Associated Builders and Contractors’ annual Merit Shop Scorecard named Georgia as the No. 1 state for construction in 2023, according to ABC. It is the first time Georgia has topped the list.
Released annually since 2015, the scorecard ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on policies and programs that strengthen career pathways in construction; encourage workforce development; and advocate for fair and open competition on taxpayer-funded construction projects.
Georgia’s construction industry earned the top spot because of the state’s continued dedication to workforce development. In 2023, 99% of career and technical education students in Georgia earned a credential and/or continued to a career. The state’s construction employment continues to grow.
The top 10 ranked states were:
- Georgia
- Florida
- Arkansas
- Wisconsin
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
The bottom five states were Hawaii, Rhode Island, New York, the District of Columbia and Washington.
