Season 6, Episode 9: What’s Happening Beyond Oil? Dr. Chris Kuehl Breaks Down Key Economic Trends

In Season 6, Episode 9 (10:58), Dr. Kuehl shifts the conversation beyond oil and energy markets to explore broader economic forces shaping construction, workforce trends, and long-term demand across multiple sectors.
 

A major focus of the episode is the construction industry and whether ASA members should be concerned about its trajectory. Dr. Kuehl discusses the latest data within the construction sector and what indicators suggest about the overall health of the market. While challenges remain, the data continues to provide insight into where growth and opportunity may emerge.
 

The conversation also touches on cost of living trends, including new data on the average salary required to live comfortably across different states. Dr. Kuehl examines how these economic pressures influence migration patterns and whether remote work is still playing a role in where people choose to live and work.
 

Residential development remains another key topic. Dr. Kuehl explains what factors are currently driving residential growth, including demographic shifts among Gen Z and millennials, and how these generations are shaping housing demand and market priorities.
 

Beyond housing, the episode explores the evolving landscape of non-residential construction. One area gaining significant attention is the rapid expansion of data centers, which are becoming a major component of new development. Dr. Kuehl discusses what is driving this growth, the infrastructure required to support it, and the challenges communities face when these projects are proposed.
 

A major factor tied to data center expansion is water demand. Dr. Kuehl highlights how these facilities require large amounts of water for cooling and operations, which has sparked debate in some communities concerned about resource availability and environmental impact.
 

The discussion also turns to retrofitting and redevelopment within commercial construction. While office buildings experienced major disruption during the pandemic, Dr. Kuehl explains that offices are not disappearing — they are simply being redesigned and repurposed to better fit today’s work environment.
 

Finally, Dr. Kuehl points to healthcare construction as one of the strongest drivers in the market today. With the aging Baby Boomer generation, healthcare infrastructure continues to expand, creating new opportunities for construction and supply chain partners.
 

ASA members are encouraged to stay engaged with the conversation and participate in future episodes.
 

Ask Dr. Kuehl a Question!
Have a question or topic you’d like Dr. Kuehl to cover on the podcast? Email Brianna Dovichi at bdovichi@asa.net to submit your idea for a future episode.

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