In May, Kenneth G. Simonson, chief economist with Associated General Contractors of America, addressed a group of AGC of Greater Florida members in Orlando.There, Simonson said he expects modest improvement in overall construction activity for the rest of 2011, but with a more significant uptick in multifamily— with starts in this sector up 7% in April 2011 compared with April 2010. Retailers are not building new stores, keeping that sector depressed. However, hoteliers are modernizing their properties as revenue per available room has grown, particularly at the luxury level. In Florida, Simonson reports many hospital projects are in the early stages. “This will be one of the better growth markets through 2012, particularly here in Florida.”