LINN COUNTY, Iowa — A surge in construction activity across Eastern Iowa is placing pressure on the local workforce, as contractors race to staff multiple large-scale developments simultaneously.
Companies including Larson Construction are managing a growing pipeline of work, with six active projects underway this spring in Linn County alone. Among them is the county’s new Secondary Road Department building, part of a broader wave of development reshaping the region.
“For trades people, there’s definitely a shortage here locally,” said Travis Schwartz, owner of Larson Construction.
Industry leaders say the current labor strain is not the result of a long-term workforce deficit, but rather an unusually high concentration of concurrent projects. Developments tied to data centers, casino construction and ongoing work in Cedar Rapids have significantly increased demand for skilled labor.
“There’s just a very large wave of work with the data centers and the casino and the Cedar Rapids work,” Schwartz said.
The localized nature of the boom is notable. According to Schwartz, the labor shortage appears specific to Eastern Iowa and is not being experienced across the rest of the state. This suggests the issue may ease once the current batch of projects is completed.
“We could use more people currently right now. But, I don’t know that we need more people for the long term,” Schwartz said.
Despite a dip in job applications, contractors report they have largely been able to meet hiring needs, in part by bringing new workers into the industry. Many of these hires are entering construction for the first time through career and technical education programs.
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“We’re actually getting quite a few young people through the high school and community college CTE programs that we’re really excited about,” Schwartz said. “But we are seeing an uptick in young people coming into our industry, which I think is great.”
The influx of younger workers could help address longer-term workforce challenges, even as contractors navigate short-term staffing constraints.
Schwartz expressed optimism about the region’s construction outlook, noting that strong leadership and steady demand are helping companies keep projects on track.
“It’s busy. And we definitely have a lot of work and a lot of great leaders in place to make them projects happen. So, excited to do that,” he said.
As Eastern Iowa continues to experience rapid development, the balance between workforce capacity and project demand will remain a key factor shaping the region’s construction industry.
Originally reported by Lacey Reeves in KCRG.
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