bonds program, in the wake of an AIA estimate that it generated between $44 to $50 billion in new construction activity and jobs in the last two years alone. By providing an attractive tax-credit bond to a wide range of investors, the program exceeded most expectations, and more than $180 billion in municipal debt was issued through the BABs program in 2009 and 2010. Under the … Read more

Construction employment increased in 30 states between January and February, while 19 states added construction jobs during the past 12 months, the Associated General Contractors of America reported in an analysis of state employment data released by the Labor Department. Association officials cautioned, however, that it was too early to tell whether the relatively positive report reflects improving economic conditions or the benefit of warmer weather much of the country experienced in February. “These are certainly some of the best state-by-state numbers the industry has seen in quite some time,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “But it is … Read more