Construction employment increased in 190 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 63 and declined in 105 between December 2014 and December 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many firms expect to continue expanding their headcount in 2016 as demand continues to grow for different types of construction.

Construction spending inched up in December from a month earlier and increased solidly over the year but the major components showed divergent trends, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that slowdown in spending in a number of key, private nonresidential categories could reflect broader financial uncertainty and undermine the sector's recovery.

Forty-four states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs in 2015 while construction employment increased in 39 states and D.C. between November and December amid strong demand for construction in most states, according to analysis of Labor Department data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many of the states experiencing construction declines appear to be energy producing states.

Below is a review of the past week's news articles from across the country featuring AGC of America's efforts.

Construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May and 273,000 over 12 months, as the sector's unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent, the lowest May rate since 2006, according to an analysis by AGC. Association officials noted that the job gains come as the private and public sectors are increasing investments in construction services.

Construction firms added 45,000 jobs in April and 280,000 over 12 months, as the sector's unemployment rate fell to a nine-year April low of 7.5 percent, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials noted that even as the industry continues to expand, growth has been erratic and inconsistent.

Even as construction firms added jobs in 41 states between March 2014 and March 2015, construction employment declined in 29 states and the District of Columbia between February and March, according to an analysis today of Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that ongoing D.C. gridlock over how to pay for needed infrastructure improvements and declining demand for oil-related projects likely contributed to so many states shedding construction jobs last month.

Construction declined by 1,000 in March but is still up by 282,000 compared to the prior year, as the sector's unemployment rate fell to 9.5 percent, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials noted that declining demand for residential and public sector projects offset gains in other areas to contribute to the overall month job losses.

Construction employment expanded in 278 metro areas, declined in 36 and was stagnant in 44 between February 2014 and February 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials said the job gains come as private sector demand, particularly for multifamily housing, offset declining public sector investments, labor shortages and the challenges of a slowing global economy and declining oil prices.

Construction spending inched down in February from January levels but increased from a year earlier, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials noted that the latest construction figures were held back by declining demand for single family homes and declining public sector investment levels.