Wisconsin has earned the highest ranking for construction in the 10th annual Merit Shop Scorecard, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). This scorecard, published every year since 2015, assesses all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on policies that enhance career pathways in construction, promote workforce development, and support fair competition in taxpayer-funded construction projects.

“Policies and processes that protect free enterprise, promote economic growth, reduce regulatory burdens and expand workforce development create the conditions to welcome all of the U.S. construction industry to rebuild America’s infrastructure,” stated Ben Brubeck, ABC’s vice president of regulatory, labor, and state affairs. “States like Wisconsin, Arkansas, Kentucky, West Virginia and Florida set the standard in favorable conditions for the construction industry, and its workforce, to thrive. Hard-working taxpayers are best served by a regulatory environment that creates a level playing field for all contractors to build America with fewer obstacles.”

ABC highlights Wisconsin’s consistent top performance, noting its impressive ranking this year due to its commitment to fair and open competition policies. These policies include the prohibition of government-mandated project labor agreements, ensuring market-driven wages for public works projects, and the protection of workers through the state's right-to-work law. Additionally, Wisconsin has achieved a five-year job growth rate of 4.4 percent in the construction sector, contributing to its status as a leader in workforce development.

The state also stands out for its dedication to quality career and technical education (CTE), boasting a 97.4 percent graduation rate in CTE programs and a 91.4 percent placement rate of postsecondary CTE students into careers or apprenticeships. Furthermore, Wisconsin’s workforce development pipeline meets or exceeds construction labor demand, addressing the nationwide shortage in construction labor.

Following Wisconsin in the rankings, Arkansas secured second place, improving from third in 2023. ABC commends Arkansas for excelling in workforce education, with a 6.1 percent job growth rate in construction and a strong CTE program. The state also maintains a fair and open public construction market, offering equal opportunities for its construction workforce.

Florida, Arizona, and Indiana continue to perform well in the rankings. Florida remains a high-performing state despite no longer holding the top spot, maintaining an emphasis on career-centered education that supports its rapidly growing population and extensive labor needs. Arizona has returned to the top 10 in 2024, with a 5.8 percent job growth rate in construction and strong labor supply policies. Indiana stands out for its continued efforts to protect public projects from government-mandated PLAs, with specific policies aimed at safeguarding the merit shop.

On the other hand, Michigan saw a decline in its ranking, falling to No. 33. This drop is attributed to the repeal of right-to-work legislation and the ongoing efforts to repeal the Fair and Open Competition Act. The state has also reinstated the prevailing wage, which had been repealed in 2018, and these changes have contributed to a challenging environment for the merit shop in Michigan.