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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie