News Archive

AI Is Creating an Entirely New Construction Market

Jul 31, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

New facilities are two to three times larger than traditional commercial projects, requiring more HVAC systems, more sheet metal, more coordination, and significantly greater electrical capacity.

Data Centers Continue to Shape State Policy and Construction Markets

Jul 31, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision cleared a significant legal hurdle for future development, while lawmakers continue to wrestle with questions surrounding energy demand, water consumption, permitting, and infrastructure planning.

Maryland Advances Procurement for New Mega Project

Jul 31, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Project represents one of the nation's largest transportation infrastructure investments and will restore a critical freight corridor serving the Port of Baltimore and the Mid-Atlantic region.

Is Your Prior Authorization on File?

Jul 31, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Federal law requires SMACNA to obtain a signed Prior Authorization before communicating with members about SMACPAC, its activities, and opportunities to support the association's political program.

Join the SMAC-AF Founders Club and Strengthen SMACNA's Advocacy

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

SMAC-AF invests in the advocacy infrastructure that allows SMACNA to effectively represent our members long before and long after Election Day.

New York Tax Law Change Provides Relief for Construction Firms

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

The legislation decouples New York's treatment of certain research and development expenses from federal tax rules, potentially allowing businesses to recover costs more quickly and improve cash flow.

Illinois Advances Major I-80 Bridge Project

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

The project represents a significant infrastructure investment aimed at improving safety, reducing congestion, and supporting freight movement through one of the nation's busiest transportation corridors.

Minneapolis Construction Survey Shows Industrial Sector Strength

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Manufacturing projects, warehouse development, infrastructure investments, and technology-related construction continue to generate activity across much of the Upper Midwest.

Labor Unions Shape State Data Center Policy Debates

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Labor organizations have successfully influenced or helped defeat proposed restrictions on data center development in several states, including Illinois, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Maine.

Micron Project Expected to Reach 3,000 Construction Workers

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

The project represents one of the largest economic development initiatives in New York State history and continues to generate significant opportunities for the construction industry throughout the region.

Rhode Island Protects Energy Efficiency Funding

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

For contractors, building owners, and facility managers, energy efficiency programs continue to drive demand for HVAC upgrades, modernization projects, and building performance improvements.

Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling Meets with Philadelphia Industry Leaders

Jun 25, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Participants discussed the growing demand for skilled workers driven by major investments in pharmaceuticals, data centers, infrastructure, and public works projects throughout the region.

Share Your Chapter Updates and Event Invitations

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Please continue sending chapter news, project updates, advocacy efforts, workforce initiatives, and member success stories for inclusion in future editions of the SMACNA State & Local Newsletter.

Apprenticeship Programs Remain Central to Workforce Policy Discussions

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Discussions have focused on funding priorities, industry partnerships, and strategies to expand access to skilled trades careers while meeting the growing demand for infrastructure and construction.

Royals Stadium Discussions Shape Kansas City Development Debate

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

The project is part of a broader regional conversation around economic development, infrastructure investment, transportation access, and mixed-use redevelopment opportunities.

Battery Storage Expansion Faces Local Pushback in California

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Concerns surrounding fire safety, permitting, environmental impacts, and project siting are creating new challenges for developers and policymakers as demand for battery storage infrastructure grows.

Illinois Megaproject Legislation Advances as Bears Seek Changes

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

Proposal could impact several large-scale projects, including ongoing discussions involving a new Chicago Bears stadium development.

Lobbying 101 Resource Available for Chapters and Members

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

The resource provides practical guidance for members engaging with elected officials and policymakers, including tips on relationship building, effective communication, and issue advocacy.

Data Center Growth Drives Construction Demand

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

The report released earlier this month highlighted growing investment in large-scale data center facilities, many of which require highly specialized HVAC systems, energy management strategies, and advanced building performance solutions.

New Infrastructure Report Highlights Growing Local Challenges

May 22, 2026 |1 min read — State Legislative

A new report outlines significant infrastructure concerns facing municipalities nationwide, including aging facilities, transportation systems, water infrastructure, and public buildings.