Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesU.S. nonresidential building planning rose 2.4% in September 2026, led by a sharp increase in institutional projects such as education, healthcare and government buildings. The gain reflects projects moving into the planning pipeline—not more completed construction or a matching rise in current spending.
Why did construction planning rise in September?
The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased 2.4% month over month to 288.0 (2000=100), from a downwardly revised 281.3 in August, according to Dodge Construction Network’s October 7, 2026 release. Institutional planning rose 9.4%, more than offsetting a 1.3% decline in commercial planning. Dodge attributed the institutional strength to education, healthcare and public building planning.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sarah Martin, Dodge’s director of economic research, said institutional planning led the month’s growth, with milder gains across several other commercial sectors. Her interpretation points to a stronger institutional pipeline, not a uniform upswing across all building types.
What the index measures—and what it does not
The DMI is a monthly measure based on the three-month moving value of nonresidential building projects entering planning. Dodge says it leads nonresidential building construction spending by 12 to 18 months. It is a forward-looking indicator: a project’s entry into planning does not mean it has broken ground, reached completion or generated construction spending.
#1 Best Overall
That distinction matters when reading the September increase. The 2.4% is a change in the index of planning activity, not a measure of September construction expenditures. Similarly, the values reported for individual projects are project values, not money spent during the month.
How the monthly and annual comparisons differ
The month-over-month and year-over-year figures tell complementary stories. In September, institutional planning gained while commercial planning dipped. Compared with September 2025, the overall index was higher, but the improvement was concentrated in institutional planning.
Rank #2
| Measure | Change | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Overall DMI | Up 2.4% to 288.0 | Month over month; August was revised down to 281.3 |
| Institutional planning | Up 9.4% | Month over month |
| Commercial planning | Down 1.3% | Month over month |
| Overall DMI | Up 3.7% | Year over year |
| Institutional planning | Up 17.2% | Year over year |
| Commercial planning | Down 3.0% | Year over year |
These figures, published by Dodge on October 7, 2026, cover the U.S. DMI for September 2026. Taken together, they show institutional planning growth alongside weaker commercial planning—not broad-based growth across the entire nonresidential market.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhy data centers change the commercial picture
Data centers account for a large share of commercial planning, and the comparison is sensitive to the late-2025 surge in data-center activity. Dodge said commercial planning would have been down 14.9% year over year in September if data centers were excluded, compared with the reported 3.0% decline including them.
Rank #3
- Jobsite Tool: this offering includes 1 black construction planner, 184 sheets in total, use for 6 months; Record your thoughts, make sketches, keep track of progress in one place; It is of quality and a staple in your daily jobsite schedule
- Versatile Uses: a construction notebook seeks to cater to every individual who requires a systematic and reliable way to note, draft or sketch; Its size and design make it suitable for multiple person use
- Quality Materials: crafted from quality PU leather and paper, the construction site book withstands everyday use and wear and tear, smooth to write; The pure black, sturdy cover provides both style and longevity, maintaining its fresh look
- Efficient for Enhanced Productivity: experience boosted productivity with our construction log book's clear and efficient layout; The layout is designed to help you note important details without hassle, specific to jobsite activities and tasks
- Easy Documentation: the construction journal, which is the tool for efficient onsite documentation; With its convenient size of about 7 x 10 inches, fitting into your work bag or briefcase is easy; It's the accessory for architects
The exclusion is a useful measure of how much data centers affect the commercial trend; it is not the headline commercial result. Even with data centers included, commercial planning declined year over year, while institutional planning rose substantially.
Large projects that entered planning
Dodge reported 45 projects valued at $100 million or more entering planning during September. Among the largest institutional examples were:
- Duke Raleigh Hospital addition: $346 million, Raleigh, North Carolina.
- Spartanburg Regional Heart & Vascular Hospital: $325 million, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
- WakeMed Hospital: $319 million, Wendell, North Carolina.
The largest commercial examples included the $480 million Project North data center in Jermyn, Pennsylvania, and two $473 million data centers, EDCAUS15 and EDCAUS16, in Bastrop, Texas. These are examples of projects entering planning, not a complete list of the 45 projects or a record of September spending.
Recommended Free Tools
What September’s reading signals for construction
The September index points to stronger institutional project planning and a weaker commercial pipeline, with data centers materially affecting the commercial year-over-year comparison. Because the DMI leads nonresidential building spending by 12 to 18 months, it can offer a directional view of future activity, but it does not establish which projects will proceed, when they will start or how much will ultimately be spent.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Jobsite Journal: this offering features a single black construction planner ensures you have a streamlined tool for organized recording at the jobsite, allowing you to document ideas, create sketches, and monitor progress in one centralized place. Crafted with quality in mind, this journal is a daily essential for jobsite scheduling, serving as a reliable partner for all your documentation needs
- Portable Design: measuring approximately 7 x 10 inches, the construction notebook fits seamlessly into work bags or briefcases, making it a go-to accessory for architects, engineers, and field professionals. Its ample page space ensures notes and sketches remain comprehensive and legible, while its lightweight design supports mobility during site visits and meetings
- Productive Layout: featuring a clear, efficient layout, the construction daily log book eliminates organizational challenges, enabling effortless documentation of critical details-including jobsite activities, task timelines, and milestone dates. It serves as a trustworthy archive for referencing, verifying, and reviewing site information, essential for project accountability and compliance
- Premium Materials: constructed with high-quality PU leather and paper, this project management notebook is built to endure daily use, while offering a smooth writing experience.The sleek, solid-black cover combines modern style with long-lasting durability, preserving its pristine appearance even after frequent use-all while safeguarding your work records. Designed with a spiral binding, it allows for easy, flat-page access, making note-taking effortless in any on-site scenario
- Versatile Utility: engineered to meet the demands of anyone requiring systematic and dependable note-taking, drafting, or sketching, this Record Construction Planner adapts to various roles-from architects and engineers to site supervisors. Its thoughtful size and design make it suitable for individual use or collaborative teams, ensuring it caters to diverse needs in field observations, project planning, and progress tracking
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
