Total construction spending increased by 0.2 percent in November, dragged down by a lack of new infrastructure projects along with a continuing slide in homebuilding, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released Jan. 3 of federal spending data. Association officials urged leaders in Washington to speed the release of funds authorized by infrastructure laws passed in 2021 and 2022 and address regulatory delays associated with those projects.

Construction employment grew in 265, or 74 percent, out of 358 metro areas between November 2017 and November 2018, declined in 45 and was unchanged in 48, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America.