Author: agcnews
Construction spending rose slightly from November to December thanks to growing demand for single-family houses and data centers, according to an analysis of a new government report that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted, however, that a flurry of recently announced tariffs during the weekend and today could impact future construction spending. “Despite declines in a few segments, construction demand remains relatively strong,” said Jeffrey Shoaf, the chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. “But increasing the cost of a range of construction materials will prompt contractors to raise bid prices, potentially…
The Latest: On Thursday, January 29, President Trump rescinded the memo, dated January 27th, ordering the temporary “pause” of federal funds. In short, this “pause” would have impacted both direct federal and federal-aid programs that provide funding for construction projects across the country. The “pause” which was set to take effect at 5 p.m. on January 28th would have added uncertainty to schedules for all grant programs. While the memo has now been rescinded, the White House continues to state that the “pause” still applies to programs impacted by executive orders, like electric vehicle charging stations, which AGC reported on…
Last week, Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.) introduced the Main Street Tax Certainty Act in the House and Senate, which would make the 20-percent Section 199A qualified small business income deduction permanent. Making this deduction permanent was identified by AGC members as the top priority for 2025, as it is set to expire at the end of the year. Notably, the legislation was cosponsored in the House by all Republican members of the Ways and Means Committee, and by Senate Majority Leader Thune (R-S.D.) in the Senate. In total, the legislation already has 155 cosponsors in the House, and 42…
On January 20th, President Donald Trump said in an Oval Office signing ceremony that his administration would be enacting sweeping tariffs. During President Trump’s first term in office, he imposed wide ranging tariffs on a variety of imported products. Tariffs have long been a critical tool in U.S. trade policy, affecting the construction industry in both direct and indirect ways. These measures are aimed at addressing trade imbalances and incentivizing domestic production, but they also carry risks of escalating costs, retaliatory trade measures, and further complicating global supply chains. For construction contractors, such policies could lead to stockpiling of materials,…
On January 29, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as the new Secretary of Transportation, following a nomination hearing held on January 15. Duffy was sworn into office shortly after the confirmation, marking the beginning of his tenure overseeing the nation’s transportation policies and infrastructure projects. In a letter to the Senate, AGC highlighted Duffy’s extensive experience and commitment to improving the country’s transportation systems. In the letter, AGC emphasized the importance of Duffy’s role in implementing the remaining funding and projects under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and expressed optimism that Duffy would direct funding toward…
Join us and learn how to make the most of your AGC of America membership AGC hosts virtual member orientations on a quarterly basis to provide an overview of the member benefits, resources, and opportunities available from AGC of America. Please join us for the next meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 2:00pm ET. Whether your company is brand new to AGC or looking for a refresher, this informative session will help ensure that you are maximizing your membership. AGC of America staff will be available to answer questions and help connect you to relevant resources. Register today to learn…
As part of AGC of America’s comprehensive approach to workforce development in the construction industry, we work hard to connect AGC members and chapters with successful workforce development programs from across the country. As part of those efforts, we hosted the most recent National Construction Industry HR & Workforce Conference last October. The enclosed after-action report details the many workforce solutions featured at the meeting. AGC of America and our partners at Arcoro created and designed this report. Review the solutions listed in the report, find the ones that make the most sense to you, and take advantage of the…
AGC Charities, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and United Rentals, is gearing up for the 2025 AGC Charities Project in Columbus, Ohio. This meaningful event, taking place on Monday, April 7th, will bring together construction professionals to help build homes for families in need. Volunteers will roll up their sleeves to make a lasting impact, giving back to the community while demonstrating the power of the industry’s generosity. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something truly special. Sign up today and help build a brighter future! Register here. 📅 Date: Monday, April 7th📍 Location: Columbus, Ohio Watch…
Construction employment increased in 38 states and the District of Columbia in December from a year earlier, while 26 states added construction jobs between November and December, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials said that future employment levels in the construction industry could be impacted depending on the new administration’s workforce and funding plans. “Many firms are counting on strong public-sector demand this year and plan to hire as a result,” said Jeffrey Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer. “But possible federal funding pauses and efforts…
In this video, Scott Hollyfield shares his powerful and deeply personal journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the critical need for Narcan (Naloxone) on construction jobsites. As a union leader and advocate, Scott’s story underscores how substance abuse can impact anyone and emphasizes the life-saving importance of being prepared to respond to overdoses. Through his testimony, Scott aims to inspire contractors and industry professionals to prioritize overdose prevention by equipping their worksites with Narcan and fostering a culture of care, safety, and second chances. For more information on Naloxone Safety in the Workplace visit https://www.answ.org/