News

Posts by Concord (7)
    Construction
    Dec 01, 2015

    Construction Spending Shows Strong Growth

    Construction spending in October reached levels not seen since 2007, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) — and showed a year-to-year increase of 13 percent over October 2014.

    Advocacy
    Nov 30, 2015

    Stakeholders Petition Congressional Leaders

    The Coalition to Extend and Improve the 179D Tax Deduction for Energy-Efficient Buildings has prepared a letter urging that Congress pass a multi-year extension of the Section 179D tax deduction, with changes that will make the standards for qualifying “more stringent” and that will allow tribal governments and non-profits to allocate the deduction to designers.

    Architects
    Nov 24, 2015

    Firm Billings Stay Steady

    The American Institute of Architects’ monthly Architecture Billings Index show a continuing increase in billings for both new project inquiries and new design contracts, showing “healthy business conditions at architecture firms,” according to AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker — although both have slowed from the September levels, “suggesting that growth may moderate just a bit in the coming months.”

    Tax Incentives
    Nov 22, 2015

    WSJ Describes Tax Extenders’ Twilight Existence

    An article in the Wall Street Journal outlines the limbo existence of dozens of tax extender provisions (including Section 179D) — stuck pending congressional renewal not only for next year, but also for this one that’s nearly over.

    Legislative Outlook
    Nov 18, 2015

    Comprehensive Tax Reform: Is a Bipartisan Deal Still Possible?

    Just a few years ago, many people thought that comprehensive tax reform would be accomplished with a bipartisan deal — a “Kumbaya” moment when President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner would join hands to remake the US tax code.

    ABI
    Nov 18, 2015

    ABI Shows Solid Strength Despite Minor Dip

    Although the October Architectural Billings Index is down slightly, at 53.1 compared to September’s 53.7, it remains in positive territory and suggests that construction remains on firm footing.

    Construction
    Nov 12, 2015

    Green Building is Booming, Article Says

    Green building makes up a larger — and more dynamic — portion of the U.S. economy than you might imagine.

    Construction
    Nov 06, 2015

    Construction Employment Continues Rebound

    In October construction employment reached its highest level since February 2009 — 6,434,000 jobs — and unemployment in the sector has dropped to 6.2 percent, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

    EBI
    Nov 05, 2015

    EBI Continues Slide, but Stays Positive

    The Engineering Business Index (EBI) compiled by the American Council of Engineering Companies has now fallen for five straight quarters, registering a composite score of 62.4 — which means that it remains firmly in positive territory.