Construction Contractors Less Confident in September

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21—Leaders of the U.S. construction industry remained confident through September 2019 regarding near-term prospects for sales, staffing levels and profit margins, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors' Construction Confidence Index released today. However, the level of optimism continues to dim. 

Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Slips in September

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.9 months in September 2019, down 0.1 months or 0.8% from August 2019 when CBI stood at nine months.

Read the rest of entry »

Construction Input Prices Unchanged in October, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 – Construction input prices remained unchanged on a monthly basis in October but are down 2.2% year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.1% for the month and are down 2.0% compared to the same time last year.

Read the rest of entry »

ABC Elects 2020 National Chair, Executive Committee

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 13―Associated Builders and Contractors’ Board of Directors elected Tim Keating, owner and president, R. C. Stevens Construction Co., to serve as the 2020 ABC national chair during the association’s annual Leadership Institute in San Antonio. Steve Klessig, vice president of architecture and engineering, Keller Inc., was elected chair-elect and Stephanie Schmidt, president, Poole Anderson Construction, was elected secretary. 

Read the rest of entry »

ABC Highlights Value of Leading Safety Indicators During OSHA Public Meeting

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8—Associated Builders and Contractors Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development Greg Sizemore spoke at a Nov. 7 Occupational Health and Safety Administration public meeting on leading indicators for safety and health programs. In his remarks, Sizemore emphasized the importance of leading indicators as a proactive measure to prevent workplace hazards and reduce recordable incidents, resulting in improved safety and health performance.

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Spending Rebounds Slightly in September, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Nov.1—National nonresidential construction spending rose 0.5% in September but is down 0.9% on a year-ago basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $775.6 billion, 2.4% lower than the cyclical peak in April 2019.

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Continues to Add Jobs, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1—The construction industry added 10,000 net new jobs in October, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 148,000 jobs or 2%.

Read the rest of entry »

GDP Growth Expands Despite Reduction in Nonresidential Investment, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30—The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 1.9% in the third quarter of 2019 despite contracting levels of nonresidential investment, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Nonresidential fixed investment declined at a 3% annual rate in the third quarter after declining at a 1% rate in the second quarter. Read the rest of entry »

September Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 48 States Year Over Year, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30—In September, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates fell nationally and in 48 states and rose in two states on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. For the fifth consecutive month, the construction unemployment rates for all 50 states were below 10%. For the nation and 29 states, this was their lowest September construction unemployment rate on record. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Contractors Remain Confident in August, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 24—U.S. construction industry leaders remained confident in August 2019, according to the Construction Confidence Index released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. While contractors were less upbeat regarding sales growth over the coming six months, confidence associated with profit margins and staffing increased from July to August.

Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Rebounds in August

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator climbed to nine months in August 2019, up 0.5 months or 5.4% from July 2019 when CBI stood at 8.5 months.

Read the rest of entry »

Construction Input Prices Slide in September, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8—Construction input prices fell 0.6% in September and are down 1.7% year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.7% for the month and are down 1.4% compared to the same time last year.

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Employment Rises in September, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 – The construction industry added 7,000 net new jobs in September, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 156,000 jobs, an increase of 2.1%. 

Read the rest of entry »

August Construction Unemployment Rates Up From a Year Ago, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 2—In August, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates rose nationally and in 31 states, fell in 13 states and remained unchanged in six on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. For the fourth month in a row, the construction unemployment rates for all 50 states were below 10%.

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Spending Down in August, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1—National nonresidential construction spending declined 0.4% in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data published today. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, spending totaled $773.8 billion, 0.3% higher than in August 2018.

Read the rest of entry »

ABC of Western Pennsylvania Files Suit Against Westmoreland County Union Mandate

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 23—Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Pennsylvania today filed a lawsuit to stop Westmoreland County from requiring its contractors to execute a project labor agreement with the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council as a condition of winning certain taxpayer-funded public works construction contracts. In addition, the county is requiring contractors to fire any worker on a PLA project who does not join a union affiliated with the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council within eight days of employment, including union workers belonging to a union not represented by the council.

Read the rest of entry »

Construction Contractors Less Confident in July, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Sept. 19—U.S. construction industry leaders’ confidence diminished somewhat in July 2019, yet they remain optimistic regarding nonresidential construction’s near-term prospects, according to the Construction Confidence Index released today by Associated Builders and Contractors.

Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Inches Lower in July

WASHINGTON, Sept. 17—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.5 months in July 2019, down 0.3 months or 2.9% from June 2019 when CBI stood at 8.8 months.

