Halted construction work has contributed to a growing number of layoffs in the construction industry during the month of April.
"The coronavirus pandemic is causing construction companies to cut back on their employees, something that seemed unthinkable a few months ago," reports Jenn Goodman.
"As of April 3, 27% of construction firms responding to an online survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America reported they had furloughed or terminated workers as a result of the coronavirus pandemic," explains Goodman. That number quickly grew, however. "That number was at 40% by April 10."
The layoffs respond partly to closures of work sites on government orders around the country, but contractors report a host of other concerns in the industry right now, including materials shortages, PPE shortages, potential infected workers, lack of government action and a shortage of craftworkers, Goodman reports. Seven percent of projects have been canceled by the owners of projects reporting information to the survey.
FULL STORY: In coronavirus crisis, US construction firms begin turning to layoffs, furloughs
Shipping Delays Causing Construction Slowdown
Materials procured overseas are taking longer to arrive in the United States, and the delays are causing a ripple effect in the construction industry.
What Planners Need to Know, and Ask, About the American Jobs Plan
The American Planning Association has a breakdown of the massive $2 trillion jobs plan that would change the course of federal infrastructure policy.
'American Jobs Plan': Potential Sea Change for Federal Infrastructure Spending
After a week of speculation and rumor, the Biden administration today revealed its promised infrastructure plan.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie