Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Contractors Hot Line is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
Wisconsin has secured the top spot in the construction industry rankings, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) 2024 Merit Shop Scorecard. This annual evaluation assesses states based on policies that promote career development, workforce training and fair competition in taxpayer-funded projects.
Wisconsin stood out for its policies supporting free enterprise and regulatory balance, as well as its robust workforce development efforts.
“Policies and processes that protect free enterprise, promote economic growth, reduce regulatory burdens and expand workforce development create the conditions to welcome all of the U.S. construction industry to rebuild America’s infrastructure,” Ben Brubeck, ABC’s vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs said.
“States like Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida set the standard in favorable conditions for the construction industry, and its workforce, to thrive. Hard-working taxpayers are best served by a regulatory environment that creates a level playing field for all contractors to build America with fewer obstacles.”
Key factors in Wisconsin's rise to the No. 1 position include its strong job growth in construction, a right-to-work law and a high-performing technical education system. The state achieved a 4.4% five-year construction job growth rate and boasts a 97.4% graduation rate for career technical education students. It also provides a labor pipeline meeting over 100% of demand despite national shortages.
Trailing closely behind are Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida. Conversely, states like Hawaii and New York ranked lowest due to policies limiting open-shop contractor opportunities.