Infrastructure

Construction spending slows in July
Written by David Schollaert
September 4, 2025
Construction spending edged down slightly in July for a third straight month.
The US Census Bureau estimated spending at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2,139 billion in July, down 0.1% from June’s revised rate of $2,140 billion. The July figure is 2.8% lower than a year ago.
July’s result is the lowest total since December 2023, according to Census data.
Private builds
Overall, private construction outlays were $1,623 billion in July at a seasonally adjusted annual rate. That’s about 0.2% below the revised June estimate, the report said. Residential construction spending ticked 0.1% higher month over month to $886.5 billion, while nonresidential construction outlays were down 0.5% to $736.7 billion in July.
Public projects
Public construction spending edged 0.3% higher in July to $515.8 billion. Despite the gain, both education and highway construction lagged, slipping 0.1% to $111.7 billion and $142.8 billion, respectively.
The chart below shows a rise in spending in recent years, particularly in nonresidential investment, despite the current slowdown.


David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Infrastructure

AIA: Architecture firms still under pressure
Architecture firms reported a modest improvement in billings through August, yet business conditions remained soft, according to the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) release from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Deltek.

Dodge Momentum Index moves higher in August
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose 7.5% in August after jumping nearly 21% the month prior. The index is now up 30% year-to-date, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network.

Architecture billings still sluggish despite project inquiry uptick
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI), a leading indicator for non-residential construction activity, declined for an eighth straight month in June.

Dodge Momentum Index reaches record high in June
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased again in June, setting a record reading. The surprise result follows three months of little to no growth, according to the latest data released by Dodge Construction Network. Both institutional and commercial projects accelerated in June, further improving the nonresidential construction market. The May DMI rose to 225.1, a […]