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Construction Jobs Increase In Majority Of Metro Areas From April 2025 To April 2026 Amid Growing Data Center Pushback And Need For Highway Bill 

Construction employment increased in 192, or 53 percent, of 360 metro areas between April 2025 and April 2026, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials said growing pushback against the construction of data centers and the potential failure of Congress to pass a new highway and transit bill soon could pose a threat to construction employment levels. “While it is encouraging to see a majority of metros adding construction jobs, the growth is uneven and fragile,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Given how much construction today is being driven by new data centers and infrastructure, the growing backlash to data center construction has the potential to disrupt the industry’s fragile job growth.” Between April 2025 and April 2026, 192 metro areas added construction jobs, 117 lost jobs, and employment was unchanged in 51 areas. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, Texas added the most construction jobs over the year (8,900 jobs or 4 percent), followed by St. Louis, Mo.-Ill. (7,300 jobs, 9 percent); Baton Rouge, La. (6,500 jobs, 13 percent); Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, N.C.-S.C. (5,900 jobs, 7 percent) and Columbus, Ohio (5,700 jobs, 10 percent). Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, Iowa-Ill. had the largest percentage gain (17 percent, 1,700 jobs), followed by three areas with 13 percent increases: Baton Rouge; Eau Claire, Wis. (500 jobs) and Kankakee, Ill. (200 jobs). In addition, there were 12 percent increases in Bloomington, Ind. (400 jobs) and Weirton-Steubenville, W. Va.-Ohio (600 jobs). Construction employment declined in 117 metro areas and was flat in 51 areas during the past year. The largest job loss occurred in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, Calif. metro division (-5,000 jobs, -3 percent), followed by Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, Calif. (-4,700 jobs, -6 percent); Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. (-4,500 jobs, -4 percent; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Ore.-Wash. (-4,100 jobs, -5 percent); and the Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine, Calif. division (-3,500 jobs, -3 percent). The steepest percentage loss occurred in Lawton, Okla. (-26 percent, -500 jobs), followed by Fairbanks-College, Alaska (-18 percent, -500 jobs) and Monroe, Mich. (-9 percent, -200 jobs). Association officials noted growing local opposition to data center construction has the potential to disrupt one of the relatively few growth areas for the construction industry. The association has created resources to help explain the economic benefits of new data centers. At the same time, they urged members of Congress to pass a new highway and transit bill by Sept. 30 to allow vital infrastructure construction work to continue. “Politics is driving the fate of vital technology and transportation infrastructure projects,” said Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the association’s chief executive officer.

The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C.: Pioneering Women-Owned Real Estate Law

Founded in 2002 by Janeen Miller Hogue at the age of 31, The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C. stands as a testament to female entrepreneurship in the legal sector. As the youngest woman-owned and longest-running solo real estate law firm in Charlotte, it has carved a unique niche in a traditionally male-dominated field. Now in its 22nd year of operation, the firm has consistently achieved annual revenues of $1 million, demonstrating its stability and success in a competitive market. With a team of three, led by Owner/President Janeen Miller Hogue, the firm embodies the spirit of efficient, focused legal practice. Janeen's journey is inspired by a lineage of enterprising women. Her grandmother, with a 7th-grade education, supported her family through the Great Depression by running a basement store. Her mother, despite not attending college, successfully operated a real estate brokerage for decades. This heritage fuels Janeen's belief that owning a business is "boundless and empowering." The firm's success is particularly noteworthy given the challenges of the real estate industry, dominated by large, established law firms. Janeen has skillfully balanced her professional achievements with her roles as a wife, mother to two young boys, and daughter to aging parents. Community engagement is a cornerstone of the firm's ethos. Janeen actively supports women through internship programs like UCREW and CPCC Paralegal Program. She contributes to various organizations, including Self-Help Community Development Corporation and Crossroads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development. Her involvement extends to the Women's Impact Fund and CREW Charlotte, where she serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Team. Janeen's accomplishments have garnered numerous accolades, including being named one of the 50 Most Influential Women by The Mecklenburg Times, a Woman Extraordinaire by Business Leader Magazine, and a Most Admired CEO by The Charlotte Business Journal. She's also been recognized in the Legal Elite by Business North Carolina Magazine and as a Leader in the Law by North Carolina Lawyer's Weekly. The Miller-Hogue Law Firm, P.C. stands as a beacon of excellence in real estate law, proving that dedication, expertise, and a commitment to community can lead to sustained success in a challenging industry.

Strata Project Management Group

Founded in 2021, Strata Project Management Group has quickly established itself as a dynamic force in the construction industry. Led by Principal Amy Johnson, this Charlotte-based firm offers comprehensive project management and consulting services, guiding clients through every phase of construction from feasibility studies to post-construction support. With a team of four dedicated professionals, Strata has achieved remarkable growth in its first three years. The company's revenue jumped from $744,777 in 2022 to $884,159 in 2023, reflecting its expanding influence and client base. As a 55% women-owned business, Strata is breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Amy Johnson, recognized as one of Meck Times' 50 Most Influential Women for 2023 and a Woman of Influence in Commercial Real Estate by Globe Street for 2024, brings a unique leadership style to the company. Her "velvet hammer" approach facilitates productive outcomes even in challenging situations, fostering a positive and solution-oriented atmosphere that sets Strata apart from competitors. Strata's commitment to empowering women extends beyond its own walls. The company partners with "She Built This City" to support women and marginalized communities in skilled trades. This dedication to diversity is not just about social responsibility; it's a strategic advantage that brings fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to complex construction challenges. Recent accomplishments include expanding into new markets such as medical and faith-based projects and supporting a start-up client's expansion into Denver and Atlanta. These achievements demonstrate Strata's adaptability and its ability to drive growth for both itself and its clients. As Strata Project Management Group continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to challenging industry norms, promoting gender diversity, and delivering excellence in project management. With its innovative approach and commitment to inclusive leadership, Strata is not just managing projects – it's building a new future for the construction industry.