Nearly one-fifth of U.S. metro areas lost construction jobs between September 2020 and September 2021, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment data released today. Association officials noted that the job losses are occurring in many metro areas as plans to boost investments in infrastructure languish in Washington and firms cope with shortages, delivery delays and construction materials price increases.
“Many metro areas are having a hard time getting back to construction employment levels from last fall that were already low because of the pandemic,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The challenge is that the economic recovery for the construction industry is being undermined by Washington’s failure to boost infrastructure investments and continuing supply chain disfunction.”
Construction employment declined from a year earlier in 67 metros and held steady in 33. Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. lost the most jobs (-6,000 or -8%), followed by New York City (-5,500 jobs, -4%); New Orleans-Metairie, La. (-3,100 jobs, -12%); Calvert-Charles-Prince George’s, Md. (-3,100 jobs, -9%) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, Md. (-2,400 jobs, -3%). The largest percentage declines were in Evansville, Ind.-Ky. (-18%, -1,800 jobs); New Orleans-Metairie; Fairbanks, Alaska (-10%, -300 jobs); Knoxville, Tenn. (-10%, -1,800 jobs); Gadsden, Ala. (-9%, -100 jobs); Calvert-Charles-Prince George's; and Victoria, Texas (-9%, -300 jobs).
Construction employment increased in 258 out of 358 metro areas over the last 12 months. Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-
Association officials urged members of Congress in the House to quickly pass an infrastructure bill that already received broad, bipartisan support in the Senate. They also encouraged the Biden administration to explore ways, like temporarily adjusting hours of service rules for drivers, to unclog shipping facilities that how more goods than drivers.
“Washington leaders have the ability to fix our supply chains now while also investing in their long-term efficiency,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “But nothing is going to get fixed with partisan talk and legislative and executive inaction.”
View the metro employment data, rankings, top 10, new highs and lows, and map.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 29, 2016
ABC: Output expands, but nonresidential fixed investment falters
Nonresidential fixed investment fell for a third consecutive quarter, as indicated by Bureau of Economic Analysis data.
Industry Research | Jul 26, 2016
AIA consensus forecast sees construction spending on rise through next year
But several factors could make the industry downshift.
Architects | Jul 20, 2016
AIA: Architecture Billings Index remains on solid footing
The June ABI score was down from May, but the figure was positive for the fifth consecutive month.
Market Data | Jul 7, 2016
Airbnb alleged to worsen housing crunch in New York City
Allegedly removing thousands of housing units from market, driving up rents.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
Construction spending falls 0.8% from April to May
The private and public sectors have a combined estimated seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.14 trillion.
Market Data | Jul 6, 2016
A thriving economy and influx of businesses spur construction in downtown Seattle
Development investment is twice what it was five years ago.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 5, 2016
Apartments continue to shrink, rents continue to rise
Latest survey by RENTCafé tracks size changes in 95 metros.
Multifamily Housing | Jun 22, 2016
Can multifamily construction keep up with projected demand?
The Joint Center for Housing Studies’ latest disection of America’s housing market finds moderate- and low-priced rentals in short supply.
Contractors | Jun 21, 2016
Bigness counts when it comes to construction backlogs
Large companies that can attract talent are better able to commit to more work, according to a national trade group for builders and contractors.
Market Data | Jun 14, 2016
Transwestern: Market fundamentals and global stimulus driving economic growth
A new report from commercial real estate firm Transwestern indicates steady progress for the U.S. economy. Consistent job gains, wage growth, and consumer spending have offset declining corporate profits, and global stimulus plans appear to be effective.
