Economy

Biden calls union reps 'real friends,' seeks their infrastructure input

The president yesterday met with the leaders of several construction-related unions, nominated a new head of the National Labor Relations Board and bolstered his apprenticeship initiative. 

By Joe Bousquin • Feb. 18, 2021

Construction firms nab $13.7B total in PPP loans so far this year

The industry is second in total 2021 Paycheck Protection Program amounts after the restaurant and hotel category.

By Jenn Goodman • Feb. 16, 2021

5 creative ways malls are repurposing their spaces

With lots of square footage and plenty of parking, shopping centers are rethinking ways to give their centralized locations new life. 

By Kaarin Vembar • Feb. 16, 2021

Report: Most construction ESOPs not significantly impacted by pandemic

In a survey, 68% of construction firms with employee stock ownership plans reported their sustainability, cash flow and liquidity were not greatly affected, but 50% said 2020 profits took a hit.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 12, 2021

Despite COVID-19 layoffs, construction union membership held steady in 2020

Newly released federal data also shows that wages for workers in unions and those covered by a union contract were greater than for nonunion workers.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 02, 2021

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Firms denied PPP forgiveness can take tax credit, IRS says

A change Congress made in December allows the credit for some Paycheck Protection Program loan recipients.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 29, 2021

Report: Despite COVID-19, construction costs rose in these US cities

A new analysis from Rider Levett Bucknall details how construction costs have changed across 12 markets since before the coronavirus pandemic began.

By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 28, 2021

Biden toughens Buy American rules

The revised policies, which will apply to the administration's plans for infrastructure and energy projects, will have ramifications for construction firms that do business with the federal government.

By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 26, 2021

Opinion

Insurance 101 for small contractors

Here are 10 ways that small and medium-sized construction firms can keep insurance costs low while maintaining proper coverage.

By Rakesh Gupta • Jan. 22, 2021

Biden likely to raise corporate tax rate

While President Joe Biden is expected to increase the top corporate tax rate to 28%, he may also push for new tax breaks for certain businesses.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 22, 2021

How Biden's Inauguration Day executive orders will impact construction

From a review of environmental regulations to new federal contracting rules and immigration policies, many of President Joe Biden's actions on his first day in office have ramifications for construction firms across the country.

By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 20, 2021

Political unrest could hamper construction jobs, contractors say

Respondents to a Construction Dive survey are worried that upheaval will scare away clients and slow funding for new projects.

By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 19, 2021

Opinion

7 legal, other trends influencing construction in 2021

Prolonged court closures, more payment disputes and increased small business bankruptcies are a few of the factors that will influence commercial construction this year, according to two industry experts.

By Jeffrey Kozek and E. Mitchell Swann • Jan. 19, 2021

Survey: Is US political unrest harmful to construction?

Running a business is never easy, but corporate leaders say that recent political and economic uncertainty could make it more difficult. What's your take?

By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 14, 2021

The 13 construction sectors contractors expect to shrink in 2021

The AGC found that construction pros think only alternative healthcare facilities, warehouses and water and sewer facility work will make small gains this year while many sectors could experience double-digit declines.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 11, 2021

Latest round of PPP loan program kicks off today

The $284 billion package prioritizes community financial institutions for fund distribution and has special considerations for minority, underserved, veteran and women-owned businesses. 

By Jenn Goodman , Dan Ennis • Jan. 11, 2021

Construction, other trade groups decry mob violence at US Capitol

Despite Wednesday's unrest, AGC's chief said the violent attack by Trump supporters won't stop the peaceful transfer of power.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 08, 2021

What's in the new COVID-19 relief package for contractors?

Billions of dollars of funding for roads, harbors, schools, military housing, broadband and clean energy is aimed at spurring construction.

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 07, 2021

Dems edge closer to Senate control, raising stakes for construction

As the country awaits the final outcome of yesterday's runoff in Georgia, there's no doubt that the impacts will be far-reaching for contractors.

By Joe Bousquin , Jenn Goodman • Jan. 06, 2021

Can the pandemic's construction lessons help Biden boost infrastructure?

Public projects that have been rolled out with lightning speed during the coronavirus provide a potential roadmap for how to kick off President-elect Joe Biden's Build Back Better campaign, industry leaders say.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 21, 2020

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'Tough slog' for construction ahead, says Dodge economist

A trio of commercial construction data points — from Dodge Analytics and two leading industry trade groups — emerged this week, none of them good.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 09, 2020

AGC sues feds over PPP loan necessity questionnaire

The Associated General Contractors of America's lawsuit seeks to compel the federal government to revise the Paycheck Protection Program questionnaire, saying "they do not have the right to use a secretly crafted form to gather unprecedented amounts of proprietary information."

By Jenn Goodman • Dec. 09, 2020

Q&A

PPP necessity form: What contractors need to know

A CPA sheds light on the new loan necessity questionnaire for Paycheck Protection Program borrowers, a requirement that has been called "confusing and burdensome" by industry groups.

By Jenn Goodman • Nov. 24, 2020