Author: agcnews

On August 4, AGC announced its opposition to the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” as agreed to by Senator Manchin and Senator Schumer and outlined the association’s significant concerns to Congress. As written, the legislation would: While many of the provisions in the original “Build Back Better Act,” such as the Greenhouse Gas Performance Measure, were ultimately dropped, AGC is still concerned about the remaining provisions and their potential impact on the industry. As such, AGC announced that we are reserving the right to key vote—or record elected officials’ votes for the education of AGC members—final passage of the legislation, or any amendments that…

During the week of July 25, the House and Senate passed AGC-backed legislation—the CHIPS Act of 2022—that will provide $39 billion for the building, improvement, and expansion of semiconductor manufacturing plants across the nation. The construction of these facilities will also spur broader economic development and new, long-term construction jobs. For example, to support these new facilities: In addition, these investments will lead to the construction of new schools, commercial buildings, and more to accommodate growing communities. President Biden is set to sign the bill into law on August 9th.

Construction firms added 32,000 jobs in July as the sector’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent and the number of unfilled construction positions approaches record levels, according to an analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the job gains were welcome news but would have been higher if firms could find more workers to hire. “Construction firms are doing their best to add new workers to keep pace with strong demand for construction,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Despite the month’s big gains, the industry’s job…

On July 27, the Department of Transportation (USDOT) published a Request for Information on the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that specified a new category of construction materials used for projects be produced in the United States. Specifically, they are asking: In May, the Department announced 180-day delay of the new BABA requirements. AGC helped lead an effort with 41 other national organizations calling on the Administration to extend the 180-day BABA waiver to ensure that, in the meantime, projects are not needlessly delayed. AGC continues to be concerned about the current availability and pricing of construction materials…

Construction employment fell in 61 and was unchanged in another 51 out of 358 metro areas between June 2021 and June 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that employment was falling or stagnant in nearly one-third of metro areas at a time when many construction firms are struggling to find enough qualified workers to hire and cope with supply chain challenges and rising materials prices. “Construction employment likely would have expanded in more metro areas if firms had the materials they need and the workers they want,” said Stephen…

CONSTRUCTION SPENDING FALLS IN JUNE WITH DECLINES IN RESIDENTIAL AND NONRESIDENTAL ACTIVITY AMID GROWING LABOR AND MATERIALS SHORTAGES Construction Association Official Says Supply Chain Challenges and Lack of Workers is Suppressing Demand for New Construction Amid Higher Construction Costs and Longer Schedules Total construction spending fell by 1.1 percent in June as spending on new housing and nonresidential projects declined compared to May, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Read more

Seeking to find ways to help America build, key congressional leaders bring in AGC to talk about its Climate Change Task Force report, the challenges of the federal environmental permitting process and more. On Tuesday, July 19, AGC’s Leah Pilconis participated in a roundtable discussion with the House Republican’s Energy, Climate, and Conservation Task Force. This particular discussion was part of their Let America Build series discussing obstacles to the United States producing energy, deploying innovative technologies, and building infrastructure. The event provided AGC with an opportunity to talk to Members of Congress, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and House Select…

For more than two years, the U.S. construction industry has been buffeted by unprecedented increases in material costs, supply-chain bottlenecks, and a tight labor market. AGC’s Construction Inflation Alert is intended to help owners, public officials, and others understand what contractors are experiencing. The July 2022 edition—the 8th since early 2021, outlines steps owners and contractors can take to adjust to the fast-changing market conditions. Chapters and members are encouraged to forward the latest information about conditions, such as supplier newsletters and “Dear Valued Customer” letters, to Chief Economist Ken Simonson at ken.simonson@agc.org. AGC will continue to update the Alert as needed. 

In this episode, AGC’s own Jimmy Christianson, Vice President of Government Relations, and Deniz Mustafa, Program Coordinator for the Building Division take a dive into what Buy America/n requirements are, why we have them, and what we may be able to expect from new Buy America Build America Act regulations that come with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. As government agencies work through their individual processes and procedures, AGC would like to prepare members for imminent changes involving material procurement. Guests:Deniz Mustafa, Program Coordinator, Building Division, AGC of America, deniz.mustafa@agc.orgJimmy Christianson, Vice President, Government Relations, AGC of America, jimmy.christianson@agc.org Resources:Made in…

Construction employment in June continued to trail pre-pandemic levels in more than one-third of the states despite record job openings, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials called on government officials to allow employers to sponsor more foreign-born workers and support more career and technical education to broaden opportunities for workers to gain construction skills. “Construction employment has stalled in many states, even though contractors have plenty of projects needing more employees, due to a dearth of qualified workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Only half the…