Early in the COVID-19 crisis, Governors Doug Ducey (R-Ariz.), Steve Sisolak (D-Nev.), and Lisa Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) designated construction as “essential” to their states, but economic uncertainty has nevertheless delayed some Southwest projects. As a result, contractors continue to adjust their expectations for availability of labor and materials––and their hopes for business as usual in the near future.

“Several larger casino projects were postponed during the business closures, but it is anticipated that those projects will resume in the next several months,” says Craig Madole, CEO of the 300-member Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors in Reno.