Issue No. 13 • Wednesday, April 1, 2026 • www.mbex.org



I recently heard a news report about something called The Interstitium. It’s a network of connective tissue in your body that helps transport materials to and from cells. Stay with me here. While it had been identified before, new research reveals just how vast and interconnected it really is, and scientists are only beginning to understand its full role.

When entrepreneur and journalist Jenn Brandel learned about this system, it sparked a bigger question: what if a similar invisible network exists within industries and society? She explored the idea of unseen connectors in our daily lives (she calls them "interstitionaries"), people or organizations that bridge gaps and bring others together.

You see where I'm going with this.

For businesses, this means focusing more on relationships than transactions to drive innovation and loyalty. I'd argue MBEX is one of those interstitionaries. Being active in MBEX breaks down silos, creates vital connections, and builds trust, the things needed to keep construction moving. Like the Interstitium, I hope you discover the power of connection at MBEX, where plans become partnerships and collaborations form that move our industry forward.



By David

Executive Director

Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:

1.) Did Someone Say Golf? - Registration is now open for the 2026 Twin Cities Golf Tournament set for June 16 at the Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. Don't wait; registration officially opened yesterday morning, and team slots are already moving fast.

2.) Early Bird Ends *Today* - Secure your Early Bird member price for the Spring Social on April 15 by registering by 3:00pm this afternoon.

3.) Construction Hiring - The combination of historically low hiring and exceedingly few layoffs made February 2026 the month with the least construction labor force churn since the Bureau of Labor Statistics' began utilizing its JOLTS survey in December 2000.

4.) Cooling PPE - Manifest warmer weather by checking out Milwaukee Tool's expanded cooling solutions lineup with new personal protective equipment designed for hot josbite conditions. Each item provides up to 2 hours of cooling and can be reactivcated as needed.

5.) Have a Laugh - If you don't have a nickname yet, give it time. (What do you think yours would be? 😂 🤔 🤭 )

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Inside Issue No. 13:

• April Events: Learn, connect & make the most of your membership this month

• Industry Update: Construction outlook darkens in early 2026

• MBEX Roundup: Reviewing MBEX's past 31 days of projects & service

• Legislature 2026: Electronic Positive Response, uniform certified payroll & contractor payment requests

• Five Headlines: What employers need to know about OSHA's new safety program; North American's data center boom showed signs of slowing in 2025's second half; 65% of industry professionals said the design-construction handover is the most problematic project stage; Aging adult populations boosts demand for senior housing; & Visual intelligence can strengthen concrete crews and their digital workflows

• Project of the Week: Large Minneapolis church plans brewery and coffee house

• Industry Event: 27th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair - Thursday, April 9 - Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center - Presented by the Small and Developing Business Opportunities Council (SADBOC)

• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of March 25-31, 2026

MEMBER NEWS + EVENTS

MBEX's April Lineup: Learn, Connect, Repeat

April is bringing a full lineup of opportunities to learn, connect, and make the most of your MBEX membership (no jokes, no tricks, just pure membership benefits).

We kick the month off with Construction Estimating Principles & Application on April 14, following by Reading Construction Documents on April 15 & 16. These are two great options for strengthening technical skills through our partnership with UChapter2. Looking to sharpen your skills inside the Online Plan Room? Join us for the Online Plan Room Demo on April 16 to get more out of your daily project searches and workflows.

Right smack dab in the middle of it all is the annual MBEX Spring Social on April 15. With a great speaker, built-in fun like the 50/50 raffle and Wine & Spirits Pull, and a room full of industry peers, it's an easy "yes" for your calendar. But get a move on; early bird pricing ends April 1 (that's today!).

We'll then round out the month by supporting the future of our industry at the Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference on April 30 & May 1.

One more thing to get on your radar: registration is now open for the Twin Cities Golf Tournament on June 16. If you're wanting to golf (or sponsor), now's the time to lock in as this event tends to fill up faster and faster each year.

