Author: agcnews
For the first time since 2021, fewer than half of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs between August 2024 and August 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that many private-sector developers appear to be putting projects on hold amid rising prices caused by tariffs, workforce shortages and higher interest rates. “Construction employment has stalled or retreated in more and more areas as owners pull back on projects in the face of higher costs,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Workforce shortages, tariffs and higher…
What does it take to build two homes in just five days? For Hubbell Construction Services, it required months of preparation, round-the-clock teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to community. AGC of America’s ConstructorCast podcast highlights this incredible story in its latest episode, Extreme Impact. Guests Claire Brehmer and Casey Port of Hubbell Construction Services share how their team and trade partners came together for the 2024 Homes for Hope Extreme Build. The project, completed in partnership with On With Life, provides housing for families of brain injury recovery patients at no cost. The conversation explores the vision behind Hubbell’s Extreme…
The Associated General Contractors of America’s chief executive officer, Jeffrey D. Shoaf, issued the following statement urging Congress to pass the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement that was introduced today by Pennsylvania Congressman Lloyd Smucker. The measure establishes the first-ever visa program to provide a lawful pathway for people to enter the construction industry. “In a survey our association and NCCER released last month, contractors listed workforce shortages as the number one cause of delayed construction projects. In fact, 92 percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire. Congressman Smucker’s legislation…
Construction employment increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia in August from a year earlier, while only 19 states added construction jobs between July and August, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that a recent workforce survey the association released found contractors in many states are struggling to fill open positions amid workforce shortages. “Most firms are struggling to find enough workers to hire amid persistent labor shortages,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These labor shortages are the number one cause…
There’s still time to showcase your company’s accomplishments! We encourage all AGC member firms in good standing who meet the competition requirements to apply online and gain the recognition your outstanding projects deserve. Don’t miss this opportunity to be honored on a national stage—apply now for the 2026 Baldwin Group Build America Award, Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering & Collaboration Award and the AGC in the Community Award.
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.2 percent in August and 2.5 percent from August 2024, driven by extreme increases in steel and aluminum prices, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted a survey the association and NCCER recently released found rising costs were one of the key reasons for delayed, canceled, or scaled-back projects. “The huge increases in steel and aluminum tariffs appears to have enabled domestic producers to push up their selling prices,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. He…
Construction sector employment declined by 7,000 positions in August and has remained little changed since December, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted the results are consistent with a survey the association released last week that found many owners have cancelled, deferred, or scaled back projects due to tariffs and labor shortages. “The latest figures show that nonresidential construction—not only homebuilding—has stalled,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “That fits with reports that owners have hit the pause button on many projects, in large part because of…
Spending on projects underway in July inched down 0.1 percent from June as declines in private nonresidential and multifamily construction offset pickups in public outlays and single-family homebuilding, according to an analysis of new government data that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted the results are consistent with a survey the association released last week that found many owners have canceled, deferred, or scaled back projects due to tariffs and labor shortages. “Our survey of construction firms found 16 percent of contractors reported projects had been canceled, postponed, or scaled back as owners’ demand or…
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has honored Hensel Phelps with a 2025 Build America Award for their exceptional work on the Nashville International Airport Terminal and International Arrivals Facility, a $446 million transformation that redefined what’s possible in construction. The project team faced a challenge unlike any other: build an airport on top of an operating airport. By creating new vertical transportation zones and carefully sequencing construction, they kept passengers moving safely while erecting a new central core and massive 800-foot spine trusses that eliminated 75 structural columns. The result is a breathtaking, modernized terminal that not only…
Just 184, or 51 percent, of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs between July 2024 and July 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said a survey of their members to be released on Thursday shows many contractors want to hire more workers but cannot find enough applicants with adequate training or credentials. “Construction employment has stalled or retreated in many areas for a variety of reasons,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But contractors report they would hire more people if only they could find…