Commercial and institutional planning end the year on a down note, but full-year measures show strong performance

The Dodge Momentum Index fell 3% in December to 166.4 (2000=100), down from the revised November reading of 170.7. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In December, commercial planning fell 4%, and institutional planning slipped 1%.

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December 2021 DODGE MOMENTUM INDEX (Graphic: Business Wire)

Despite these declines, 2021 was a banner year for the Dodge Momentum Index — despite the lingering risks of COVID-19 and low demand for some types of nonresidential buildings. Throughout the year, the overall Momentum Index increased 23%, the strongest annual gain since 2005. Both the commercial and institutional components of the Momentum Index saw similar gains — with their levels of activity reaching 13- and 14-year highs, respectively.

A total of 21 projects with a value of $100 million or more entered planning in December. The leading commercial projects were the $300 million OKANA Resort in Oklahoma City, OK, and the $200 million Project Tarpon Amazon distribution center in Daytona Beach, FL. The leading institutional projects were the $250 million University of Michigan Detroit Center for Innovation in Detroit, MI, and a $150 million laboratory in Lexington, MA.

The signals provided by the Dodge Momentum Index continue to suggest that construction activity will improve in 2022 — and, more importantly, that this growth will be more balanced than what was seen in 2021. However, the ever-present risks of the pandemic and tight labor force will work to counter these trends, leading to moderate growth over the new year.

About Dodge Construction Network

Dodge Construction Network leverages an unmatched offering of data, analytics, and industry-spanning relationships to generate the most powerful source of information, knowledge, insights, and connections in the commercial construction industry. The company powers four longstanding and trusted industry solutions — Dodge Data & Analytics, The Blue Book Network, Sweets, and IMS — to connect the dots across the entire commercial construction ecosystem. Together, these solutions provide clear and actionable opportunities for both small teams and enterprise firms. Purpose-built to streamline the complicated, Dodge Construction Network ensures that construction professionals have the information they need to build successful businesses and thriving communities. With over a century of industry experience, Dodge Construction Network is the catalyst for modern commercial construction.

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