Nonresidential construction spending fell for 3rd time in 4 months

The August U.S. Census Bureau report, delayed by the federal government shutdown, showed weakness across commercial construction categories, though data center activity held firm.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 18, 2025

Contractor backlog slips, strength depends on sector

A majority of builders believe construction activity is contracting, per Associated Builders and Contractors, yet those in leading sectors have healthy books.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 13, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

M&A activity ticks up across the construction industry

Construction firms, contech providers and consultants have all made recent deals to combine forces or expand into new markets. 

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 13, 2025

Project costs stymy construction planning

Dodge Construction Network forecasts early-stage activity to decelerate, especially as macroeconomic risks mount.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 12, 2025

AI, robotics push built environment tech funding to $4.4B influx

Cash infusions to the sector saw a 66% year-over-year increase, per a Nymbl Ventures report.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 12, 2025

US Steel outlines $14B domestic investment plan with Nippon Steel

In addition to $11 billion in U.S. facility improvements by 2028, the companies plan to drive operational efficiencies and reduce costs to bolster profitability.

By Nathan Owens • Nov. 10, 2025

Supreme Court questions Trump’s tariff powers in landmark case

Several justices seemed skeptical of the Trump administration's claims of broad tariff authority under a 1977 emergency powers act.

By Antone Gonsalves • Nov. 7, 2025

WSP downplays M&A rumors, government shutdown

The Montreal-based builder recorded gains across its backlog, profits and revenue year over year in Q3 while affirming its commitment to the North American market.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 7, 2025

Contractors’ pay strategies hint at stabilizing job market

Salary increases driven by labor shortages and inflation have begun to slow, indicating an easing labor market, according to a recent report from an accounting advisory firm.

By Zachary Phillips • Nov. 5, 2025

October data signals boom, bust construction markets

With federal reports on pause amid the government shutdown, private construction indicators showed steady conditions but uneven segment activity.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 4, 2025

AI, data centers add to economic development, experts say

The ongoing demand for data centers and artificial intelligence has created jobs for electrical components manufacturing and construction. Panelists at Nvidia GTC urge lawmakers to reform energy and trade policy to address the growth.

By Sara Samora • Oct. 31, 2025

Fed’s latest cut strengthens construction confidence

Wednesday’s trimming adds to a growing sense of a softer borrowing environment for construction by next year, according to a Fort Myers, Florida-based general contractor.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 29, 2025

The 9 largest commercial construction starts of September 2025

Overall nonresidential groundbreakings ticked up during the month and posted a 5% increase year to date through September, according to Dodge Construction Network.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 24, 2025

Stress cools across construction, but public work slips

Civil construction abandoned or placed on hold largely stemmed from issues with federal funding, according to ConstructConnect.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 22, 2025

Data centers, infrastructure prop up construction backlog

Public works and digital infrastructure sustained pipelines as private projects lost momentum over the past year, according to ABC’s backlog report.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 15, 2025

Data centers, healthcare keep construction planning on track

Early-stage activity climbed again, a signal for stronger groundbreakings next year, according to Dodge Construction Network.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 8, 2025

Amid tariff, job and supply concerns, multifamily pros prioritize occupancy

After seeing rents decline for the first summer in 15 years, apartment operators are hesitant to raise prices heading into the colder months.

By Leslie Shaver • Oct. 2, 2025

Crane count drops 44% across North American cities

Major markets showed fewer of the hallmarks of building activity for the second consecutive report, according to Rider Levett Bucknall.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 1, 2025

2026’s top construction conferences

It’s time to plan for the year to come. Construction Dive has you covered with a full list of the industry conferences and expos on tap for 2026.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 1, 2025

US to begin furniture, wood import tariffs on Oct. 14

An executive order from President Donald Trump installs a 25% tariff on couch, sofa, chair and kitchen cabinet imports and a 10% duty on timber and lumber.

By Philip Neuffer • Sept. 30, 2025

The 9 largest commercial construction starts of August 2025

The pace of groundbreaking growth is beginning to level off, according to Dodge Construction Network.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 23, 2025

Private construction steadies, but public abandonments jump

Despite relief in the commercial sector, the Project Stress Index remains higher than a year ago, and projects funded with government money took a worrisome turn.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 19, 2025

Contractors welcome rate cut, push for more

Firms said the quarter-point reduction will provide a meaningful confidence boost, especially for private projects, though likely won’t boom construction activity.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 17, 2025

Backlog slips as small construction firms lose ground

Labor issues and material costs cut into project pipelines for contractors with under $30 million in revenue.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 17, 2025

‘There is a limit’: Rising materials costs test construction’s breaking point

Prices for steel, aluminum and other key inputs “rose at an especially rapid pace,” said ABC chief economist.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 11, 2025