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Most U.S. cities lost construction jobs in past year, report says

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Staff Report Updated 7:09 PM Thursday, March 18, 2010

A total of 313 out of 337 metropolitan areas lost construction jobs from January 2009 to January 2010, a construction industry association said Thursday, March 18.

The Associated General Contractors of America said its report, based on an analysis of federal employment figures, showed how hard-hit the construction industry has been during the recession. The job losses underscore the need for investments in infrastructure as well as tax incentives to encourage private-sector demand, the association said.

Phoenix, Ariz., lost more construction jobs (27,600) than any other U.S. city during the year, the association said. The drop-off to 82,600 jobs in January 2010 from 110,200 a year earlier amounted to a 25 percent decline.

Steubenville, Ohio, and Weirton, W.Va., experienced the largest percentage decline in construction employment, (44 percent, or 1,600 jobs).

Dayton’s construction employment fell by 1,700 jobs, or 15 percent, to 9,500 in January 2010 from 11,200 a year earlier.

Eau Claire, Wis., added 500 construction jobs during the year, giving it the largest percentage increase (23 percent).

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