The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) rose 7.5% in August to 301.4, with commercial planning up 8.7% and institutional planning up 5.4%. Year-to-date, the DMI is up 30% compared to 2024. The increase suggests stronger construction activity in late 2026 or early 2027.
On the commercial side, growth was led by data centers, warehouses, and hotels. On the institutional side, education and healthcare planning slowed but remained positive, and public buildings saw gains from detention facilities and court buildings. The DMI was up 51% in August compared to August 2024.
Fifty-one projects valued at $100 million or more entered planning in August, including major data centers, a government complex, a judicial center, a dormitory, and a correctional institution. The DMI is a leading indicator for nonresidential building construction spending.