The latest Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) report for the month of December has indicated an encouraging 10% increase to a new score of 212.0 after November’s revised reading of 192.3. Over the month, commercial planning increased by 14.2% while institutional planning improved by 2.5%. 

"Commercial activity rebounded strongly in December, thanks to a re-acceleration in data center and warehouse planning activity," states Sarah Martin, the associate director of forecasting for the Dodge Construction Network. "Overall, the strong performance of the Momentum Index this past year is expected to support nonresidential construction spending throughout 2025."

Data center projects once again propelled growth on the commercial side, while strong healthcare and education activity helped support the institutional portion.

December’s DMI was up 19% when compared to year-ago levels. The commercial segment was up 30% from December 2023, while the institutional segment was flat over the same period. 

The influence of data centers on the DMI this year has been substantial. Bereft of all data center projects in 2023 and 2024, commercial planning would be up 8% from year-ago levels, and the entire DMI would be up 5% according to the report.

The largest projects to enter planning included all six phases of the $1.6 billion Powerhouse 95 data center in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and four phases of the $1 billion Brambleton Data Center at Tech Park in Ashburn, Virginia.