Author: agcnews
Construction employment trends were evenly split between metro areas that added jobs between September 2024 and September 2025 and metros with flat or falling headcounts, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that demand for industrial and data center construction remains robust, but demand in other sectors flags. “The latest data on employment by metro area shows how spotty construction activity has become,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Although a few project types, such as data centers, power, and certain infrastructure and manufacturing plants, are booming,…
Construction employment increased by 28,000 positions in November, outpacing the rate of overall nonfarm payroll growth, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that the construction sector continues to experience acute labor shortages as the pool of lawfully authorized workers continues to shrink. “Construction employment rebounded in November and continued to grow faster than overall nonfarm payrolls,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s senior research analyst. “The underlying trends still point to steady demand for nonresidential construction, even as parts of the residential market remain soft.” Read more.
The deadline is quickly approaching — AGC needs your help to better understand project demand and the challenges contractors will face in 2026.Please complete the survey by December 15th. AGC of America is working to capture how construction demand, labor shortages, enhanced ICE enforcement, tariffs, and other critical factors are affecting the industry. That’s why we are asking contractors to complete the construction outlook survey linked below. TAKE SURVEY NOW Your responses will help shape our understanding of expected market conditions for the coming year and document the challenges firms faced in 2025. We are collecting responses between November 4th…
The producer price index for materials and services used in nonresidential construction rose 0.2 percent in September and 3.2 percent from September 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials said the latest figures underscore how cost pressures are resurfacing for contractors even as overall demand in several private-sector construction segments remains muted. “Persistent input-price pressure, even when the increases are modest, creates a stop and go rhythm in procurement and production instead of a steady flow contractors and suppliers need.” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s senior research analyst.…
Construction employment increased by 19,000 positions in September as firms raised wages to bring on board workers more rapidly than other sectors, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that firms continue to add employees to keep pace with demand for public sector projects and data centers, even as other segments of the industry are experiencing slowing demand. “The employment data are consistent with the August spending numbers that show rising demand for public construction, including a large heavy-civil component,” said Macrina Wilkins, the association’s senior research analyst.…
AGC of America wants to better understand how construction demand, labor shortages, enhanced ICE enforcement, tariffs, and other factors are impacting the construction industry. To gather these insights, we’re asking contractors to complete our Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook Survey. The results will help identify expected market conditions for the coming year and shed light on the challenges contractors faced in 2025. TAKE THE SURVEY NOW
Save Oct. 21-23, 2026, for next year’s conference AGC’s 2025 Construction Workforce & HR Conference, held October 14-16 in Fort Worth, TX, brought together HR, training, and workforce development professionals from across the commercial construction industry for three days of insight, innovation, and inspiration. This year’s conference tackled the most pressing workforce challenges facing construction firms today, from navigating immigration enforcement to leveraging artificial intelligence in HR practices. Attendees gained practical strategies and fresh perspectives to help their organizations attract, retain, and develop top talent in a competitive labor market. Watch the recap video to relive the energy and insights…
Good news — the deadline to apply for an AGC Awards program has been extended! You now have extra time to put the spotlight on your company’s most outstanding work. These prestigious awards honor AGC member firms that deliver the nation’s most impressive construction projects across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions. Don’t miss this second chance to gain national recognition for your team’s excellence and innovation—apply now for the Baldwin Group Build America Award, Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering & Collaboration Award, AGC in the Community Award, Culture of CARE Impact Awards, AGC Innovation…
AGC of America has released the new 2025 AI Resource Guide for Construction Professionals, a practical roadmap to help construction companies of all sizes confidently integrate artificial intelligence into daily operations. The guide offers clear, real-world advice on how to use AI to save time, reduce administrative work, and improve efficiency in areas such as project reporting, proposal development, and vendor management. It also covers privacy and security best practices, prompting techniques, and advanced use cases tailored to construction workflows. For more information, please contact Chris Love at chris.love@agc.org.
When complex challenges meet shared vision, true collaboration can reshape both landscapes and relationships. That spirit of partnership defined the award-winning project at Vigor Shipyards, where owner and contractor Orion Marine worked hand-in-hand to rebuild essential waterfront infrastructure, while creating a thriving new aquatic habitat for migrating salmon. The team dedicated roughly 10% of the shipyard area to the creation of a 2.5-acre estuary, a bold move that required demolishing piers, extracting creosote pilings, and restoring the shoreline. Rather than sending dredged materials offsite, the project team innovated by reusing them on location an environmentally conscious approach that demanded careful…