1
of 7
More funding, fewer engineers
Two hundred public works professionals completed our questionnaire. Their responses show that:
- 90% used AEC firms over the past year. As with last year, this is eight percentage points higher than in 2013, and 12 and 13 percentage points more than 2012 and 2011, respectively.
- Of those who used AEC firms, 72% completed up to 10 projects with the help of firms, up from 64% the previous year.
- 27% say their departments spent more than $1 million on consulting services, a 10% increase over last year. Nearly half (48%) spent less than $500,000; 12% spent $500,000 to $1 million.
- 36% expect to spend more over the coming year (a 5% increase from last year) while 35% expect their budgets to stay the same. The rest either expect to spend less (10%) or aren’t sure what the future holds (18%).
Departments that expect to spend more have received more funding, will do more projects, and have fewer employees.
AEC firms more convenient, less costly
