Commercial Construction Spending Surges in Texas and Arizona
Commercial construction is booming in the U.S., and nowhere is that growth more visible than in Texas and Arizona. According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, cited by Construction Dive, Texas saw an 18.2% increase in private commercial construction spending from 2022 to 2023, while Arizona jumped by an impressive 24.6%. This spike in investment is no coincidence it’s part of a broader trend driven by federal legislation such as the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which are channeling billions into semiconductor facilities, renewable energy infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing across the Southwest.

As the construction industry continues to evolve, so does the structure of its workforce. Today, labor shortages, project-based contracts, and economic uncertainty have led construction firms to lean heavily on contingent workers, skilled tradespeople, equipment operators, project consultants, and temporary labor. Contingent workers now represent over 35% of the U.S. workforce, and this number is growing rapidly, especially in project-driven industries such as construction.

To build smarter, faster, and more efficiently, contractors must rethink how they manage this workforce segment. Without the right structure, contingent labor can introduce delays, safety risks, and compliance issues. But with a smart strategy, it becomes a powerful tool for flexibility and growth. Below are seven data-backed strategies tailored to construction companies managing a variable workforce across job sites and regions.

In construction, timing is everything. A well-oiled project runs on schedules, budgets, compliance, and above all, people. When these elements are aligned, projects finish on time and under budget. But when workforce planning is delayed or mismanaged, the entire structure, both literal and operational, can collapse under pressure.

The tough truth is this: if you’re not actively addressing your manpower strategy before peak season hits, you’re setting your entire project up for failure.

Why Summer is the Most Critical Season for Construction Project Schedules

Every year, as temperatures rise, so do construction workloads. From May through August, contractors nationwide face intense pressure to complete projects before colder weather sets in or fiscal deadlines arrive. This summer surge presents a unique blend of opportunity and risk. While it opens the door to accelerate productivity and increase project throughput, it also exposes teams to the pitfalls of rushed hiring, workforce mismatches, and compliance lapses, especially when relying on contingent skilled labor.

To meet tight schedules, many construction firms scale up with temporary labor. When executed correctly, temp labor is a powerful asset: flexible, responsive, and cost-effective. But without systems in place to manage and monitor this workforce, it can easily become a source of disruption. Schedules slip. Budgets balloon. And compliance oversights result in project shutdowns or fines. It’s not enough to fill open roles quickly; firms must fill them intelligently, with skilled workers who are verified, trained, and ready to contribute on day one.

Reimagining Safety Through the Lens of Leadership

Each May, Construction Safety Week invites us to pause and reflect on our most fundamental responsibility: protecting our workforce. It’s a time when job sites across the country hold stand-downs, share powerful stories, and reemphasize the importance of safety as a cultural cornerstone, not just a compliance metric.

But for those of us leading the future of construction, where speed, complexity, and scale are accelerating, one question must rise to the top: How do we ensure the spirit of Safety Week lives beyond the banners, especially for those workers who are often the most vulnerable?

The Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and related skilled trades, known collectively as MEP+, have always been essential to our world. These trades have laid the foundation for modern life, from heating homes and powering our cities to ensuring clean water and efficient ventilation. As we move forward into an era shaped by technology, sustainability, and renewed interest from younger generations, the story of MEP+ trades is one of resilience, innovation, and opportunity. Let’s explore how far we’ve come and why the best days for the trades are still ahead.

In an ambitious and transformative effort, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has launched the Southeast Connector Project, its largest infrastructure investment to date in the Fort Worth District. Estimated at $2.1 billion, the project spans over 16 miles and represents not only a response to current traffic challenges but a bold vision for the future of mobility, commerce, and quality of life across North Texas.

This vital initiative addresses one of the region’s most congested transportation corridors, comprising Interstate 20 (I-20), Interstate 820 (I-820), and U.S. Highway 287 (US 287). With the Metroplex region expected to grow by more than 1 million residents by 2045, these corridors are a lifeline for both local commuters and interstate commerce. The Southeast Connector is a critical infrastructure investment designed to meet that future expansion head-on.

Foreman Mike had done this a hundred times. The crew was prepped. The pressure to meet deadlines was mounting. Temporary workers were checked in and ready to go. Everything seemed routine until a surprise inspection brought the entire jobsite to a halt.

The inspector needed a welder’s active certification. Mike was sure it was somewhere, maybe in the trailer or buried in someone’s inbox. But amid the blur of jobsite activity, the document had slipped through the cracks. That one missing license set off a chain reaction: halted work, a $250,000 fine, and a personal lawsuit that threatened to derail his entire career.

In 2025, the $12 trillion construction industry is undergoing a major digital transformation. Construction technology, Contech, is no longer optional it’s essential for increasing efficiency, improving accuracy, managing risk, and achieving greater financial control. From innovative startups to established platforms, companies are solving the industry’s biggest challenges through technology, including outdated documentation, manual procurement methods, workforce management, and siloed systems.