Scroll down for full details and registration links:



Date: Tuesday, April 14

Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm CST

Location: Virtual Event

Cost: $362 - MBEX Members | $506 - Non-Members

REGISTER BY:

12:00pm on Monday, April 13

Date: Wednesday, April 15 & Thursday, April 16

Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST (both days)

Location: Virtual Event

Cost: $362 - MBEX Members | $506 - Non-Members

REGISTER BY:

12:00pm on Tuesday, April 14



Date: Wednesday, April 15

Time: Beginning @ 3:00pm

Location: Midland Hills Country Club (2001 Fulham St., Roseville, Minn., 55113)

Cost: $55 per person (Member Early Bird thru end of day on 4/1) | $70 per person (Non-Members)



Date: Thursday, April 16

Time: 9:00am - 10:00am

Location: Virtual Webinar via Zoom

Cost: Free! Sign-ups requested.





Date: Thursday, April 30 & Friday, May 1

Times: See event schedule

Location: The Builders Group

(2919 Eagandale Blvd, STE 100, Eagan, Minn., 55121)

Cost: $115 per person





Date: Tuesday, June 16

Time: Registration @ 10:30am | Shotgun Start @ 12:00pm

Location: Oak Glen Golf Course

(1599 McKusick Road North, Stillwater, Minn., 55082)

Cost: $160 per golfer or $640 per foursome

These events will be here (or fill up) before you know it. Don't miss your chance to be a part of them!

MBEX's social and networking events represent a huge benefit of membership, with exciting and varied events to participate in and show your support for the Midwest Builders Exchange.

Industry Outlook Darkens in Early 2026

What Experts Learned in March

While construction hiring rebounded in January, nonresidential activity remains subdued, especially in the private sector. As a result, the backlog fell to a four-year low in January. Thankfully, material prices have been relatively stable over the past several months, and there are signs that borrowing costs may decline over the next few months.

Materials Prices Take Off in February

Construction materials prices surged 3.1% higher in February, according to the Producer Price Index, and have risen at a stunning 12.6% annualized rate through the first two months of 2026.

This escalation, primarily caused by rising copper, energy, lumber, and steel prices, does not reflect the meteoric increase in oil prices that has occurred since the start of the conflict in Iran. As a result, input price escalation will likely continue to accelerate in the coming months.

Producer Price Index

Construction Job Losses Resume

Construction employment declined by 11,000 positions in February, and the industry has now lost jobs in eight of the past 11-months.

While both the residential and nonresidential segments lost jobs in February, only the former is down on a year-over-year basis. Residential construction employment has contracted by 46,100 positions over the past 12-months, while nonresidential employment is up by 88,200 jobs over that span.



Employment (in Thousands)

Backlog Steadies, Contractor Confidence Improves

ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator rebounded to 8.1-months in February, up 0.1-months from January's four-year low.

Backlog increased sharply in the Middle States (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin), which is the only region with a higher backlog than one year ago.



Backlog Indicator

Confidence Index

Construction Spending

While nonresidential construction spending was unchanged in January, private nonresidential activity fell for the fourth consecutive month.

This decline will persist in the coming months as CHIPS Act-incentivized megaprojects continue to wind down, despite data center projects (spending on which rose 2% in January and is up 31% year-over-year) being virtually the only source of momentum.

Spending (Millions of $)



Looking Ahead

The industry was facing several headwinds before the conflict in Iran. Substantially higher oil prices will weigh on construction activity in the coming months, especially in the private nonresidential subsegment.

The Construction Backlog Indicator measures the average months of work under contract for ABC members. On the Construction Confidence Index, values above 50 indicate expectations of expansion over the next six months, while values below 50 indicate expectations of contraction.

MBEX's March Round-Up

At the start of each month, we look back at MBEX's past 30-some days to review project progress, Online Plan Room stats, and membership achievements.

Numbers reflected below share data from the date range of March 1-31, 2026.

