July 2026 Data Center Report: Year-to-Date Spending is Four Times the 2025 Record
The ConstructConnect Data Center Report tracks construction starts, costs, geography, and near-term...
Michael Guckes, Chief Economist
Michael Guckes is regularly featured as an economics thought leader in national media, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Marketplace from APM. He started in construction economics as a leading economist for the Ohio Department of Transportation. He then transitioned to manufacturing economics, where he served five years as the chief economist for Gardner Business Media. He covered all forms of manufacturing, from traditional metalworking to advanced composites fabrication. In 2022, Michael joined ConstructConnect's economics team, shifting his focus to the commercial construction market. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Kenyon College and his MBA from the Ohio State University.
Tentative Iran Peace Deal Sends Oil Lower, Full Relief Could Take Months
The tentative peace deal between the US and Iran lowers the immediate geopolitical risk premium in...
Regional US Construction Activity Splits Sharply Through April
April US Nonresidential construction activity splits by region, with East North Central up 91.4%...
Don’t Be Fooled By Readings of Slowing Inflation
April year-on-year construction materials inflation slowed to 6.7%, down from February’s 7.1%, even...
Construction Employment Update: Nonresidential Sector Leads Modest April Job Gains
April’s construction employment totaled 8.3 million workers, a gain of 9,000 jobs from the prior...
Civil Gains and Broad Category Strength Cushion April’s Nonresidential Starts
ConstructConnect announced today that April 2026 Total Nonresidential Construction Starts — the sum...
Summer 2026 Construction Starts Forecast: Data Center Strength Lifts U.S. Nonresidential Outlook
The U.S. Nonresidential construction forecast continues to be shaped by the rapid buildout of...
June 2026 Data Center Report: Construction Remains Strong as Costs Rise
The ConstructConnect Data Center Report tracks construction starts, costs, geography, and near-term...
Nonresidential Construction Starts Regional Analysis - April 2026
ConstructConnect Chief Economist Michael Guckes reports on U.S. construction nonresidential...
Higher Energy Costs Will Hurt Everyone, But Not Equally
Higher energy costs are historically tied to higher construction costs. The picture is complicated...