Construction Backlog Indicator Inches Higher in December, Fueled by Data Center Momentum

Two weeks into the new year and data centers are still bolstering backlogs. WASHINGTON, Jan. 13—Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.2 months in December, according to an ABC member survey conducted Dec. 22 to Jan. 7. The reading is up 0.1 months since November but down 0.1 […]

Rethinking Safety Risk Measurement on Critical Jobsites

From Incident Rates to Exposure Signals: Rethinking Safety Risk Measurement in Critical Jobsites Let’s walk through a large construction site nearing completion! The safety dashboard looks reassuring—no recordable incidents in the past 90 days, no lost time injuries (LTIs) and the project timeline looks accurate. Yet, on the ground, workers routinely walk beneath suspended loads, forklifts […]

2026 Construction Forecast: Five Things Contractors Need to Know

Key Takeaways Growth will be steady but uneven, making selective bidding more important than chasing volume. Infrastructure and data centers lead demand, with AI-driven projects creating new opportunities across trades. Labor shortages will continue to squeeze margins, increasing the need for productivity and standardization. Disciplined, data-driven preconstruction will be the key differentiator for profitable contractors […]