Total # of Projects Added (March 2026)

655

Total # of Projects Added (March 2025)

544

Total # of Projects Added (March 2024)

370

Total # of Projects YTD (Jan. 1 - March 31)

1,776

New Member Companies Joined

24

No. of Plan Issuers



283

No. of Members & Non-Members

Added to Bidders Lists

9,384

10 Most Viewed Projects (March 1-31, 2026)

** indicates the project is still actively bidding

#1

Northfield High School - Additions & Renovations - ISD 659



• Total Visitors: 10,640

• Total Unique Visitors: 534

• Bid Date: March 26, 2026

• Project Location: Northfield, Minn.

• Project Category: Educational

• Project Type: Addition / Remodeling

• Project ID: 2026-03D1

#2

Red Rock Elementary School - Addition & Renovation - ISD 833



• Total Visitors: 5,631

• Total Unique Visitors: 450

• Bid Date: March 31, 2026

• Project Location: Cottage Grove, Minn.

• Project Category: Educational

• Project Type: Remodeling / Renovation

• Project ID: 2026-0528

#3

St. Anne's School



• Total Visitors: 5,527

• Total Unique Visitors: 420

• Bid Date: March 19, 2026

• Project Location: Wabasso, Minn.

• Project Category: Educational

• Project Type: New Construction

• Project ID: 2026-03DC

#4

Minnesota Correctional Facility



• Total Visitors: 5,280

• Total Unique Visitors: 395

• Bid Date: March 10, 2026

• Project Location: Shakopee, Minn.

• Project Category: Recreational

• Project Type: Addition

• Project ID: 2026-0316

#5

Community Safety Center

- New - South Minneapolis



• Total Visitors: 4,899

• Total Unique Visitors: 439

• Bid Date: March 5, 2026

• Project Location: Minneapolis, Minn.

• Project Category: Local Government

• Project Type: Addition

• Project ID: 2026-0384

#6

National Sports Center -

Super Rink - Interior

Improvements



• Total Visitors: 3,688

• Total Unique Visitors: 383

• Bid Date: March 31, 2026

• Project Location: Blaine, Minn.

• Project Category: Recreational

• Project Type: Improvements

• Project ID: 2026-058A

#7

Eden Prairie Schools -

HS Culinary Arts, FACS

Remodel & CMS Restroom

Remodel



• Total Visitors: 3,131

• Total Unique Visitors: 328

• Bid Date: March 17, 2026

• Project Location: Eden Prairie, Minn.

• Project Category: Educational

• Project Type: Remodeling

• Project ID: 2026-042D

#8

Webster Early Childhood

Buildout - District 622



• Total Visitors: 2,639

• Total Unique Visitors: 314

• Bid Date: March 12, 2026

• Project Location: North St. Paul, Minn.

• Project Category: Educational

• Project Type: Addition / Remodeling

• Project ID: 2026-045C

#9

South Portal Boiler House

- Metropolitan Council



• Total Visitors: 2,638

• Total Unique Visitors: 246

• Bid Date: March 12, 2026

• Project Location: Minneapolis, Minn.

• Project Category: Local Government

• Project Type: New Construction

• Project ID: 2026-033D

#10

North End Fire Station

(Station No. 2)



• Total Visitors: 2,600

• Total Unique Visitors: 301

• Bid Date: March 12, 2026

• Project Location: Superior, Wisc.

• Project Category: Local Government

• Project Type: New Construction

• Project ID: 2026-03BC

What We're Watching at the Capitol

Legislature 2026

Things are moving at the State Capitol, and there are a few construction-related bills worth keeping on your radar.

None of these are across the finish line just yet, but they're far enough along to potentially impact how members handle project cordination, reporting, and payments in the not-so-distant future.

Here's a quick breakfown of what's in play, and why it matters:

Electronic Positive Response (811 System Updates)

Legislation aimed at modernizing Minnesota’s Gopher State One Call (811) system is gaining traction. HF 4233 / SF 4339 would require utility operators to use Electronic Positive Response (EPR) to share the status of locate requests, whether lines have been marked, there’s no conflict, the utility isn’t in the work area, or more coordination is needed.

For contractors, this means real-time visibility into locate statuses before digging begins, something that could help reduce delays, avoid miscommunication, and improve jobsite safety.

The bill also requires utility operators to update their contact information at least quarterly, helping ensure communication doesn’t stall when it matters most.

