Construction in Michigan rises 6% during 2014
Date Posted: February 20 2015
Statewide,
Michigan enjoyed a nice jump in construction employment over the course of the
past year, rising 6 percent between December 2013 and December 2014. With a
rise of 7,200 jobs to 134,400 total jobs during that time, we were ranked No.
17 among the states by the Associated General Contractors in new construction
hiring.
"While
weather patterns certainly had an impact on construction employment during the
past year, there is little doubt that the construction sector is in recovery
mode in most parts of the country," said Ken Simonson, chief economist for
the association. "The industry should continue to add jobs in 2015 as
private and public sector demand continues to grow."
The
AGC reported on Feb. 4 that during 2013, construction employment expanded in
257 U.S. metropolitan areas, declined in 43 and was stagnant in 39. AGC
officials said the construction industry should continue to expand in 2015,
noting that 80 percent of contractors report plans to add new employees this year.
There
were numerous local hotbeds of Michigan construction in 2013, led by the Monroe
area (ranked No. 3 nationally out of 339), which saw 25 percent greater
employment during that 12-month period. The Flint area (up 17 percent, ranked
No. 9 nationally) wasn't far behind. And, construction employment in both Ann
Arbor and Detroit-Livonia-Dearborn were up 13 percent in 2013, tied for No. 26
nationally.
Nationwide, Dallas-Plano-Irving,
Texas and Eau Claire, Wis. topped the growth list; while Bethesda-Rockville-Frederick,
Md. and Steubenville-Weirton, Ohio-W.V. experienced the largest actual and
percentage declines for the year
Association
officials noted that one reason contractors are optimistic about their hiring
plans is they expect demand in most market segments to grow this year. Yet they
cautioned that the industry's outlook could change if Congress and the Obama Administration
fail to identify ways to fund needed repairs to aging public infrastructure,
including roads, bridges and clean water systems.
"While
conditions are looking good for much of the industry, that could change if
Washington can't figure out a way to pay for our long-term infrastructure
needs," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive
officer. "But with the president and Congressional leadership exploring
ways to finance new public works projects, there is a good chance the industry
will continue to add jobs in many parts of the country this year."