How the Fed's low interest rates helped post-recession housing

A new working paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University finds a tie between mortgage demand and interest rates.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 28, 2017

Eminent domain: Where landowners clash with project interests

Residents along the route of a proposed Houston-to-Dallas bullet train are pushing back against a private company that says it has the right to acquire their property.

By Kim Slowey • March 28, 2017

UPDATE: Trump repeals DOL 'blacklisting' rule

The Obama-era regulation required contractors bidding on large federal construction projects to submit their history of labor compliance to officials for review.

By Emily Peiffer , Hallie Busta • March 27, 2017

Seattle light rail project costs spike 46% to $712M

Sound Transit approved the extra funds to contractor Kiewit-Hoffman after engineers detected a technical issue with the track plans.

By Kim Slowey • March 27, 2017

From liftoff to landing: Drones by the numbers

Here are the facts and figures you need to know when it comes to drone use in the construction industry.

By Emily Peiffer , Hallie Busta , Mary Tyler March • March 27, 2017

Drone law: How new rules and evolving tech are changing the path of UAVs in construction

The Federal Aviation Administration's final rules for small commercial drones will likely pave the way for additional rulemaking and a more streamlined use process.

By Hallie Busta • March 27, 2017

5 steps to adding drones to construction operations

Before a company can take flight, it must consider several factors to mitigate risk and ensure optimal performance of its UAV program.

By Emily Peiffer • March 27, 2017

Judge revokes permit for $200M NYC pier project

The court said the Army Corps of Engineers did not give enough weight to the fact that the proposed Diller Island project was in a protected fish and wildlife sanctuary.

By Kim Slowey • March 27, 2017

Freddie Mac streamlines assessments for homebuyers without credit scores

The move aims to support responsible lending while improving credit access for low- and moderate-income borrowers, as well as first-time buyers.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 24, 2017

CA bullet train state-bond funding safe — for now

A judge could still issue a temporary injunction against state funding for the beleaguered high-speed rail at a hearing next month.

By Kim Slowey • March 24, 2017

Congressman proposes federal gas tax increase to pay for infrastructure

The annual one-cent hike would generate an estimated $17 billion a year for highways, roads and bridges.

By Kim Slowey • March 24, 2017

Seattle City Council approves creation of renter advisory group

Skyrocketing rents fueled by new high-income earners are forcing many longtime residents out of their rental homes and into a market that lacks affordable options.

By Katy Tomasulo • March 23, 2017

Army liaison charged in military contract bribery scheme

Authorities allege that Kevin Leondi accepted cash and other favors from construction firms in return for favorable treatment. 

By Kim Slowey • March 23, 2017

FAA: Commercial drones in use could soar to 1.6M by 2021

Out of all industries, the construction and industrial sector has a 26% share of current commercial drone uses, second only to aerial photography.

By Kim Slowey • March 23, 2017

MA contractor fined $150K for campaign-donation violation

J. Derenzo Companies asked employees to make campaign donations to several politicians and then reimbursed them in cash, per state officials.

By Kim Slowey • March 23, 2017

San Francisco officials propose banning contractors that bid on border wall from city work

The supervisors said the city should not provide companies with the monetary benefit of public work if they don't share the same values as taxpayers.  

By Kim Slowey • March 22, 2017

Chicago subcontractor sentenced to 1-year prison term for DBE fraud scheme

Elizabeth Perino's two companies reportedly received contracts designated for women- and minority-owned companies but didn't actually perform the work.

By Kim Slowey • March 20, 2017

Trump's budget proposal a mixed bag for the construction industry

The president's plan eliminates TIGER grants for transportation projects and provides billions for the U.S.–Mexico border wall.

By Kim Slowey • March 17, 2017

San Francisco's affordable housing density bonus proposal faces officials — again

Supporters say the law will help bridge the growing affordability gap and add needed workforce housing while critics contend it will displace current residents.

By Sean Barry • March 17, 2017

Trump's infrastructure committee recommends arbitration-style permitting process

The leaders of the task force said a bankruptcy court-style proceeding could shave years off the permitting process for large projects.

By Kim Slowey • March 16, 2017

OSHA rolls out 'Safe and Sound' campaign to encourage employer action

As part of the program, the agency is asking employers to review their safety practices and procedures.

By Kim Slowey • March 16, 2017

Regulation reboot: What is OSHA's fate under a Trump administration?

The construction industry is waiting to find out how the president's approach to regulations will affect the agency.

By Kim Slowey • March 16, 2017

Las Vegas officials propose $12B light rail to link city, airport

Advocates of the plan hope it will get a boost from the new presidential administration's focus on transportation projects.

By Kim Slowey • March 16, 2017

Congressman introduces bill to scrap controversial EB-5 visa program

U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-IA, said the program, which is popular among investors and developers, has been marred by fraud.

By Kim Slowey • March 15, 2017

Regulators wary of surge in construction, development loans

The issuance of C&D loans grew 14% last year, once again outpacing all other categories.

By Kim Slowey • March 15, 2017