Nonresidential Construction Starts Up 80% Year-Over-Year — NW Contractors Take Note

Construction starts activity in early 2026 is off to a tremendous start according to ConstructConnect Chief Economist Michael Guckes, with nonresidential building construction up approximately 80% compared to a year ago — driven by a massive surge in data center projects and megaprojects over $1 billion that are up more than 500% year-to-date. Beyond the headline data center numbers, economists are identifying an additional $32 billion in construction opportunity outside of high-profile tech projects — in sectors including healthcare, education, infrastructure, and industrial development — creating significant opportunities for Oregon and Washington commercial contractors who are positioned and ready to pursue larger project work in 2026.

Source: ConstructConnect / Construction Economy Brief April 2026 Read the full story: https://news.constructconnect.com/the-construction-economy-brief-for-april-2026