WASHINGTON (June 24, 2020)—Demand for design services in May saw few signs of rebounding following a record drop in billings the month prior, according to a new report from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—Gilbane Inc. announced that William J. Gilbane III, fifth generation family member and former senior vice president of the New York division of Gilbane Building Company, has been elected to Gilbane, Inc.'s board of directors.

WASHINGTON—Associated Builders and Contractors announced it is partnering with the United States Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.

San Francisco Bay Area-based construction information manager BarkerBlue Inc., recently announced the promotion of Mike Carlson to director of sales of BarkerBlue Build.

Carlson first joined BarkerBlue in 2013, bringing past sales experience in technology and litigation document support sales.

NATIONAL—President Trump and his administration are working on an infrastructure proposal worth almost $1 trillion aimed at giving the volatile United States economy a much-needed boost. 

The existing infrastructure plan—the FAST Act—which authorized $305 billion over a 5-year term, will expire at the end of September.

LOS ANGELES (June 15, 2020) — AECOM announced the appointment of W. Troy Rudd to chief executive officer (CEO). Currently AECOM’s chief financial officer, Rudd will assume the role from Michael S. Burke, who previously announced his plans to retire.

New home construction in the United States showed a positive return in May—good news after several months of decreasing numbers due in part to the coronavirus pandemic. 

In particular, a rebound in permits for future home construction (up 14.4%) showed promise that the industry might be coming out of a slump. The statistic is often an indicator of future activity and the overall health of the economy.