AGC recently launched ConstructorCast, a new monthly podcast that explores in depth issues affecting the construction industry.

Construction employment rose between April 2015 and April 2016 in two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas, while spending on most types of structures increased for the year despite a drop in the latest month, according to a new analysis of federal data on employment and construction spending released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many parts of the country continue to benefit from strong demand for construction services.

Forty-two states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between April 2015 and April 2016 while construction employment increased in only 23 states between March and April, according to analysis of Labor Department data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Thirty-nine percent of highway contractors reported that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials urged summer travel motorists to stay alert while driving through work zones, noting that highway workers are in danger and drivers and passengers

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement today in response to the Treasury Department’s refusal to accept a rescue plan by the Central States, Southeast and Southwest Areas, Health and Welfare Pension Funds to take a voluntary steps to keep the funds solvent:

Construction employment rose in April by 1,000 for the month and 261,000 for the year as mild winter weather and labor shortages impacted the early spring hiring season for many firms, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction spending continues to grow and worker shortages are likely to get worse, which is why they are launching a new online career center to help connect firms with qualified workers.

Construction spending increased by 8 percent in March compared to a year earlier and was also up slightly between February and March amid growing demand for many types of construction, as the spending total hit the highest level since October 2007, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the growth comes amid strong private-sector demand and new federal investments in surface transportation programs.

Construction employment increased in 244 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 44 and declined in 70 between March 2015 and March 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the new figures show that the construction sector, in most parts of the country, continues to recover from its years-long downturn.

Construction employment increased in 234 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 52 and declined in 72 between February 2015 and February 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that many energy-producing areas experienced job losses during the past year.

The Louisiana chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America today filed a challenge to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) final respirable crystalline silica rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  In doing so, the chapter joined a number of local industry partners who are also concerned about the impact of the rule on the construction industry.