Construction Planning Jumped 7% to Close 2025 Strong
Date Posted: January 13, 2026
Posted In: News, Projects,
From Construction Dive: Construction planning momentum finished the year strong largely due to the strength of familiar drivers, including data centers, according to Dodge Construction Network.
The Dodge Momentum Index, which tracks nonresidential construction projects entering the planning stages, jumped 7% in December. The figures lead actual construction spending by a full year, and show both commercial and institutional planning improvements, which were up month-over-month 3.5% and 14.9%, respectively, according to the report.
The move pushed the index to finish 2025 up 37% compared to 2024, with the commercial and institutional portions up 35% and 43%, respectively. Similar to previous reports, data center construction planning, as well as healthcare projects, largely accounted for that growth, said Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network.
And more should be in the works for the year ahead.
“Nonresidential construction starts, excluding manufacturing and transportation, are projected to accelerate in 2027 alongside sustained planning momentum in data center, healthcare and recreational building construction throughout 2025,” Martin said in the release. “Inflationary pressures will further support nominal activity levels, even as economic risks remain elevated.”