Each Monday, we'll let you know what's coming in the week ahead, including important residential and commercial report releases, as well as our feature articles.
Women in construction feature article — March 8
Today marks the beginning of Women in Construction Week — part of the broader Women's History Month celebration in March. WIC Week aims to "highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry," according to the National Association of Women in Construction.
Women represent 47% of the total U.S. workforce and only 9% of the construction industry, according to OSHA. Experts have pointed to the lack of women at all levels of the industry as one of the main factors contributing to the ongoing labor shortage. Some have cited the lack of female mentors in construction and possible harassment concerns on the job site as factors holding women back from choosing a career in the industry.
In our feature article on Tuesday, March 8, we will highlight women who are in historically male-dominated roles in construction. We'll find out why they chose construction, what they've needed to overcome to achieve an executive position, and what obstacles the industry still needs to overcome to draw more women.
AGC Convention coverage — March 10-11
We'll be in San Antonio, TX, later this week to report from the 97th annual Associated General Contractors of America Convention, which brings together thousands of construction industry professionals. Keep an eye out for updates, interviews and in-depth features later in the week.
The event will cover all aspects of the industry, including new technologies, workforce development, risk management and lean construction. We'll be attending education sessions, interviewing some of the industry's top experts, and checking out the coolest new tech products on the show floor.
Affordable housing feature article — March 10
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear California building industry-backed arguments against a controversial San Jose, CA, affordable housing ordinance. The building industry argued that San Jose's law, which requires builders to set aside 15% of units as below-market-rate in new housing developments, represents an unconstitutional taking of private property.
In our feature article on Thursday, March 10, we will further explore the recent Supreme Court decision and what it means for affordable housing going forward. We'll also take a fresh look at laws requiring below-market set-asides, including whether those mandates are curbing development.
