Most Jobs Added in Columbus, Ohio While Eau Claire, Wisconsin Has Highest Rate of Job Growth; Chico, California Has Highest Rate of Decline and Chicago Loses Most Jobs Construction employment continued to suffer significant declines in the majority of metropolitan areas according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. The figures reflect continued weak private, state and local demand as well as a lack of long—term projects caused by stalled federal infrastructure bills, association officials noted. “With current demand soft and chances of a turnaround months away, construction firms are unwilling to … Read more

Industry’s Recovery Remains Tentative with Unemployment at 21.8 Percent, Stimulus Funding Likely to Expire Before Private-Sector Construction Demand Resumes, Economist Notes Construction firms added 14,000 new jobs in April, the second consecutive month of employment gains for the industry, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. After more than two years of dramatic job losses, the construction industry is once again adding jobs, thanks primarily to the increasing number of stimulus-funded projects now underway, the association noted. “As today’s report makes clear, the impacts of the stimulus are now being … Read more

March Gain May Reflect Rebound from Bad February Weather, Not Lasting Turnaround, Industry Economist Simonson Cautions Payroll employment in the construction industry in March rose by 15,000, seasonally adjusted, the first gain since June 2007, according to federal employment figures released today. The Associated General Contractors of America hailed the increase but cautioned it may not be sustained. “This upturn was shared among all three nonresidential categories-building construction, specialty trade contractors, and heavy and civil engineering construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But both nonresidential and residential construction employment remain lower than in January, suggesting some of the … Read more