Cypress, Texas just scored a major victory for healthcare and for the local community. The Houston Methodist Cypress Hospital is officially complete, and it’s not just another building on the skyline. It’s a carefully crafted, deeply considered, precision-built masterpiece, and a proud new chapter in the region’s commitment to health and wellness.

 Brought to life by the powerhouse team at McCarthy Building Companies, this hospital is the largest medical campus ever constructed by Houston Methodist and it shows. From its stunning structure to its life-saving infrastructure, it’s proof of what’s possible when talent, technology, and teamwork come together.

The data center boom isn’t just reshaping the digital world. It’s redefining the physical one too. What started as a quiet revolution in infrastructure has exploded into one of the fastest-growing sectors in construction. But this next wave isn’t just about racks and cooling systems. It’s about rising cities, rapid timelines, and the surge in demand for a skilled, flexible workforce. As digital infrastructure expands at lightning speed, the construction industry must adapt just as quickly to meet the challenge.

Under the bright lights of the 2025 NRCA International Roofing Expo, six elite teams stepped onto the stage, each fighting for the top spot. After months of rigorous preparation, only one could claim victory.

Texas A&M’s Old Army Roofing Team rose to the challenge, securing 1st place in the prestigious Roofing Alliance Competition, a testament to their dedication, skill, and teamwork. This win wasn’t just about the competition; it was the result of months of hard work, expert mentorship, and unwavering support from industry leaders like King of Texas Roofing Company and Texas A&M’s dedicated faculty. Let’s take a closer look at the journey that led them to this incredible achievement.

On a busy construction site, a foreman checks his clipboard, flipping through pages of handwritten timecards. Workers line up, reporting their hours while the sun sets behind half-finished structures. By the time payroll processes the data, errors have already piled up, missing hours, miscalculations, and costly overtime disputes.

This outdated timekeeping process is more than an inconvenience, it’s a major factor in project delays and budget overruns. According to McKinsey & Company, construction projects run 20% longer than scheduled and up to 80% over budget, often due to inefficient productivity tracking. But what if timekeeping wasn’t a burden? What if real-time tracking could eliminate manual errors, improve efficiency, and give project managers the insights they need to stay ahead?

Starr Electric Company, SEC, a trusted electrical contractor serving the Carolinas and beyond since 1928, continues to set the standard for excellence. Guided by their mission, “We exist to energize people who bring buildings and communities to life”, SEC embodies core values of family, integrity, relationships, and quality in every project they undertake. Their unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve is evident in both their work and their dedication to helping others.

This past year, SEC received two ABC Carolinas Excellence in Construction, EIC, Awards for their outstanding contributions to the CaroMont Regional Medical Center project in Charlotte, North Carolina. These prestigious awards celebrate excellence in construction, craftsmanship, diversity, and safety, further cementing SEC’s reputation as an industry leader.

Over 70% of construction companies have adopted at least one new technology in the past year, revolutionizing the way projects are planned, executed, and managed. As technology becomes an integral part of the industry, workforce management teams are tasked with ensuring both full-time and temporary workers are trained and up to speed on the latest advancements. While some companies seamlessly adapt, others may need a bit more guidance. Let’s explore best practices and solutions to help bridge the gap and make technology integration smoother for all.

The National Association of Home Builders, NAHB, reports that 80% of construction firms face challenges in finding skilled workers, highlighting the critical role of temporary labor in maintaining a compliant workforce. One of the most effective ways to meet these demands is through a diverse temporary skilled workforce.

 By integrating a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and expertise, businesses and workers benefit from the flexibility, commitment, and dedication this model provides.  Especially when it comes to labor and safety compliance for the critical roles your project needs.

In construction, staying on budget and tracking project progress in real time is essential for success. That’s where Work in Progress, WIP, reporting comes in. By monitoring financial health and project status, WIP ensures contractors avoid billing mistakes, manage resources effectively, and maintain profitability.

With a 54% turnover rate with the skilled workforce (Associated Builders and Contractors, 2023), construction companies face ongoing challenges in maintaining a stable and reliable labor force. High turnover impacts productivity, safety, efficiency, and long-term industry sustainability, making retention a critical priority. Addressing this issue requires strategic workforce planning, and skilled temporary labor can play a key role in bridging gaps, ensuring project continuity, and strengthening team efficiency. Let’s explore how leveraging temporary skilled labor can transform this challenge into a competitive advantage.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled trades jobs are projected to grow by 10% over the next decade, creating over 3 million job openings across multiple industries. From construction and electrical work to HVAC and welding, skilled labor is the backbone of urban development and infrastructure expansion.

Telecommunications, or telecom, refers to the technology and infrastructure that enable communication over distances. This includes everything from phone lines and fiber optic cables to cellular towers and satellite systems. In an increasingly connected world, the demand for robust and efficient telecom networks is greater than ever. However, building and maintaining this infrastructure is no small task. From the initial installation of hardware to ongoing upgrades and repairs, the telecom sector relies heavily on a skilled and adaptable workforce. Temporary labor plays a critical role in ensuring these projects are executed efficiently and on time.