from Mark Smith, Advocate, California Builders Alliance
Total construction starts increased 12.8% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.22 trillion, driven by significant gains in nonbuilding construction and manufacturing, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonbuilding construction jumped 37.9%, with major projects in the energy sector, while nonresidential building rose 6.3%, and residential building grew 2.6%.
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Full Story: Dodge Construction Network |
The multifamily housing market is in a holding pattern as declining development and moderate but historically normal demand balance each other, keeping vacancy rates steady, according to Cushman & Wakefield. Net absorption in Q1 was 65,200 units, down 34% from a year ago but in line with long-term averages. New deliveries dropped 30%, and construction activity is at its lowest since 2016. National vacancy rates remain stable at 9.4%.
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Full Story: GlobeSt (free registration) |
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US Customs and Border Protection is set to launch a claims portal to process tariff refunds following a US Court of International Trade ruling, with potential repayments totaling $166 billion. Finance leaders are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring documentation accuracy, cross-functional coordination and proper accounting for refunds. The phased rollout will initially handle about 63% of refunds, focusing on unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation.
Trump invokes Defense Production Act for energy infrastructure |
President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act to expedite the development of critical energy infrastructure, including grid equipment, pipelines and liquefied natural gas systems. The move aims to address financing risks, regulatory delays and market barriers that hinder domestic capabilities. The Department of Energy has not yet announced specific funding opportunities or implementation guidance.
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Full Story: Engineering News-Record (tiered subscription model) |
Construction employment increased in 30 states and the District of Columbia from February 2025 to February 2026, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Texas and Montana led in job growth, while California and Alaska saw the largest declines. AGC has urged Congress to pass a new highway and transportation bill to sustain job growth.
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Full Story: Associated General Contractors of America |
Data center projects are facing significant delays due to insufficient power access, public opposition and legislation aimed at curbing construction. Projects now often require over 1,000 megawatts, creating challenges in securing power and increasing costs. In 2025, data center project cancellations jumped to 25 from six in 2024, driven by resistance from local communities and political groups.
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Full Story: Construction Dive |
The Labor Department is seeking to clarify the joint-employer standard for liability under federal labor laws. "A clear standard on joint employment would give businesses more confidence to invest in partnerships, help employees understand their rights, and make the department's investigations more efficient," said Keith Sonderling, acting labor secretary.
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Full Story: Bloomberg Tax (4/22), Washington Examiner |
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has introduced the Freedom to Drive initiative, a national effort to reduce traffic congestion by maximizing roadway capacity and accelerating projects to address bottlenecks. Governors are asked to identify major congestion points in their states and collaborate on actionable plans.
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Full Story: Department of Transportation |
Documentation gaps in commercial construction are causing delays and increasing costs, with only 13% of AEC executives reporting mostly complete asset documentation, and 80% experiencing significant gaps, according to a survey by UMIP. More than 40% of respondents say missing records have extended project timelines by up to 20%, and many estimate revenue losses of 4% to 7% because of documentation inefficiencies.
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Full Story: For Construction Pros |
The San Diego Unified Port District has agreed to begin an environmental review of a proposed $256 million Navy SEAL Museum on San Diego's waterfront. The 85,000-square-foot museum is expected to reach 850,000 visitors a year by its third year, but one port commissioner says the nonprofit behind the project has not previously raised funds at the level needed for the museum.
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Full Story: The Modesto Bee (Calif.)/San Diego Union-Tribune |
Construction has begun on a temporary cricket stadium at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, Calif., for the 2028 Olympic Games, where the sport will return after 128 years. The venue will host six men's and six women's teams in the 20-overs format and will also be used for three Major League Cricket matches in July. "Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it," International Cricket Council Chairman Jay Shah says.
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Full Story: Reuters |
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Mark Smith
Advocate
California Builders Alliance
5370 Elvas Avenue ǀ Sacramento, CA 95819
Cell: 916.335.5072
Email: mark.smith@calbuilders.org
Email: mark@smithpolicygroup.com
