A new study has found that proposal activity for architecture, engineering and construction firms sank to its lowest level in over a decade in the second quarter of 2020, as the coronavirus-related downturn trimmed backlog and reduced revenue for firms across the country.

For the second month since the coronavirus pandemic began, prices of construction materials have risen.

Nonresidential construction input prices rose by 2.3% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released last week. This follows a rise in prices of 0.8% in May.

Texas Central won a key ruling Thursday that will make it easier to build the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, but hurdles remain before construction can begin.

The Surface Transportation Board, which oversees regulation of various modes of transportation, primarily freight rail, in addition to some passenger rail, reversed a prior decision, and will now take jurisdiction over the project. 

The AIA/TEXO Committee would like to invite you to the next Industry Roundtable Discussion focused on Mentorship. In this discussion, you will get an overview on Mentorship, learn the roles and responsibilities of the Mentor and Mentee, identify strategies that address developmental needs, adapt to mentoring virtually or from afar, and discuss many more critical factors that help make mentoring successful. The program will be conducted by industry leaders through a web conferencing services and provide Q&A opportunities throughout the discussion.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE: Virtual Event

 Subjects Addressed Include:

2020 has been difficult – but we know positive things can come out of difficult situations.  We have learned several things from this crazy year:

Purpose: To facilitate membership communication in a video conference based roundtable discussion with 10‑15 people about a current topic.

Vision: Members will find value in discussing current topics and casually learning from general discussion with peers.

Company Culture in a COVID World | Thursday, July 23 | 9-10 a.m.

 

HR Trends | Thursday, July 30 | 9-10 a.m.

 

Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Workplace | Thursday, Aug. 6 | 9-10 a.m.

 

Safety Best Practices | Thursday, Aug. 13 | 9-10 a.m.
Registration Coming Soon

• A "No Handshake" policy will be in effect at all events. This includes fist bumps, elbow bumps and other greetings that go against the 6-foot social distancing practices.
• Social distancing practices will be put in place in all common areas.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided at the registration table and in front of all meal stations.
• Common areas will be wiped down consistently throughout the course of the event.
• Attendees are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after any eating, blowing of the nose, coughing, sneezing and using the bathroom.
• Attendees who have any symptoms related to COVID-19 are discouraged from attending any events. Attendees who have a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, or vomiting within the previous two weeks of the event should not attend.