Anywhere you drive across our state – from Savannah to Sandy Springs – you’re likely to pass an active construction site. You might drive by the expansion of the Port of Savannah, the Rivian plant, new mixed-use development near the Battery Atlanta, the Atlanta Beltline’s rails-to-trails project, or new student housing rising in Midtown. And that’s not to mention the countless distribution centers, data centers, schools, hospitals, universities, bridges, and roads taking shape across the state.
None of these projects would happen without the skilled workers of the commercial construction industry.
At Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia – one of the top trade groups for our industry and the voice for merit shop construction, free enterprise, and open competition – we wanted to quantify our industry’s full impact on Georgia’s economy. Our new economic impact report shows that in 2022, commercial construction generated $80.9 billion in total economic output, cementing our role as one of Georgia’s most powerful economic engines.
Why It matters?
Georgia’s commercial construction industry is foundational to the state’s economic success. Every new project contributes to a sector that employs thousands of people, produces billions in wages, and creates long-term value in Georgia communities.
Our industry supports 549,000 full-time jobs, generates $49.2 billion in salaries, and produces $2.7 billion in state tax revenues. Put simply, construction is building Georgia’s economy.
A Force Behind Every Industry
Our impact extends far beyond the construction site. Manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, transportation, and technology all depend on construction to expand and innovate.
Georgia’s pro-business climate and population growth have positioned the state as a national leader. Georgia has been named the No. 1 state for business for 14 consecutive years, and in 2024, our national organization recognized it as the No. 1 state for construction.
Those honors reflect the strength of the nearly 375 ABC of Georgia member companies who operate through the merit shop philosophy – representing more than 95% of Georgia’s commercial construction workforce and prioritizing open competition, innovation, and excellence.
At the heart of this industry are people: The skilled tradesmen and women who pour concrete, wire hospitals, weld bridges, frame homes, and (literally) lay the foundations for Georgia’s future. To continue supporting these jobs, we must confront several pressing challenges – particularly the competition for talent, the effects of tariffs, rising material costs, and the future of immigration policy.
Workforce: Our Greatest Opportunity and Challenge
Demand for talent is outpacing supply across the Sunbelt, and Georgia’s unemployment rate remains below the national average. That means competition for the best workers is increasingly stiff. Contractors increasingly report losing project managers and crews to competitors offering slightly higher wages or faster hiring timelines.
There is, however, encouraging news. More young people are recognizing the value of construction careers. The emerging “toolbelt generation” understands that a four-year degree is not the only pathway to success. In construction, many workers can earn a six-figure salary within a few years, without the burden of high student debt.
Headwinds: Tariffs, Immigration, and the Cost of Goods
Tariffs on key imported materials – especially steel – have disrupted supply chains and increased costs. As ABC of Georgia member Cole Porter, President & CEO of Porter Steel, Inc., noted during a recent industry panel, “Steel prices jumped 20% in just a week and a half after tariffs hit, which impacts projects already under contract.” While these policies aim to boost domestic manufacturing, they have created immediate challenges, tightening margins and delaying projects.
The rising cost of lumber, other construction materials, and labor compounds these pressures, especially in an industry that often sets budgets years before construction begins.
Immigration is another critical factor. Construction has long relied on skilled, law-abiding immigrant workers. ABC of Georgia strongly supports compliance with federal E-Verify requirements, but we also urge federal lawmakers to adopt a merit-based visa system that allows qualified workers to legally contribute to Georgia’s growing economy.
Without thoughtful reform, the workforce shortage will deepen, slowing the projects that support Georgia’s growth.
Powering Georgia’s Next Economy
One bright spot is the rapid expansion of data center construction. Georgia has quietly become the top data-center hub in the United States, powering the digital economy from right here at home. These facilities bring high-paying jobs and critical tech infrastructure. While they also bring new challenges, such as rising energy costs and demands for sustainable resource management, they represent a fast-growing segment that requires highly skilled technical expertise to build.
A Call to Build Together
As Georgia prepares for new leadership in 2026 and beyond, we urge policymakers to recognize how essential the construction industry is to every other sector, from education and logistics to tourism and technology.
So the next time you pass a jobsite, remember: The men and women working there are not just constructing a building, they are building opportunity, wealth and a stronger Georgia.
With smart policies, continued investment in workforce development and a commitment to fair competition and sensible immigration reform, we can keep Georgia’s momentum going. Commercial construction is the backbone of our economy. Strengthen it, and we strengthen everything else.
Georgia is still building. Let’s make sure we’re building wisely – together.
Bill Anderson has served as President & CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia for nearly three decades. He leads the Chapter’s team and executes the strategic vision created in partnership with the Board of Directors. Under Anderson’s leadership, ABC of Georgia has significantly expanded its programs, services, and financial stability.
