Author: agcnews
AGC of America recently joined the Independent Work Coalition (IWC) in a letter to the Trump administration urging it to rescind the Biden-era independent contractor final rule under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule is currently facing several legal challenges – one of which AGC is actively involved in – and the Department of Labor (DOL) recently issued new guidance for independent contractor classification, halting enforcement of the Biden administration’s 2024 rule. AGC believes that rescinding the 2024 rule would align with the Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda and support both contractors who rely on the independent contractor…
This week, more committees in the House of Representatives marked up their portions of the reconciliation package, also known as The Big Beautiful Bill. AGC breaks it down for contractors. Tax: Energy and Environment: Workforce: So, what’s next? The bill is still being pieced together by committees. It could still change before it even goes to the House floor for a vote. If it passes, it is probable that the Senate will have changes to the bill, sending it back over to the House. As always, we will keep you updated on the latest. For additional information, please contact Alex…
The Sioux Falls AGC Young Constructors volunteered at Leif Erikson Day Camp on April 21, 2025, dedicating their time and skills to improving the camp’s recreational infrastructure. In 2024, the camp experienced significant flooding that damaged much of the grounds, including the original gaga ball pits. To help restore this important activity area, the Young Constructors built three brand-new gaga ball pits, managing both site preparation and assembly. Materials for the project were supplied by Builders First Source and purchased and donated to the camp by the Sioux Falls Young Constructors. Butler Machinery (CAT) also supported the effort by donating rental equipment, which played a key role in…
Kiewit Infrastructure’s Michael Svoboda won the inaugural Bowen Prize for Great Builders from the Associated General Contractors of America in recognition of his field leadership during the construction of Nashville’s new Broadway Bridge. As a result, the association’s AGC Education & Research Foundation presented a $50,000 check to Svoboda’s alma mater, the University of Wyoming’s Construction Management Program, to help support the development of future successful leaders. “This new prize is designed to recognize the most outstanding field leaders working in our industry,” said Todd Roberts, the association’s national president and president of ERS Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. “It doesn’t hurt to be…
Watsonville, Calif.-based Granite Construction awarded for its development of an innovative AI-powered training tool, called Asphalt Guru – designed to address the looming retirement of experienced asphalt paving professionals. As a result, Granite Construction was named the grand prize winner of the AGC Innovation Awards, sponsored by Autodesk. “We are seeking to support these innovations and to allow their creators to perfect and promote the innovations,” said Todd Roberts, the association’s national president and president of ERS Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. “If we really want to change the industry, we have to find a way to encourage the widespread adoption of significant innovations,…
Construction sector employment increased by 11,000 positions in April as rising wages enabled the industry to add workers more rapidly than other sectors, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said growing uncertainty about the impacts of new tariffs could undermine future employment growth in the sector. “The construction industry continued to add workers at a faster clip than other sectors in April as the industry boosted pay more than other private employers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But uncertainty over tariffs and other policy reversals may…
In this episode recorded live at the 2025 AGC Convention, host Max Nelson sits down with Alex Juarez (Pittsburg State University) and Chip Wilson (Colorado State University)—two soon-to-be graduates preparing to enter the construction workforce. They share what inspired their career paths, how AGC student chapters and internships have shaped their journey, and what they’re looking for in potential employers. Whether you’re a contractor looking to connect with emerging professionals or a student thinking about your next step, this conversation offers real-world insights into the future of the industry. To learn more about AGC’s Student Chapter network, visit agc.org/connect/chapters/student-chapters
Construction spending decreased 0.5 percent from February to March with a pullback in all of the largest nonresidential public and private project types, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of a new government report. Association officials noted that the decline in construction activity comes amid growing uncertainty about the impacts tariffs and trade disputes would have on materials prices and overall demand for new projects. “Construction spending retreated in March, as media reports and corporate announcements suggest owners are hesitant to start new projects in light of uncertainty over tariffs, government funding, and other policy…
The AGC Education and Research Foundation proudly unveiled the inaugural recipient of the Bowen Prize for Great Builders, an award honoring the most influential and impactful leaders in the construction industry. This new distinction recognizes those who manage the work on the ground, solve complex challenges, and deliver transformative infrastructure projects. We are thrilled to announce the first-ever recipient of the Bowen Prize is Michael Svoboda, Project Manager at Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. Michael led the Broadway Bridge Replacement Project in Nashville, TN—an ambitious $71.8 million urban infrastructure initiative. Under his leadership, the project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule,…
Construction employment increased in 192, or 53 percent, of 360 metro areas between March 2024 and March 2025, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted fewer metro areas are adding construction jobs compared to a year ago amid signs that tariff uncertainty and tight labor markets are impacting demand for projects. “In the past 12 months barely half of metro areas experienced an increase in construction employment, a notable slowing from last year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “This may be a sign that investors and…