US construction struggles continue, but Idaho’s model shows promise
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The construction industry across the United States is facing a persistent worker shortage. National surveys show most contractors cannot fill open positions, with many projects slowed or canceled due to staffing gaps. A tightening of immigration policies has further complicated matters, shrinking the pool of available labor. Idaho, however, is an exception. While the state struggles with unqualified applicants and project delays, its contractors report far less disruption from immigration enforcement compared with peers nationwide.
How immigration policy is reshaping the construction workforce
Immigrant workers account for nearly 30 percent of the national construction labor force. Stricter immigration enforcement has reduced the flow of foreign-born workers by about 150,000 each month. This trend has raised construction costs, reduced the number of bids on projects, and lengthened timelines. Contractors in states such as Texas and California, which rely heavily on immigrant labor, are reporting workforce gaps similar to those seen during the pandemic-era labor crisis.
These changes are altering the industry in more ways than headcount alone. Advocates warn that undocumented workers who remain face higher risks, including wage theft, long hours, and unsafe conditions. Economists argue that without a pragmatic solution, such as a construction-specific work visa, shortages will continue to worsen.
Idaho contractors report limited effects from immigration enforcement. Only 8 percent cite it as a factor in their staffing challenges, compared with a third of contractors nationwide. This reflects a different workforce composition, where reliance on immigrant labor is lower and other factors drive shortages.
Why Idaho contractors still struggle to fill jobs despite resilience
Even with less direct pressure from immigration policy, Idaho’s construction sector struggles to staff projects. A survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) found that one-third of Idaho contractors are experiencing project delays due to a lack of workers. The problem lies not in applicant numbers but in qualifications.
Contractors say many open positions draw candidates without the technical training required for the work. This misalignment forces companies to either delay projects or invest heavily in training. Nearly half of surveyed contractors are now using online platforms and nontraditional recruitment channels to reach more potential applicants.
Ken Simonson, AGC’s chief economist, noted that labor shortages extend well beyond construction. “Projects of all types are being delayed,” he said. “The longer it takes and the more expensive it is to build, the harder it is for the economy to grow.”
Pay increases, training, and the push for workforce development
Contractors across Idaho and the country are investing in their existing workforce. Many are raising wages, while others are prioritizing professional development and safety training. The approach reflects the reality that if the workforce cannot expand quickly enough, its skills must.
Boyd Worsham, president and chief executive officer of NCCER, said that training and development are central to closing the gap. “We cannot get the quantity we want, so we have to improve the quality of what we have,” he said. “These are high-paying jobs that literally will break a poverty cycle for some families.”
AGC and NCCER are urging federal lawmakers to double funding for high school career and technical education programs. They also support renewing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct at least half of its funding to workforce training. Advocates argue these measures are critical to aligning education with industry demand.
The role of education and recruitment in Idaho’s construction future
Idaho’s education sector is taking on a larger role in solving the labor gap. Boise State University’s Construction Management School began the academic year with record enrollment, suggesting more students view construction as a long-term career path. The Idaho AGC has also launched initiatives such as WeBuildIdaho.org, which links students and job seekers to training, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
Partnerships between contractors, schools, and training centers are key to building a sustainable talent pipeline. By engaging students early and offering structured pathways into the industry, Idaho is creating long-term stability. While other states look to immigration reform to ease shortages, Idaho’s investment in education may provide a more reliable solution.
Policy and economic pressures shaping the industry’s future
Labor is not the only issue weighing on contractors. Trade disputes and tariffs have raised the cost of construction materials, leading nearly half of contractors to increase bids or scale back projects. These pressures make construction more expensive and less predictable.
Industry leaders are advocating for policy responses, including the creation of a temporary work visa for construction workers. Such a measure could provide short-term relief while education programs expand the talent pipeline. Without action, the industry risks long-term stagnation as both labor and material costs remain high.
For Idaho contractors, the outlook is mixed. Immigration crackdowns are less disruptive than elsewhere, but worker shortages and rising costs still create uncertainty. The state’s proactive investment in education and training offers optimism, but the broader economic environment will determine whether growth can keep pace with demand.
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