Annual Report 2017
Research & Publications
The New York Building Congress, with support from the New York Building Foundation, has made research and publications a cornerstone of its program, with the goal of serving the industry and contributing to public debate on issues concerning design, construction, and New York City's economic future.
Drawing from a broad array of data sources and the expertise of leading economists, budgetary analysts, industry executives, and public policy professionals, the Building Congress consistently produces reliable, relevant reports that have made the organization a go-to resource for information on current and future market conditions as well as insights into emerging trends and challenges related to capital budgets and private development throughout the five boroughs.
Building Congress publications are distributed to members, government officials, the media, and other interested parties through email blasts and periodic direct member mailings. Select reports are posted on the Building Congress website.
PRINT PUBLICATIONS
New York City Construction Outlook
A Building Congress signature publication funded by the New York Building Foundation, this annual forecast and analysis focuses on three years of construction spending and employment, while also providing deeper insight into factors that could shape the industry and New York City's economy in the coming years. The current edition estimates New York City construction spending of $43.1 billion in 2016. This would mark the first time in city history that construction spending eclipsed the $40 billion mark and would represent a 26 percent increase from 2015, when spending climbed to $34.3 billion. The forecast also anticipates continuation of the current building boom, with $42.1 billion in construction spending projected for 2017 and $42.3 billion in 2018.
Healthy City: Inside New York City's Hospital Building Boom
New York City's hospitals are expected to invest $6.3 billion on construction projects in 2016 and 2017, according to Healthy City: Inside New York City's Hospital Building Boom. This special report is based on an extensive survey of New York City hospitals, interviews with leading healthcare construction professionals, and an analysis of other available data sources. In addition to quantifying the breadth of recent, ongoing and planned investments by New York City hospitals, the report explores the trends driving that activity and the enormous impact of these capital expenditures on the city's economy. It concludes with policy recommendations aimed at helping hospitals remain flexible and responsive to continuing competitive pressures and changes in service delivery.
Building a Better New York City Capital Budget
In Building a Better NYC Capital Budget, the Building Congress, in partnership with the Building Foundation, addresses New York City's growing infrastructure needs and recommends specific strategies government can take to meet them. The report offers common sense recommendations for improved capital planning, project delivery, and revenue generation, including the adoption of new user fees to be dedicated solely to infrastructure investments.
ELECTRONIC PUBLICATIONS
New York City Construction Outlook Updates
To supplement the findings of the annual New York City Construction Outlook report, the Construction Outlook Update series accesses the latest data on a range of key building industry indicators to provide a monthly snapshot of conditions and trends affecting all sectors of the industry. The publications, which blend raw data with timely commentary, have recently examined such areas as New York City construction costs, the impact of construction activity on the city's economy, and the capital investments made by the city's public and private institutions, which include elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, courts, libraries, and cultural and religious institutions.
Infrastructure Update
Infrastructure Update is a data-driven analysis of key infrastructure policy and budgetary programs. An integral part of the overall Building Congress advocacy strategy, the publication examines the prospects and challenges facing local, state and federal entities responsible for the maintenance and expansion of New York City's critical infrastructure systems. In recent years, Infrastructure Update has stepped up its coverage of the City of New York's capital program and amplified the Building Congress' call for greater infrastructure investment to meet the increasing demand placed on public facilities by the city's growing population and economy.
(e)Update
The Building Congress issues periodic (e)Updates to keep members, policy makers, and the media up-to-date on late-breaking industry news and advocacy agenda priorities. (e)Updates often combine legislative and policy updates with suggested actions stakeholders can take to make their voices heard and help advance Building Congress recommendations on industry-impacting issues.
Building Beat
Building Beat is a bi-weekly feature comprised of two new e-newsletters, Member Monday and Industry Friday, which are each widely distributed once a week and promoted through the Building Congress' social media channels. Member Monday highlights the latest news from Building Congress members, provides information on upcoming industry events, and recognizes new, renewed and upgraded members. Industry Friday focuses on timely industry news and trends, including RFPs and relevant legislative and policy updates.
