Reasons for optimism in US Construction? Interview with Ken Simonson

We recently caught up with Ken Simonson, Chief Economist at the Associated General Contractors of America, to get a sense of the impact of higher inflation, workforce challenges and the general policy situation supporting US construction. Working from home has resulted in considerable demographic shifts and labour shortages, while the associated squeeze on supply chains plus the later invasion of Ukraine have had a significant and enduring impact on input costs. Taking all of these factors into account, Ken maintains a nevertheless upbeat outlook, particularly so in the context of infrastructure spending, as Biden’s investment commitments have yet to roll out in earnest.