Dodge Construction Network’s New Project Planning Data Shows Small March Increase

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network increased +1.8% in March to 250.5 (2000=100) from the downwardly revised February reading of 246.2 points. Over the month, commercial planning grew +7% and institutional planning momentum declined -8.8%.  
The DMI is a monthly measure based on the three-month moving value of nonresidential building projects going into planning, shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year to 18 months.  
“Planning momentum in March was powered almost entirely by data center projects, with most other sectors easing back,” said Sarah Martin, associate director of Forecasting at Dodge Construction Network. “For some categories, this reflects a natural reset after the outsized growth in late 2025. But for others, elevated macroeconomic risks are likely beginning to feed into planning decisions.” 
On the commercial side, planning momentum slowed across all commercial sectors apart from data centers. Institutional planning saw widespread weakness, with only education and public buildings moderately gaining traction. Despite recent declines, the DMI remains elevated. The DMI was up +25.8% YOY when compared to March 2025. The commercial segment was up +28.5% (-12.7% when data centers are removed) and the institutional segment was up +19.6% over the same period.  
A total of 54 projects valued at $100 million or more entered planning throughout February. The largest of those projects included 17 individual buildings, each valued at $500 million, for the Amazon Data Center Campus in Hamlet, NC. Similarly, 10 individual buildings, each valued at $250 million, entered planning in relation to the Microsoft Data Center DSM50 project  in Dallas, IA. The largest institutional construction projects were the $245-million MCLJ Outpatient Pavilion in San Diego, CA; the $183-million Orlando Health Viera Hospital (Phase 1B) in Viera West, FL; and the $175-million Bachelor Enlisted Quarters renovation project at Camp Pendleton North in San Diego, CA.