WASHINGTON, DC — Wisconsin has claimed the top spot for construction in the United States, according to the 10th annual Merit Shop Scorecard released by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The ranking, which has been issued annually since 2015, evaluates all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on their policies and programs that support career development in construction, promote workforce growth, and ensure fair competition on taxpayer-funded projects. Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Florida followed Wisconsin in the top five states for 2024.

“Policies and processes that protect free enterprise, promote economic growth, reduce regulatory burdens, and expand workforce development create the conditions to welcome all of the U.S. construction industry to rebuild America’s infrastructure,” said Ben Brubeck, ABC’s vice president of regulatory, labor, and state affairs. “States like Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Florida set the standard in favorable conditions for the construction industry and its workforce to thrive. Hard-working taxpayers are best served by a regulatory environment that creates a level playing field for all contractors to build America with fewer obstacles.”

Wisconsin's Strong Performance

‍Wisconsin’s top ranking is attributed to its strong fair competition policies, including banning government-mandated project labor agreements (PLAs), supporting market-driven wages, and protecting workers with its right-to-work law. The state also showed a 4.4% growth in construction jobs over the last five years and a solid commitment to career and technical education (CTE), with a 97.4% graduation rate and 91.4% placement rate for CTE students. Wisconsin continues to meet construction labor demand despite a national labor shortage.

Top Performers: Arkansas, Kentucky, and Florida

‍Arkansas moved up to second place in 2024, excelling in workforce development and job growth, with a 6.1% increase in construction industry jobs. Kentucky and Florida also performed strongly, with Florida maintaining a focus on innovative career-centered education programs that have contributed to a growing and highly skilled workforce amidst record population growth.

Challenges in Michigan and Lower Rankings

‍Michigan, which has fallen to No. 33, has struggled due to the repeal of right-to-work legislation and the reinstatement of prevailing wage laws. The state continues to face challenges as the legislature works to undo the Fair and Open Competition Act.

At the bottom of the rankings were Washington, D.C., Illinois, New York, and Hawaii, each receiving poor ratings for policies that hinder open-shop contractors and taxpayer interests. These states have implemented or are considering policies that encourage or require PLAs on state and local projects, limiting opportunities for the majority of the construction workforce in these areas.

The Merit Shop Scorecard

‍The 2024 Merit Shop Scorecard evaluates states on laws, policies, and statistics in seven categories: project labor agreements, prevailing wage laws, right-to-work laws, public-private partnerships, workforce development, career and technical education, and job growth rate.