THE DISPATCH
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY, CURATED DAILY.

Supreme Court Rules Tariffs Unconstitutional: Why the Construction Industry Shouldn’t Expect Calm Just Yet
The Supreme Court recently ruled Trump tariffs unconstitutional, creating uncertainty for the construction industry rather than providing clarity. Construction professionals should prepare for continued volatility in material costs and supply chain dynamics despite this legal decision.

The Hierarchy of Energy Control: The Cornerstone of Direct Controls in Construction
The hierarchy of energy control is a practical framework applicable to construction jobsites, not just laboratory settings. It serves as a foundational approach for implementing direct controls to manage hazards and improve safety on projects.

High-Rise Design and Construction: Then, Now, and Next
High-rise construction has evolved significantly from the Empire State Building era to today's methods, with new technologies and safety practices reshaping how tall buildings are designed and built. The article examines historical milestones and extracts lessons that inform current and future approaches to skyscraper development.

Construction Materials Prices Surge in January, Driven Again by Tariffs
Construction materials prices continue climbing in January despite tariffs being legally struck down, indicating lingering market effects from the tariff uncertainty. Builders should expect ongoing price volatility as supply chains adjust to the changed regulatory landscape.
DOL Proposes to Rescind Biden-Era Independent Contractor Rule
The Department of Labor is moving to rescind the Biden administration's 2024 independent contractor rule, citing its ambiguous and difficult-to-interpret standard for classification. The change will likely affect how construction companies classify workers and manage labor compliance.
Construction Futures: February 2026 Economic Roundup
Construction employment is recovering while project backlogs are shrinking and material costs are climbing as of early 2026, though full economic analysis is hampered by ongoing government data gaps. The mixed signals suggest a tightening labor market alongside potential slowdowns in new work availability.
ABC Statement on President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address
New Names and Faces: February 2026
ABC member companies announced promotions, appointments, and awards for February 2026, recognizing leadership changes and achievements across the construction sector. The roundup highlights career advancement and recognition among industry professionals.

Houston's $470M Hobby Airport Concourse Extension Reaches for the Stars
Houston's Hobby Airport is building a $470M concourse extension led by Hensel Phelps, scheduled for completion in 2027. The project incorporates space-themed design, intuitive wayfinding systems, and technology integration to enhance passenger experience.

What Happens When You Test Real-Time BIM in the Real World?

Ten Minutes With Mike Dunne, Co-Founder and CTO of Fusion Power Startup Inertia Enterprises
Inertia Enterprises, a California fusion startup led by former Energy Department officials, raised $450M to commercialize laser-based fusion technology for grid-scale power plants. The company aims to scale this technology into practical power generation infrastructure.

Beyond Gantt: The Rise of Flow-Based Production
Flow-based production management offers an alternative to traditional Gantt chart scheduling, improving site productivity through better workflow optimization. Sitedrive's Antti Pukema discusses innovative strategies for transforming how construction teams plan and execute work on jobsites.

Digital Permits 2026: From Regulatory Mandate to Industrial Excellence
Digital permits are shifting from a regulatory requirement to a competitive advantage as the industry moves toward data-driven systems by 2026. The RavaBIM seminar explores how this transition impacts workflows and positions early adopters for operational excellence.

Re-Engineering Construction Flow with Takt
Takt is a lean construction methodology that synchronizes work tasks to flow at a consistent pace, reducing waste and improving project efficiency. Aleksi Heinonen explores how this approach transforms construction operations when properly implemented across jobsites.
