Author: agcnews
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…
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) today released a new joint framework aimed at strengthening collaboration between architects and contractors to improve project outcomes across the construction industry. The report, Toward Collaboration’s Future: Strengthening the Architect-Contractor Relationship, outlines practical strategies to enhance communication, align incentives, manage risk and foster stronger team performance from project conception through completion. “Successful construction projects depend on strong collaboration between architects and contractors,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the AGC’s chief executive officer. “This new framework provides a roadmap for improving communication, reducing conflict and delivering better results…
The construction industry lost one of its most passionate champions this week with the passing of Past AGC of America President Dan Fordice. Dan leaves behind a remarkable legacy shaped by faith, family, leadership, service and an unwavering commitment to both the construction industry and America’s veterans. For Dan, construction was never just a profession — it was part of his identity. A third-generation construction professional at what is now a fourth-generation AGC member company, he grew up attending AGC of America conventions alongside his family before eventually leading the association as President in 2022. He often reflected fondly on those early experiences, recalling family trips that began at AGC meetings and summers spent working in the family business from…
The producer price index for inputs to new nonresidential construction rose 1.7 percent in April and 6.6 percent from April 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. In contrast, the producer price index for new nonresidential building construction, a measure of prices contractors say they would charge to build a fixed set of buildings, increased just 3.6 percent over the past year. Association officials noted that proposals to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax will do little to offset these price increases “Construction input costs continue to rise much faster…
Construction employment rose by 9,000 jobs in April, as gains in nonresidential construction offset declines in residential activity, according to an analysis of new government data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the latest employment figures align with federal job openings data showing contractors continue to retain workers and hire selectively despite broader economic uncertainty. “The reason many construction firms added jobs last month is because of the strong demand for nonresidential projects, particularly for data centers,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s director of market insights. “Construction firms are paying a growing premium to…
Construction employment increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia between March 2025 and March 2026, while 31 states and D.C. added construction jobs between February and March, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that while hiring has become more cautious in recent months, many contractors continue to struggle to find qualified workers for specialized projects and urged federal officials to invest in workforce development and career training programs. “March construction employment data show the industry continues to add jobs in many parts of…
AGC of America, in partnership with HCSS, is asking highway and transportation members to complete a brief survey to help improve work zone safety. The survey collects information on the frequency, severity, and impacts of work zone crashes, along with potential solutions. AGC will use the results to support a national media and public education campaign launching ahead of Memorial Day to encourage safer driving during the busy summer travel season. The data will also strengthen advocacy efforts for tougher work zone safety laws and enforcement. This is the final week to participate. Please take a few minutes to complete…