Construction spending totaled $807 billion in November 2011, the highest level since June 2010, as homebuilding, private nonresidential construction and public construction all increased compared to October, AGC reported today in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.

Construction employment declined in 146 out of 337 metropolitan areas between November 2010 and November 2011, increased in 131 and stayed level in 60, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC.

Construction employment rose in only 19 states and the District of Columbia in November, a weaker showing than in recent months, according to an analysis of Labor Department data by AGC .  In contrast, 25 states plus D.C. added jobs on a year-over-year basis, while 24 states shed construction jobs.

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.1 percent in November but climbed 6.2 percent from a year earlier, outstripping the increase in contractors’ bid prices for finished buildings, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released today by AGC. Officials with the construction association warned that the cost squeeze on contractors, combined with declining public sector investments in construction, may drive many contractors out of business.

Construction employment declined in 146 out of 337 metropolitan areas between October 2010 and October 2011, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC. 

Construction employment shrank for the second straight month in November as residential, nonresidential building and heavy construction segments remained in low gear, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released today by AGC.  Association officials said the employment drop reflects continued declines in public sector investments.  They added that construction employment could benefit from increased transportation investments and other pro-growth measures designed to boost private sector demand.

Construction spending increased for the third straight month in October as private activity strengthened while public spending shrank, AGC reported today in an analysis of new Census Bureau data.  AGC officials cautioned that further declines in public sector activity may soon swamp gains in homebuilding and private nonresidential investment.

Washington Business Journal named the Associated General Contractors of America to its "Top of the List: Trade Associations" for 2011. AGC is one of only three construction industry related trade associations on the journal's Top 50 list, and the only general contractors association on the list.

Construction employment rose in half the states and decreased in half in October and during the past year, closely matching the stable national employment picture, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data.  The even split between gains and losses reflects the accelerating improvement in apartment and private nonresidential construction, offset by a declining public market and stalled single-family sector.

Nov. 21,  President Obama signed into law the 3 Percent Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act.  The law permanently repeals the requirement that federal, state, and large local governments begin withholding 3 percent of each payment of $10,000 or more to a contractor after Jan. 1, 2013.  Today’s bill signing is the culmination of a five-year effort by AGC, chapters, members and industry stakeholders to repeal the 2006 provision.