Economy
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Analysts: Infrastructure, modularization, resiliency top industry drivers
While a recession is likely on the horizon, several segments of the construction industry will experience massive growth in the next few years, say experts from McKinsey and Dodge.
By Jenn Goodman • June 11, 2019 -
SponsoredMaking up for the construction labor shortage with technology
Construction has had a complicated relationship with technology, but the shortage of skilled labor has forced the industry to re-evaluate.
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Top construction execs reveal challenges, opportunities
Leaders at AECOM, PCL and STO Building Group discuss labor, tariffs, integrated project delivery and preparing for a potential slowdown.
By Jenn Goodman • May 30, 2019 -
Facebook receives tax incentive to build fifth Altoona, Iowa, data center
The city will waive property taxes in exchange for the tech giant's $400 million investment.
By Jenn Goodman • May 10, 2019 -
FAA projects massive growth in commercial drone use
The administration said the number could triple by 2023, far outpacing the consumer drone market, which it said appears to be slowing down.
By Jason Plautz • May 08, 2019 -
NYC region holds lead in struggling retail construction sector
While the decline of brick-and-mortar shopping caused double-digit decreases in the value of retail work underway in many metros, the city and its suburbs' work increased 4% last year, finds a new report.
By Kathleen Brown • May 06, 2019 -
Construction industry unemployment at record low
The case for an economic downturn over the next 18 months is fading fast, said an ABC economist, citing 103 months of continuous job creation.
By Kathleen Brown • May 06, 2019 -
Jacobs Engineering tops ENR's 2019 design firm rankings
The AEC powerhouse claimed the top spot for the second year running in a field where "technology now is the price of entry."
By Kathleen Brown • May 01, 2019 -
Construction, engineering M&As hit record in 2018: FMI
Companies are focused on growing while the economy remains strong and expanding tech capabilities as a differentiator against tough competition.
By Kathleen Brown • May 01, 2019 -
Steel Dynamics CEO: Quotas 'likely' to replace tariffs
A handful of quota supporters see them as a necessary evil that would stabilize the market after an initial period of shock, but opponents seem to be more vocal so far.
By Emma Cosgrove • April 29, 2019 -
World's most expensive place to build is now San Francisco
The city's average construction costs of $416 per square foot increased 5% in 2018 to surpass New York City.
By Kim Slowey • April 11, 2019 -
Developer-builder to invest $1B in heartland opportunity zones by 2022
Decennial Group aims to direct up to $20 billion of construction to the economically challenged tax havens during the next 10 years.
By Kim Slowey • April 09, 2019 -
Total February spending up 1%, highway segment up 9.5%
The numbers exceeded expectations and represented a rebound from weak spending at the end of 2018.
By Kim Slowey • April 05, 2019 -
By the numbers: How Trump's proposed 2020 budget affects construction
The Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. DOT and more would sustain heavy cuts in the president's move to curb spending, but defense- and emergency-related pools, along with targeted infrastructure grants, would see funding upticks.
By Kathleen Brown • March 19, 2019 -
$1B of work slated in Des Moines, Iowa
The soaring value of commercial building permits in 2018 is expected to hold its momentum, driven largely by urban renovations and suburban data centers.
By Kim Slowey • March 13, 2019 -
Wells Fargo: Nonresidential construction industry growth continues
The financial services firm joins most other industry observers in predicting a strong 2019 followed by potential uncertainty.
By Kim Slowey • March 08, 2019 -
Deep DiveWill economic uncertainty leave construction tech in limbo?
Now's the time to tidy up outdated processes, experts say, so that nothing stands in the way of technology's value when the downturn rears its ugly head.
By Kathleen Brown • March 06, 2019 -
South Texas county backs $1.8B steel mill project with new reinvestment zone
State and local governments are willing to compete for projects like the Steel Dynamics mill in San Patricio County in part because they stimulate the economy during construction.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 25, 2019 -
Trump light on trade, infrastructure details in State of the Union address
Though the White House spent much of 2018 attempting to steer the national conversation toward infrastructure, the topic received just two sentences with no specific appropriations mentioned.
By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 06, 2019 -
Trump executive order extends Buy American policy
The directive asks federal agencies to encourage contractors on infrastructure projects to buy iron, aluminum, steel, cement and other goods domestically.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 05, 2019 -
FMI: Despite market growth, contractors should still 'recession proof'
The consulting firm suggested taking precautionary measures against a potential downturn while construction businesses are still booming.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 28, 2019 -
NYC construction activity may have 'leveled out' in 2018
While they slid from 2017 levels, last year's permits represent the addition of 46 million square feet of floor space, according to the city's buildings department.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 24, 2019 -
Memphis, Tennessee, saw $1.3B of new construction permits in 2018
As is trending in many U.S. metros, residents' demand for a live-work-play environment is drawing business and keeping contractors busy.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 18, 2019 -
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, region sees $1.6B of construction since 2016
Linn County has seen 125 projects valued at $1 million or more, offering testament to the trend of big development booms happening in small pockets outside the country's major metros.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 17, 2019 -
2018 Dodge Momentum Index up 4.3%
Institutional projects led the way with an 8.5% increase year over year, buoying the overall index against slowdowns during the last six months.
By Kim Slowey • Jan. 09, 2019
