DCED Newsroom • JULY 27, 2026

The Shapiro Administration has extended the application deadline for school infrastructure improvement funds, as announced by the DCED Newsroom in July 2026. The 2026-27 budget allocates $125 million for these initiatives, with $100 million specifically for the Public School Facility Grant Program. Since the start of Governor Josh Shapiro's term, approximately $175 million has been invested, assisting 208 schools.

AGC • JULY 24, 2026

The July 24, 2026, report from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) outlines trends in U.S. construction employment and activity for June 2026. Construction jobs increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia, with Texas leading in job gains, while total construction starts rose by 11% year-to-date compared to 2025.

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.

DCED Newsroom • JULY 17, 2026

Governor Shapiro has announced an investment of over $134 million in 100 community and economic development projects in Southwestern Pennsylvania, as reported by DCED Newsroom on July 17, 2026. Funded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, these projects focus on enhancing economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and workforce development. The initiative aims to strengthen local communities and support overall economic growth.

DCED Newsroom • JULY 17, 2026

Governor Shapiro has invested over $26 million in 17 community and economic development projects in North Central and Northwest Pennsylvania, as reported by the DCED Newsroom. The funding is provided through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and aims to enhance economic development, public safety, and infrastructure, among other initiatives. Projects include improvements to public facilities and workforce training programs designed to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life.

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.