The bill has passed both the House and Senate Transportation Committees and is expected to move to a full floor vote in each chamber.

Uniform Certified Payroll Reporting

Another bill would create a state-run, centralized system for certified payroll reporting on prevailing wage projects.

Under the proposal, the Minnesota Department of Administration would develop a single online portal where contractors could submit certified payroll for applicable projects across state agencies, local governments, and school districts (note: this would not apply to MnDOT projects).

The goal is to simplify reporting by creating one consistent system, but there are still some open questions. Industry conversations suggest the bill will continue to evolve, especially around how it applies to local government projects, how the system would function, and when it would take effect.

A key concern being discussed: making sure this new system integrates with existing payroll and compliance platforms, rather than creating duplicate reporting requirements.

Contractor Payment Information Requests to Public Owners

A third bill moving forward would establish a clearer process for contractors to request payment information from public project owners.

Under this framework, contractors could submit a written request for details on progress payments, retainage, final payments, or other compensation. The public agency would then be required to respond within seven calendar days with the amount paid and the date of payment.

This bill intends to improve transparency and give contractors better visibility into payment timelines.

The bill has passed committee (as amended) and is now heading to the House and Senate floors for consideration.

As these proposals continue to move throughout the legislative process, MBEX will be keeping a close eye on what changes, what sticks, and what it ultimately means for members' day-to-day operations.

Things can (and often do) shift before final passage, so consider this a snapshot of where things stand currently. We'll continue tracking these developments and share updates as they evolve.

Extending a special thank you to AGC-MN for their coverage of the 2026 Minnesota legislative session. Explore more bills and proposals currently under consideration in the 2026 legislature using the link above (see the 'Government Affairs News' section).

CONSTRUCTION HEADLINES

Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.

JOBSITE SAFETY

🦺 Admin Announces New OSHA Safety Program; Here's What Employers Should Know.

Announced by the U.S. Department of Labor in mid-March, the new program called OSHA Cares is designed to make the agency more accessible and collaborative, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that may struggle to navigate federal safety rules. Under this new initiative, the agency says it is emphasizing customer service and compliance assistance in addition to enforcement. According to OSHA, the program is focused on helping employers understand and meet safety requirements while building effective safety and health programs that protect workers. (Newsweek)

DATA CENTERS

🖥️ Data Center Buildouts Slowed Late Last Year

The North American data center building boom showed signs of a slowdown for the first time in six years during the second half of 2025, according to CBRE research. Despite an ongoing surge in hyperscaler infrastructure spending, they found capacity under construction fell nearly 6% year over year. Most key indicators showed record demand for AI and cloud computing services, as the data center vacancy rate hit a historic low of 1.4% despite supply increasing 36% across markets. While the PC and server industries began grappling with memory and storage chip shortages, data center expansions were constrained by several other structural factors. (Construction Dive)

DESIGN-CONSTRUCTION

😩 Design-Construction Handover Named Biggest Source of Data Friction

The handover from design to construction remains the most problematic stage in the project lifecycle, with 65% of industry professionals identifying it as the point where data friction is most likely to occur, according to the ONSIGHT Project Report 2026. Respondents pointed to inconsistencies between key project information as a core issue, with one consultant noting that drawings, models, and bills of quantities often do not match. The report suggests that such discrepancies are not isolated incidents, but instead reflect broader systemic issues related to data quality, coordination, and interpretation. (Construction Briefing)

INDUSTRY TRENDS

📈 Senior Housing Demand Forecast is Bright

Demand for senior housing is strong, with overall occupancy high and inventory growth low, according to Partner Valuation Advisors and JLL. The aging adult population and longer life expectancies are boosting demand for independent living, assisted living, and memory care housing. The population of U.S. adults 80 years of age and over is expected to grow 36.6% over the next decade. (Building Design + Construction)

CONCRETE | CONTECH

👓 Changing How Concrete Crews See the Jobsite

The construction industry is under increasing pressure to build faster, safer, and with fewer resources. Meeting that challenge requires tools that reflect what's actually happening on site, not after-the-fact reports. Concrete crews have always relied on their ability to see the job clearly. Visual intelligence strengthens that ability by grounding digital workflows in continuously updated visual truth. For teams navigating tighter schedules, higher expectations, and greater risk, that clarity isn't just helpful, it's becoming essential. (For Construction Pros)

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Mount Olivet's Plan for a Brewery

Read more on Axios Twin Cities or Mount Olivet's website

One of Minneapolis' largest churches wants to build a brewery and coffee house across from its main sanctuary in the Lynnhurst neighborhood.

