Spring 2026 Construction Economic Outlook | AI, Data Centers, Tariffs, Labor Costs & Forecasts

Описание: Get the latest expert analysis on the construction economy in this Spring 2026 Construction Economic Outlook webcast. This session explores the biggest forces shaping construction across the U.S. and Canada, including AI-driven data center growth, tariffs, inflation, labor shortages, material cost pressure, energy prices, and what those trends mean for contractors, estimators, and project teams heading into the rest of 2026.

Hosted by ConstructConnect in collaboration with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), this webcast brings together leading economists and market experts to break down construction spending, planning activity, bid activity, project stress, and sector-specific forecasts.

🎯 What you’ll learn in this webcast:
— Spring 2026 construction forecast for the U.S. and Canada
— How AI and data centers are reshaping construction demand and investment
— The latest on tariffs, inflation, oil prices, and rising material costs
—Labor market trends, wage pressure, and workforce challenges
— What the Project Stress Index says about abandoned projects, delays, and market risk
— Where private planning is surging and where public activity is softening
— Key trends in data centers, manufacturing, health care, airports, housing, and warehouse construction
— Where AI is actually moving the needle in construction today and where the hype may be getting ahead of reality

🎙 Speakers:
Richard Branch, Chief Economist, AIA
Ken Simonson, Chief Economist, AGC
Michael Guckes, Chief Economist, ConstructConnect
Kristy O’Brien, Director of Content Acquisition, ConstructConnect
Paul Hart, Vice President for Economic Content, ConstructConnect

Whether you’re a general contractor, estimator, project manager, architect, subcontractor, or building product manufacturer, this webcast delivers practical insight to help you plan, price, bid, and navigate a fast-changing construction market with more confidence.

👉 Subscribe for more construction forecasts, market analysis, economic updates, and insights on AI, data centers, and industry trends.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
22:02 Construction Economics Overview
43:09 Market Activity Data
53:10 Economic Outlook & Forecast
01:07:52 Upcoming Events & Resources
01:10:39 Iran Conflict Concerns
01:11:48 Municipal Budget Constraints
01:13:38 Data Center Forecast
01:14:57 Field Insights
01:16:38 Midwest Construction Outlook
01:17:54 BLS Data Reliability
01:20:28 Workforce Challenges
01:22:37 AI and Closing Thoughts
01:28:27 Closing Remarks