Author: agcnews
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and NCCER will release new data next week showing the severity of construction workforce shortages across the country and the impact of enhanced immigration enforcement on the industry’s labor force. The findings will be unveiled during a virtual media briefing on Thursday, August 28, at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The new data provides a comprehensive look at the scope and causes of construction labor shortages nationwide, with detailed breakdowns by region and state. It will also examine how firms are responding to workforce challenges through technology adoption, innovative recruitment efforts, and expanded training opportunities.…
Sign Up Today to Be Ready for When the Unexpected Happens What happens if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents show up at one of your construction job sites? Beyond legal concerns, how you communicate during and after an ICE raid can define your company’s reputation. Sign up for this one-hour webinar on August 27, where crisis communications expert Anthony Huey shares practical strategies to help contractors prepare for and manage the internal and external communications challenges of an ICE worksite enforcement action. You will learn how to develop internal communication plans, train site leaders on message delivery, handle…
Construction employment increased in 31 states and the District of Columbia in July from a year earlier, while 22 states added construction jobs between June and July, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials said construction employment continues to be impacted by a range of changing federal policies on trade, funding and labor. “The number of states with construction job gains continues to slip, on both a monthly and a year-over-year basis,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Owners have delayed project starts in the face…
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.5 percent in July and 2.6 percent from July 2024, the largest 12-month increase since February 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials urged the Trump administration to quickly resolve outstanding trade negotiations and ease the punitive tariff levels put in place with many U.S. trading partners. “Steep tariff increases earlier this year on aluminum and steel, along with a more recent tariff on raw copper, drove the producer price index for construction inputs higher for the…
Construction employment edged higher by 2,000 jobs in July, as spending on projects underway in June decreased 0.4 percent from May, according to an analysis of two new government reports that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials pointed to ongoing tariff and labor uncertainty as the reason many construction owners may be scaling back planned projects. “Employment growth in construction has slowed over the past year as uncertainty about tariffs and labor availability have caused owners to delay, stretch out, shrink, and cancel projects,” said, Ken Simonson, chief economist of the Associated General Contractors of America.…
There’s still time to make your voice heard! AGC of America is asking construction firms like yours to take a few minutes to complete our Workforce Survey before it closes on August 15. We want to better understand how labor shortages, changes in immigration enforcement, and new tariffs are impacting your operations. The more responses we receive, the more effectively we can advocate for real solutions to support the construction industry. Survey results will be released the week before Labor Day, helping to shape the national conversation around workforce challenges. If you haven’t taken the survey yet, now’s the time.…
Exactly half of the nation’s metro areas added construction jobs between June 2024 and June 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that construction demand appears to be stalled in many parts of the country amid uncertainty about tariff rates and labor availability. “Construction activity is in a holding pattern in much of the nation,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “As a result, fewer metro areas are experiencing gains in construction employment compared to a year ago.” The construction economist noted that only 180 of…
Apply by Monday, October 27, 2025! AGC of America is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 AGC Awards competitions! The Baldwin Group Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions recognize the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions; those contractors excelling in their partnering and collaborative endeavors; and the charitable contractors and chapters giving back to their communities. The Culture of CARE Impact Awards celebrate construction companies that are transforming their culture to create environments where every individual feels…
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.2 percent in June and 2.3 percent from June 2024, the largest 12-month increase since February 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials cautioned that tariff increases due to take effect on August 1 threaten to drive up a wide range of construction costs that could further undermine demand for construction. Read more.
For the first time ever, AGC’s Supervisory Training Program (STP), 10th Edition, is available virtually through AGC EDGE’s live online platform. For over forty years, the Supervisory Training Program (STP) has been the bedrock for developing field leaders. In the new 10th edition, STP integrates proven subject matter with cutting-edge industry practices, equipping learners with essential skills and knowledge. It’s developed by contractors, for contractors. Check Out AGC Edge STP Courses