Opinion
The latest opinion pieces by industry thought leaders
If you are interested in having your voice heard on Construction Dive's Opinion page, please read our editorial guidelines and fill out the submission form here.
-
IRA tax credits spur construction, manufacturing in red and blue states
Repealing the Inflation Reduction Act could slow our ability to build more power generation and increase the risk of rolling blackouts and higher energy costs.
Emmanuel Martin-Lauzer • May 30, 2025 -
It’s not too late to offset tariffs on existing jobs
Though increased costs seem inevitable, there are steps owners can take to mitigate potential impacts, even on current projects, write two attorneys.
Stacy Bercun Bohm and Trav Clark • May 28, 2025 -
Navigating the impact of new Buy America requirements on FHWA projects
With the Manufactured Products General Waiver gone, contractors must prepare for potential cost, schedule and quality control issues, legal experts say.
Michael Peloso & Dan McCrave-Bessette • May 27, 2025 -
Worker safety is in jeopardy if we don’t protect NIOSH
The agency that has been gutted by recent federal cuts provides the construction industry with vital support, writes a community health professor.
Sandra J. Domeracki • May 21, 2025 -
Cash isn’t king. Cash flow is.
Smart contractors know how long it takes for money to transform from an outgoing expense to an incoming payment, writes data scientist Bruce Orr.
Bruce Orr • May 14, 2025 -
How new construction execs can set themselves up to succeed
Emerging leaders must be flexible in the face of change while also speaking up for what they need, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.
Matt Verderamo • May 14, 2025 -
Why Trump’s tariffs alone aren’t enough
Manufacturing projects are complex. Levies aimed at bringing these builds back to the U.S. need to be paired with broader initiatives, writes one construction executive.
Brian Gallagher • May 9, 2025 -
What NEPA changes mean for projects, permitting timelines
The framework for environmental reviews is shifting as federal agencies revise or develop their own implementing regulations, according to attorney Alexaida Collet.
Alexaida Collet • May 6, 2025 -
Your contract can mitigate tariff impacts, if you know where to look
Two construction lawyers detail how cost-plus, guaranteed maximum price and lump sum agreements work in light of higher import duties.
Mason Hester and Austin Moorman • April 21, 2025 -
Why do we set up new hires to fail?
The construction industry must move away from "sink-or-swim" training and instead provide early career workers with the coaching they need, writes consultant Fulton Cure.
Fulton Cure • April 15, 2025 -
The AI infrastructure race hits a political reality check
The AI-driven data center boom has created demand for land, electricity and water, a dynamic that has spawned growing opposition from communities, utility grid operators and regulators.
Joe Brettell and Jeff Berkowitz • April 14, 2025 -
How to use tech to fill construction’s skills gap
While new technology can be daunting for workers and managers alike, a venture chief says starting small and educating onsite personnel can help firms stay ahead of the curve.
Gonzalo Galindo • April 9, 2025 -
Tariffs will change the way projects are financed, delivered
Rising material costs from President Donald Trump’s trade war are altering how deals are structured and jobs are executed, writes a construction executive.
Brian Gallagher • April 8, 2025 -
Protecting OSHA protects workers. Slashing its budget is a dangerous mistake.
Now is the time to invest more — not less — in the agency, writes a safety leader.
Cam Mackey • April 4, 2025 -
Design-build fosters collaboration, flexibility
The fastest-growing project delivery method in the U.S. can help contractors control costs, streamline schedules and encourage innovation.
Lisa Washington • March 27, 2025 -
11 predictions for public contractors under Trump 2.0
In this volatile environment, adapting quickly and understanding what is important to officials will be critical to government contracting success, writes consultant Mary Scott Nabers.
Mary Scott Nabers • March 25, 2025 -
You’re not losing on price — you’re losing on process
Successful construction industry salespeople must hone this core set of competencies in order to win more projects, says consultant Chad Prinkey.
Chad Prinkey • March 12, 2025 -
Helping women succeed at work starts with better leave
Supporting parents begins with stronger leave policies, writes a construction executive who gained a new perspective after starting her own family.
Rebecca Ozols Goss • March 5, 2025 -
Alternative delivery methods can help speed, simplify civil projects
What’s behind acronyms like CMAR, DB, PDB and P3s? A transportation construction expert explains.
Sami Soufi • Feb. 19, 2025 -
Why not to be the lowest bidder
Competing on price matters, but it is only part of consistently winning work, says consultant Chad Prinkey.
Chad Prinkey • Feb. 6, 2025 -
Why navigating uncertainty will be key to construction gains in 2025
JLL’s Louis Molinini walks through the impacts of the new administration, higher material prices and a continued focus on resilience for contractors.
Louis Molinini • Jan. 30, 2025 -
We need another infrastructure law
Carlo Scissura has a message for Congress and President Trump: Building a stronger country can’t stop now.
Carlo Scissura • Jan. 16, 2025 -
Why mentorship matters
Initiatives like the ACE Mentor Program create a two-way street of learning, writes a preconstruction professional who works with high school students.
Ratan Lal • Jan. 9, 2025 -
Resolve to win more jobs in the new year
Running a construction company is hard, but these steps can lead to a more profitable business, writes consultant Matt Verderamo.
Matt Verderamo • Jan. 9, 2025 -
Construction leaders eye estate planning as tax changes loom
For construction company owners considering succession options, the early months of 2025 are an important implementation time, writes a CPA.
Anita Mahamed • Jan. 6, 2025