Read the rest of entry »

Monthly and Yearly Construction Input Prices Drop in August, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11—Construction input prices fell 0.6% in August and are down 0.9% year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.4% for the month and are down 0.4% compared to August 2018.

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Employment Expands in August, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6—The construction industry added 14,000 net new jobs in August, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 177,000 jobs, or 2.4%. 

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Spending Down in July, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3— According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data published today, national nonresidential construction spending declined 0.3% in July, totaling $776 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, and a 0.1% increase compared to July 2018. The June 2019 estimates were revised upward from $773.8 billion to $778.5 billion.

Read the rest of entry »

July Construction Unemployment Rates Remain Low, Though Not as Low as a Year Ago, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28—In July, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates rose nationally and in 38 states, fell in eight states and remained unchanged in four on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. For the third consecutive month, all 50 states posted construction unemployment rates less than 10%. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Contractors Lose Confidence in June, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22—U.S. construction industry leaders are somewhat less confident about near-term prospects for nonresidential construction but remain reasonably upbeat, according to the June 2019 Construction Confidence Index released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Inches Lower in June

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.8 months in June 2019, down 0.1 months or 1.3% from May 2019, when CBI stood at 8.9 months. Read the rest of entry »

Mid-year Economic Outlook for Nonresidential Construction: Expansion Continues, But Vulnerabilities Pile Up

WASHINGTON, Aug. 12—More than 10 years after the end of the most severe financial crisis since the Great Depression, the U.S. economy is again making history by entering its longest-ever expansion. Nevertheless, emerging weakness in business investment has been hinting at softening outlays, giving commercial and industrial construction contractors cause for concern, according to a mid-year economic outlook by Anirban Basu, chief economist of Associated Builders and Contractors. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Input Prices Rebound in July, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Aug. 9—Construction input prices expanded 0.8% in July but are down 0.6% year-over-year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices also increased 0.8% for the month but have declined 0.3% on a year-ago basis.

Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Employment Roughly Flat in July, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2—The construction industry added 4,000 net new jobs in July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 202,000 net jobs, an increase of 2.8%.  Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Spending Slows in June, Remains Elevated, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1—National nonresidential construction spending declined 1.8% in June, totaling $773.8 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis—a 2.3% increase compared to the same time a year ago, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data published today. Public nonresidential spending fell 3.7% in June, but is up 6.4% year over year, while private nonresidential spending fell 0.3% on a monthly basis and is up 0.4% from June 2018. Read the rest of entry »

June Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 40 States Year Over Year, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 31—In June, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates fell nationally and in 40 states and increased in 10 on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. For the second month in a row, all 50 states posted construction unemployment rates of less than 10%.

Read the rest of entry »

June Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 40 States Year Over Year, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 31—In June, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates fell nationally and in 40 states and increased in 10 on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. For the second month in a row, all 50 states posted construction unemployment rates of less than 10%.  Read the rest of entry »

U.S. GDP Expands by 2.1% in the Second Quarter, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 26—The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.1% annualized rate during the second quarter of 2019 with consumer spending leading the way, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. This rate of growth exceeded the consensus expectation that second quarter growth would be closer to 1.8%. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Contractors Remain Confident as Summer Begins, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 18—U.S. construction industry leaders remained upbeat regarding nonresidential construction’s near-term prospects in May 2019, according to the Construction Confidence Index released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Increases Modestly in May

WASHINGTON, July 16—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator expanded to 8.9 months in May 2019, up 0.2 months or 2.2% since April 2019, when CBI stood at 8.7 months. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Input Prices Plummet in June, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 12—Construction input prices decreased 1.3% on both a monthly and yearly basis in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. This is the first time in nearly three years that input prices have fallen on a year-over-year basis. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Job Growth Steady in June, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 5 – The construction industry added 21,000 net new jobs in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, employment in the industry has expanded by 224,000 jobs, representing an increase of 3.1%. Nonresidential construction employment gained 14,900 net jobs in June and is up 146,700 jobs during the last 12 months.  Read the rest of entry »

May Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 46 States Year Over Year, Says ABC

 WASHINGTON, July 3—In May, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates fell nationally and in 46 states on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. Three states (Michigan, South Dakota and Vermont) had no change, while only Hawaii increased, rising from 5% in May 2018 to 5.2% in the most recent report. (Note that the unemployment rate for Hawaii is for construction, mining and logging combined.) Read the rest of entry »

