Author: agcnews
A federal court has vacated three provisions of a 2023 Davis-Bacon rule challenged by AGC of America and its co-plaintiffs. The ruling blocks the Labor Department’s efforts to expand Davis-Bacon coverage to certain materials suppliers, broaden coverage for some delivery truck drivers and retroactively apply Davis-Bacon requirements to contracts that did not originally include them. The decision follows a lawsuit filed by AGC, AGC of Texas, J. Lee Milligan, Inc. and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. AGC Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey D. Shoaf said the ruling provides important clarity for contractors and reinforces that federal regulations must remain within the…
Construction employment increased in 30 states and the District of Columbia from May 2025 to May 2026, while 23 states and D.C. added jobs between April and May, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that two of the biggest drivers of construction demand, data center construction and highway and transportation projects, face political headwinds that could undermine future demand and job growth. “State construction employment has been closely balanced between gains and losses in recent months,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Strong data…
AGC of America has been named a 2026 Washington DC Top Workplace by WTOP News and Energage, an honor based entirely on employee feedback. The recognition places AGC among just 117 organizations with fewer than 150 employees selected across the Greater Washington region. The award reflects the dedication, professionalism and collaborative culture of the AGC team, whose work supports member firms, chapters and the broader construction industry every day. We are grateful to our staff for their commitment to serving the industry and helping make AGC a workplace where employees feel valued, engaged and empowered to succeed.
The U.S. construction industry has performed stronger than anticipated so far in 2026, according to the latest mid-year economic update from AGC of America’s Director of Market Insights, Macrina Wilkins. Construction employment has increased by 0.8% year over year, reflecting steady gains across nonresidential building activity. A significant share of this growth is being driven by continued demand for data center construction, which remains one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. Census data shows data center construction rising 28% year over year in April alone, translating to approximately $50 billion in monthly spending. While demand remains strong in key…
Join AGC and HCSS on July 9 at 2 p.m. ET Construction firms collect enormous amounts of project data every day, but turning that information into actionable insights can be a challenge. Join AGC and HCSS on July 9 at 2 p.m. ET for the free webinar, From Field Data to Faster Decisions with HeavyJob, and learn how contractors are using real-time operational data to improve productivity, identify risks sooner and make better decisions in both the field and office. The webinar will cover strategies for connecting field and office data, improving visibility into project performance, identifying production issues before…
October 21-23, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona Construction workforce shortages remain one of the industry’s biggest challenges, making it more important than ever for workforce, HR and training professionals to stay connected and informed. AGC’s Construction Workforce & HR Conference brings together industry experts and peers from across the country to share workforce development strategies, discuss employment and compliance issues, explore new training approaches and exchange practical solutions that can help firms attract, retain and develop the next generation of construction professionals. Register today.
Construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May, as pay for craft workers climbed faster than for production workers overall, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data released today. Association officials noted that demand for new data centers and other nonresidential projects has enabled contractors to add workers and boost pay faster than employers overall. “In contrast to the modest job gains in the broader economy, nonresidential construction firms keep adding workers and boosting pay,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The sector has strong demand from data centers and related power…
As temperatures rise across the country, construction employers are once again facing one of the industry’s most persistent and complex safety challenges: heat exposure. In the latest episode of ConstructorCast, host Spencer Phillips sits down with Eric Simmons, Vice President of Risk Management at Helix Electric, to discuss practical strategies for preventing heat-related illnesses and creating a culture where workers can recognize hazards before they become emergencies. While heat safety conversations often focus on water, rest, and shade, Simmons explains that effective heat illness prevention begins long before a worker steps onto a jobsite. “Hydration is a 24/7 business,” Simmons…
Construction employment increased in 192, or 53 percent, of 360 metro areas between April 2025 and April 2026, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said growing pushback against the construction of data centers and the potential failure of Congress to pass a new highway and transit bill soon could pose a threat to construction employment levels. “While it is encouraging to see a majority of metros adding construction jobs, the growth is uneven and fragile,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Given how much construction today is…
Construction spending increased 0.4 percent from March to April and 0.9 percent over 12 months, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of a new government report released today. Association officials urged Congress and the White House to pass a new highway and transportation funding bill before the current law expires in September in order to keep construction spending and the economy on a growth path. “Highway construction has been a major contributor to total nonresidential spending,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “For the past several months, total spending has increased only when there…