Each year AGC of America conducts a survey, The Construction Hiring and Business Outlook. The 2025 results were released in early January and can be found here. Overall, the survey showed contractors are optimistic and anticipate that 2025 will be better than 2024. Sectors with the largest expected growth are public infrastructure projects. Some of the optimism was likely dashed.

AGCVA members have been up to a lot in the last month!

We are thrilled to recognize these accomplishments and recognitions, and we encourage you to connect with your fellow members and extend your congratulations!

The Associated General Contractors of America has outlined five priorities for President Donald Trump's second term to support construction growth: addressing workforce shortages through temporary work visas; avoiding tariffs that could strain the supply chain; accelerating permitting to reduce project delays; broadening participation in federal projects by revoking project labor agreements; and supporting infrastructure investment.

Construction spending in November remained flat at $2.15 trillion, with private nonresidential spending up 1.7% year over year and public construction up 4.6%, according to the Census Bureau. Meanwhile, construction employment increased in 65% of metro areas, with significant gains in Houston and Northern Virginia, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A push to enshrine Virginia’s “right-to-work” laws in the state constitution was blocked Tuesday by the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee, which voted 8-7 along party lines to defeat the proposed amendment.

Senate Joint Resolution 271, introduced by Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, aimed to make it unlawful to deny employment based on union membership or refusal to join a union. The defeat delivers another blow to “right-to-work” advocates, whose similar effort was rejected by Virginia voters in 2016.

President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on his first day in office Monday, many of them with repercussions for the construction industry.

The actions embody a shift in federal priorities around critical issues like oil and gas drilling, environmental permitting, tariffs and the availability of labor.

Construction sector employment increased by 8,000 positions in December as the industry’s headcount and wages in 2024 both rose faster than in the broader economy, according to an analysis of new government data the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials noted that most contractors are optimistic about demand for projects and expect to continue adding employees in 2025, according to a new survey the association released this week.

“While construction job gains have slowed lately, the industry is still adding workers at a stronger clip than the broader economy,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Construction employment should grow faster in 2025, assuming contractors can find enough qualified workers to meet demand.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 23% of construction workers are at least 55 years old. Since the average U.S. construction worker retires in their early sixties, nearly one-fourth of the industry’s workforce is expected to retire within the next decade. This industry exodus could indicate an imminent labor dilemma for construction business owners. But there is hope on the horizon: Gen Z workers.

Gen Z, those born between 1995 and 2010, currently represents a quarter of the U.S. workforce. And as many aspiring professionals are choosing to bypass college in pursuit of vocational training programs, there is excitement that they could choose meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

On January 14, the U.S. Department of Labor announced changes to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) civil penalty amounts based on inflation for 2025.

On January 14, AGC submitted comments in response to OSHA’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The proposed rule is a result of an effort by the agency going back more than three years. The NPRM focused on the basic elements of a heat injury and illness prevention program, which include water, rest, shade, acclimatization, and training and education. OSHA presented the standard as a performance-based standard that would allow employers to tailor programs specific to their operations.  However, the proposed regulatory text does not provide the level of flexibility needed for the construction industry, presenting significant compliance challenges.

We want to be sure you don't miss your chance to be a part of the convention of the century!

The biggest benefits you will gain by attending are:

- Keynote Speaker: Andrew Busch with Future Economy: Growth Opportunities 
- Exclusive breakout session and tracks for CEO/Senior Leadership
- New activities like a high-energy pickleball tournament and an exclusive hidden speakeasy experience
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders
- Networking opportunities with special interest groups: Young Leaders, Women in Construction, New Members

Rooms are also going fast at The Greenbrier Resort so register now and book your room today.