Construction employment increased in 139 out of 337 metropolitan areas between December 2011 and December 2012, declined in 131 and was stagnant in 65, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by AGC of America. "Private sector demand for energy, health care, higher education and residential construction is having a positive impact in a growing number of metro areas," said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. "Unfortunately, construction employment in almost as many metro areas appears to be suffering from declining public sector demand and a private sector market that is still well-below peak levels."