NEW JERSEY (January 19, 2021)—Total construction starts lost 5% in December, falling to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $784.3 billion. Nonresidential building starts fell 11% during the month, while nonbuilding starts were 5% lower. Residential starts were essentially flat over the month. Starts were lower in three of the four regions in December; the South Central region was the only one to post an increase.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 20, 2021)—Demand for design services from United States architecture firms took a pointed dip last month, according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

NATIONAL—Last week, President-elect Joe Biden announced a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan—the American Rescue Plan—which aims to sustain United States citizens and businesses until vaccines are widely distributed across the country.

Fluor Corporation announced an updated organizational and reporting structure that better aligns its business with identified growth markets and company strategy.

NATIONAL—Construction employment increased by 51,000 jobs in December, with gains for nonresidential as well as residential contractors, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today.