Nonresidential Construction Spending Slips Modestly in May, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, July 1—According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data published today, national nonresidential construction spending declined 0.9% in May, totaling $788.5 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis and a 4.4% increase compared to the same time last year. While total public and private nonresidential spending declined 0.9% since April, public spending was up 11.2% and private spending was down 0.1% year over year. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Contractors Confidence Remains Elevated in April, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, June 20—Despite ongoing concerns about skilled worker shortages and volatile materials prices, construction executives remain bullish about the prospects for the nonresidential construction sector, according to Associated Builders and Contractors’ April 2019 Construction Confidence Index released today. Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Contracts in April

WASHINGTON, June 18—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator fell to 8.7 months in April 2019, down 0.8 months or 9% since March, when CBI stood at 9.5 months. Read the rest of entry »

ABC VP Greg Sizemore Appointed to OSHA Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health

WASHINGTON, June 17—Associated Builders and Contractors announced today that Greg Sizemore, ABC’s vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development, has been appointed to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. ACCSH provides the U.S. Department of Labor with guidance to improve workplace safety and health in the construction industry.  Read the rest of entry »

Construction Input Prices See Slight Increase in May, says ABC

WASHINGTON, June 11—Construction input prices rose slightly by 0.3% in May on a monthly basis and are up 0.6% over the last 12 months, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today. Nonresidential input prices were also up 0.3% compared to the previous month and are 1.1% higher than they were a year ago.  Read the rest of entry »

Construction Employment Sees Modest Gains in May, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, June 7 – The construction industry added 4,000 net new jobs in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released today from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On a year-over-year basis, construction employment has expanded by 215,000 jobs, an increase of 3.0%.Nonresidential employment lost 1,500 net jobs last month but is up by 136,000 jobs compared to the same time last year.  Read the rest of entry »

ABC Names the Top-performing Contractors in U.S. Commercial and Industrial Construction

WASHINGTON, June 4—Associated Builders and Contractors today released its 2019 Top Performers lists, which recognize ABC member contractors’ achievements in safety, quality, diversity and project excellence ranked by work hours, with special designations identified. Published as a supplement to Construction Executivemagazine, the lists identify the Top 150 Performers, Top 50 Performers with Special Designations and Top 20 Performers by Region. Read the rest of entry »

ABC Applauds Passage of Texas Law Ensuring Fair and Open Competition

WASHINGTON, June 3—Associated Builders and Contractors today praised Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) for signing the Neutrality in State Government Contracting bill (HB 985), which protects Texas taxpayers by ensuring all of Texas’ skilled construction workforce can compete on a level playing field for public works contracts to build projects utilizing state funding or credit. Read the rest of entry »

Modest Increase in Nonresidential Spending in April, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, June 3—According to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data released today, national nonresidential construction spending rose 0.3% in April, totaling $792.6 billion on a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, which is a 6.4% increase compared to the same time last year. While public nonresidential spending expanded 4.8% on a monthly basis and increased 15.4% since April 2018, private nonresidential spending fell 2.9% in April and is up just 0.6 % year-over-year. Read the rest of entry »

April Construction Unemployment Rates Down in 49 States Year Over Year, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, May 29—In April, for the second month in a row, estimated not seasonally adjusted construction unemployment rates fell nationally and in 49 states on a year-over-year basis, according to an analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today by Associated Builders and Contractors. Mississippi was the only state with an increase, where construction unemployment rose from 9.2% in April 2018 to 10% in the most recent report. Read the rest of entry »

Construction Contractors Confidence Remains High in March

WASHINGTON, May 23—Construction industry leaders remained upbeat with respect to nonresidential construction prospects in March 2019, according to the latest Construction Confidence Index released today by Associated Builders and Contractors.

Read the rest of entry »

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Surges in March

WASHINGTON, May 21—Associated Builders and Contractors reports that its monthly Construction Backlog Indicator expanded to 9.5 months in March 2019, up 0.7 months or 8.8% since February 2019 when CBI stood at 8.8 months. Read the rest of entry »

ABC Comments on President Trump’s New Immigration Proposal

WASHINGTON, May 16—Associated Builders and Contractors President and CEO Michael Bellaman commented today on President Trump’s new immigration proposal, which would create a “merit-based” visa system to address the workforce needs of U.S. industries
like construction. Bellaman said: Read the rest of entry »

Construction Input Prices Continue to Rise, Says ABC

WASHINGTON, May 9—Construction input prices increased 0.9% in April on a monthly basis and 2.4% compared to the same time last year, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released today. Nonresidential input prices rose 0.9% compared to March and are up 2.8% on an annual basis. Read the rest of entry »