Construction by the Numbers: Northern Michigan building leaders break down the latest data

Construction by the Numbers: Northern Michigan building leaders break down the latest data By Kierstin Gunsberg April 2026 Two years ago, we took an analytical look at the state of housing construction across northern Michigan with Lauren Tucker, executive officer of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Northwest Michigan, digging into data to get a clearer post-COVID snapshot of the industry. Now, as another construction season ramps up, Tucker and other leaders share updated numbers — from permits and job growth to timelines, lumber supply and what to expect heading into summer 2026. Education and job landscape 12 percent: That’s how much job growth NMC’s Construction Technology Program Coordinator Carolyn Andrews estimates the NoMi region has seen since 2020. “Especially around Traverse City,” said Andrews, adding that a boom in residential building and recent infrastructure investments – which includes the city’s upcoming $4 million-plus reconstruction of Slabtown’s Monroe Street – are big factors in the increase. That’s good news for students in NMC’s construction programs, which partner with the HBA of Northwest Michigan, Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan and several contractors to fill out job-site opportunities and connections for their cohorts.  178: The current number of regional job openings for construction laborers, while demand for carpenters (129 current openings) and HVAC mechanics (52 current openings) is expected to grow, too. With spring’s busy c...