AGC Construction Data • JULY 21, 2026

A report from AGC Construction Data, released on July 21, 2026, reveals that construction employment increased in 33 states and the District of Columbia from June 2025 to June 2026, with 28 states adding jobs month-to-month from May to June. The findings highlight a widespread positive trend in construction hiring, although challenges such as tariffs and funding uncertainties are noted. Macrina Wilkins, the association’s director of market insights, emphasizes that more states experienced job gains than losses during this period.

Pittsburgh City Council • JULY 21, 2026

The Pittsburgh City Council convened on July 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Council Chambers, with all nine council members present. The meeting included the passage of multiple proclamations, public comments, and key resolutions, such as authorizing funding for public safety recruitment and approving contracts for consulting services and park lighting improvements. The proceedings concluded with reports from committees and the approval of meeting minutes.

AGC • JULY 17, 2026

The July 17, 2026 report from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) outlines current trends in nonresidential construction input prices, labor settlements, and housing statistics. Notably, nonresidential input prices decreased by 0.5% in June, influenced by a significant drop in diesel fuel prices, while metal prices have risen significantly year-over-year due to tariffs. The report also highlights an increase in unionized wage settlements for construction workers and a rebound in housing starts, driven primarily by multifamily units.

Federal Reserve • JULY 17, 2026

The Federal Reserve's report titled "The AI Buildout and the Economy: Publicly Available Data to Assess AI's Impact," released on July 17, 2026, analyzes indicators related to the development of generative AI and its economic implications. It categorizes these indicators into capabilities and costs, firm investment and adoption, and productivity and labor, while discussing the challenges in measuring AI's contributions to GDP and the complexities surrounding productivity gains and labor market shifts. The report emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring to comprehend AI's macroeconomic effects.

Federal Reserve • JULY 15, 2026

The Federal Reserve's Beige Book, published on July 15, 2026, reports modest economic growth across eleven of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, with one district experiencing no change. Highlights include rising consumer spending, stable auto sales, and modest growth in various sectors, alongside challenges such as increased labor costs and fluctuating agricultural conditions. The report notes moderate price increases and mixed expectations for future inflation, based on insights from contacts outside the Federal Reserve System.

ABC • JULY 14, 2026

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported a decrease in its Construction Backlog Indicator to 8.8 months in June, down 0.3 months from May but up 0.1 months from June 2025. While the Middle States region showed growth, the Northeast experienced a notable contraction. Despite the decline in backlog, the Construction Confidence Index remains positive, with all components exceeding the growth threshold of 50.

Allegheny County Council • JULY 14, 2026

The Allegheny County Council held a regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM, led by Vice President Palmiere. The meeting included presentations on civic recognitions, public comments on agenda items, and the adoption of several resolutions and ordinances, including amendments to the Grants and Special Accounts Budget for 2026 and a resolution supporting nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital. The meeting concluded with the approval of a motion to adjourn.

Informup - Allegheny County Council • JULY 13, 2026

The Allegheny County Council is set to vote on July 14 to accept a $2.15 million grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, intended to support alternatives to incarceration. Additionally, the council will appoint an interim jail warden following the resignation of current warden Trevor Wingard after 18 months in the position. The proposed "Allegheny One" platform aims to enhance access to county services and is supported by the council’s IT and process improvement committee.

AGC • JULY 10, 2026

The July 10, 2026 report from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) indicates that construction employment increased to 8.33 million in June, with notable gains in nonresidential sectors. In contrast, residential construction employment declined, and overall construction spending showed mixed results, with a slight month-over-month increase but a year-over-year decrease. The report also highlights rising labor costs and varying performance across different construction segments.

Federal Reserve • JULY 8, 2026

The Federal Reserve has released the minutes from the June 2026 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, held on June 16-17, 2026. The FOMC discussed economic conditions, noting inflation at 3.8 percent and stable labor market conditions, while unanimously deciding to maintain the federal funds rate at 3.5 to 3.75 percent. The next FOMC meeting is scheduled for July 28-29, 2026.