Author: agcnews

All Major Segments Post Year-over-Year Increases, While Strength in Manufacturing, Power, Office, and Highway and Street Construction Offsets Declines in Commercial Construction between July and August Total construction spending increased by 0.5 percent in August, driven by increases in most large nonresidential construction segments in addition to residential projects, according to an analysis of federal spending data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said that while growing demand for construction is welcome news, construction firms remain concerned about finding enough qualified workers to keep pace with demand. “For now, all types of construction are growing,” said…

In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a remarkable feat of engineering stands tall, literally and figuratively reshaping the skyline. The TKE Test Tower, constructed by Brasfield & Gorrie, is not only the tallest elevator test tower in North America but also a symbol of innovation and excellence in construction. This groundbreaking project has garnered significant attention and acclaim, culminating in a prestigious Build America Award in 2023. Take a look!

Dallas-Plano-Irving, Texas, and Baton Rouge, La. Register the Largest Number and Percent of Job Gains; Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, Texas and Kankakee, Ill. Experience Worst Year-over-Year Losses Construction employment increased in 223 of 358 metro areas between August 2022 and August 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said contractors report they would like to hire even more workers but are having trouble finding enough qualified ones to hire. “Although construction employment is growing in most locations, contractors everywhere report they are having trouble filling positions,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Many more…

Labor Shortages & Productivity Challenges Threaten to Undermine Success in Building New Infrastructure Projects, Firms Eager to Embrace Technologies to Help According to a report released today by Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: PCOR) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 78% of civil and infrastructure construction firms expect their project backlog to increase or remain the same over the next year as new federal infrastructure funding ramps up. The report, Top Civil & Infrastructure Trends: Today’s Industry Challenges and Opportunities, found that many firms are worried that labor shortages and productivity challenges could undermine their success with these projects. “With increased backlogs prompted by…

We are thrilled to announce that the Mid-Coast Corridor Project in San Diego has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Grand Award in the Build America Awards. This recognition underscores the project’s innovative design, exceptional engineering, and significant impact on the community.The Mid-Coast Corridor Project is a landmark transportation initiative aimed at enhancing mobility and accessibility for the residents of San Diego. Spanning 11 miles, this ambitious project extends the existing Blue Line Trolley from Old Town to the University City area, providing a vital link between key economic and educational hubs. Winning the 2023 Grand Award in the Build…

The Sam McIntyre Stadium project was not without its challenges. The contractor faced a tight schedule, adverse weather conditions, and the complexities of integrating modern technology into an existing structure. Despite these obstacles, the team’s commitment to excellence and innovative problem-solving ensured the project was completed on time and within budget, while taking home a 2023 Build America Award! Check it out!

Texas and Wyoming Top Lists of Year-over-Year Gains, While Missouri, North Dakota Record the Worst Losses; California and Wyoming Lead in Monthly Job Increases, While Tennessee Experiences Largest Declines Construction employment increased in 45 states and the District of Columbia in August from a year earlier, while 32 states and D.C. added construction employees from July to August, according to an analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that most contractors report having a hard time finding workers and that the job gains would have been larger if more qualified candidates were available to hire. “Construction…

Monthly Jump in Input Costs is Driven by Near-Record 34.6 Percent Leap in Diesel Fuel Price Index; Contractors Report Major Staffing Challenges in Association’s Latest Survey of Hiring Conditions The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction increased 1.1 percent from July to August, driven by an extreme jump in diesel fuel costs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that most other commodity prices were subdued but said their newly released survey showed contractors continue to experience widespread problems finding qualified workers and the costs associated with those shortages. “The steep climb in…

Written by Christine Preusler for Constructor Magazine As the world wakes up to the importance of mental health in all walks of life, alarming statistics highlight the need for immediate action in the construction industry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide rates in the U.S. construction industry are among the highest at 53.2 suicides per 100,000 workers — a figure four times greater than the national average. Several factors inherent in construction work exacerbate mental health issues. For example, physically demanding tasks and exposure to hazardous conditions can lead to bodily injuries, which not only…

88 Percent of Construction Firms Having a Hard Time Finding Workers to Hire, Undermining Efforts to Build Infrastructure & Other Projects as Firms Boost Pay, Embrace AI to Cope with Labor Shortages Few candidates have the basic skills needed to work in high-paying construction careers, forcing short-staffed contractors to find new ways to keep pace with demand and undermining efforts to build infrastructure and other projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Autodesk. The results highlight significant shortcomings in the nation’s approach to preparing workers for careers in construction. “The biggest takeaway from…