Construction employment rose in 166 out of 360 metropolitan areas between March 2025 and March 2026, the Associated General Contractors of America announced on May 19. The association said that more regions could see job losses unless Congress renews funding for highway and transit projects before the current law expires in September.
This development is significant because construction jobs are closely tied to infrastructure investments, which affect both local economies and broader economic growth. Delays or reductions in project funding can impact employment levels across many communities.
Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association, said, “Owners in many metro areas are delaying, scaling back, or even canceling projects amid market uncertainties and higher materials prices, which is undermining construction employment levels. One step policymakers in Washington can take to keep job losses in check is to pass a transportation funding bill before the current law expires in September.”
The data show that Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, Texas led all metro areas with an increase of 10,600 construction jobs (4 percent), followed by St. Louis (6,700 jobs; 9 percent), Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia (5,000 jobs; 6 percent), Baton Rouge (5,000 jobs; 10 percent), and Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos (4,600 jobs; 5 percent). Idaho Falls posted the largest percentage gain at 15 percent with an addition of 900 jobs. Conversely, New York City experienced the largest numerical decline with a loss of 5,400 construction positions (-4 percent), while Lawton had the steepest percentage drop at -22 percent (-400 jobs).
Association officials expressed some optimism after House leaders released a draft version of new highway and transit funding legislation but urged lawmakers to act quickly so state and local officials can move forward with necessary improvements. Jeffrey D. Shoaf, chief executive officer for the association said: “Funding improvements to the way people and goods move within the economy provides two clear benefits; it boosts immediate demand for construction and supports broader economic growth. Getting started on a bill is helpful, finishing it on time is essential.”
The Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America supports Nevada’s construction sector by offering resources and promoting industry involvement through advocacy efforts under its charter. The chapter represents general and specialty contractors within Nevada’s construction industry according to its official website.