The preliminary plans, still a work in progress with architecture firm HGA, call for tearing down the church's original 1700 Chapel along 50th Street and constructing a new, two-level building with a brewery on one side, a coffee house on the other, and meeting rooms on a mezzanine level.

It would also have a patio facing Lynnhurst Park, a large video board inside with volunteer opportunities, and an open concept design with no booths to encourage people to interact.

The building would be owned by an independent nonprofit, with income given back to the community.

Senior pastor David Lose said he started the process wanting to preserve the rarely used 87-year-old chapel where Mount Olivet started, but when he explored bids, he discovered it would cost about the same as building new.

Plus, the old building is drafty and was built using wooden foundations in a soggy area not far from Minnehaha Creek. He hopes to salvage as much limestone, stained glass, and wooden pews as possible from the chapel for the new building.

First, Mount Olivet will need approval from the Historic Preservation Commission to demolish the chapel, and then it will need a rezoning of the property.

The earliest construction would start would be either late 2026 or early 2027.

ABOVE: Rendering by HGA of the planned brewery and coffee house.

INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS

27th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair

Presented by Small and Developing Business Opportunities Council



DATE: Thursday, April 9

TIME: 9:00am - 3:00pm

LOCATION:

• Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center
• 6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, Minn., 55430

COST: No cost to business attendees

Small businesses interested in working with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend the 27th SADBOC Government Procurement Fair.

Coupling education with marketing strategies, this event will provide small businesses with an opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 50 federal, state, and local agencies; network with commercial / prime contractors and nonprofit organizations; access to technical assistance; and learn about upcoming contracts.

There will be 21 workshops in 4 tracks, along with the trade floor, and company match-making (by appointment) in the afternoon.

PROJECT INFORMATION

• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 3/23/2026 - 3/27/2026: 114

• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 3/23/2026 - 3/27/2026: 40

• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 3/31/2026: 528

• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 3/31/2026: 1,836

Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 3/25/2026 - 3/31/2026.

For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority

Notice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Director.

The MBEX Weekly Bulletin brought to

you in part by The Builders Group (TBG).

UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS 

• April 14 - Construction Estimating Principles & Application [VIRTUAL COURSE]

• April 15 & 16 - Reading Construction Documents [VIRTUAL COURSE]

• April 15 - Spring Social

• April 16 - Online Plan Room Demo

• April 30 & May 1 - Minnesota Construction Teacher Conference

• May 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics

• May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)

• May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)

• May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)

• May 21 - Online Plan Room Demo

• May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed

• June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ

• June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament

Connect with MBEX:

Revisit Past Bulletins:

March 25 - No. 12 | March 18 - No. 11 | March 11 - No. 10 | March 4 - No. 9 | Feb. 25 - No. 8

Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Midwest Builders Exchange (MBEX) does not assume responsibility for its completeness or accuracy. You are urged to check your own sources in addition to the information contained in this publication. This issue contains plans and other bidding information received prior to and including the date noted above. The project data within this newsletter is intended for member company's and their employees use only.

2026 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Vice President - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Treasurer - Allie Brady, Veit USA; Past President - Heidi Sedlacek, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota

2026 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; Harry Rothstein, Weidner's Mechanical Contractors; Jim Rothstein, Erickson Electric; and Alanna Soukkala, Holden Insurance Agency. 

MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Director; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & Plan Room Support; Shauna Baska - Project Reporter & Bidders Lists; Ka Yang - Addenda & Apparent Lows; Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil & Michelle Siegel - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Independent Event Planning Contractor

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