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The ACEC Research Institute has released its Engineering Business Sentiment Report for Q2 2026, providing valuable insight into the current state of the engineering industry. The latest data shows an industry that remains fundamentally strong, while becoming increasingly cautious as economic uncertainty continues to grow.

Key Findings

• Nearly half of firms report backlogs of one year or more, with the median backlog holding steady at

  11 months

• 64% of firms expect hiring to increase over the next 12 months.

• Sentiment toward the U.S. economy dropped sharply quarter-over-quarter, with the 12-month outlook moving into negative territory.

• Healthcare insurance costs continue to rise, with 78% of firms reporting premium increases during their latest renewal cycle.

• Firms are becoming more selective, prioritizing higher-value and more profitable work as labor and cost pressures persist.

Overall, the report points to an engineering industry that continues to grow, but with greater operational discipline, strategic selectivity, and careful expansion planning than in previous quarters.

The bottom line is clear: engineering firms remain resilient, but the business environment is becoming more complex. Staying informed about these trends can help firms make smarter strategic decisions and position themselves for long-term success.

Read the full Q2 2026 Engineering Business Sentiment Report here:

https://www.acec.org/resource/engineering-business-sentiment-q2-2026/

Public works is about far more than roads, bridges, and infrastructure. At its core, it is about improving communities, serving the public, and creating a lasting impact for future generations.

In a recent episode of The Public Works Podcast, Nicole Mi, PE, MBA, shares her inspiring career journey in engineering and public service. The conversation explores not only the technical side of public works but also the leadership, vision, and commitment required to make a meaningful difference.

During the episode, Nicole discusses:

• Her journey into engineering and the path that led her to public works.

• The remarkable scale, complexity, and community impact of the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works.

• Why her work with LACERA plays an important role in supporting the long-term financial security of public employees.

• Valuable advice and encouragement for the next generation of engineers and public service professionals.

Throughout the conversation, one message stands out: successful public service is about more than delivering infrastructure projects. It is about building strong teams, developing future leaders, and making decisions that positively impact communities for decades to come.

Whether you're an engineer, public works professional, student, or anyone interested in leadership and public service, this episode offers valuable insights and practical lessons from an accomplished industry leader. It serves as a reminder that the most meaningful careers are built not only on technical expertise, but also on a commitment to serving people and strengthening communities.

We are pleased to share this excellent episode from The Public Works Podcast and encourage anyone interested in public infrastructure, leadership, or engineering to give it a listen.

🎧 Episode: https://youtu.be/l8VHMHT5t5g

Aquifer PE commits to building something valuable for the Architect Construction & Engineering (ACE) community.

For clients, no job / task / project is too small to simply post a RFP to receive cost proposals from highly skilled engineers and architects. We will do the curation for you and bring forward the final short list for your selection.

For engineers/ architects, start earning by creating an account to review all opportunities and express interest to the ones that fit, at https://www.aquiferpe.com/

Here comes an excellent opportunity! check it out.

Happy Pi Day! (3.14) 🥧

Today feels like the perfect day to share something new with the civil engineering community.

After spending years in the industry, I’ve often seen two challenges happen at the same time:
• Engineering firms need extra capacity when workloads spike
• Experienced engineers want opportunities to apply their expertise beyond their full-time roles

So today, we are excited to soft launch Aquifer PE — a freelancing marketplace built specifically for the civil engineering and construction industry.

Our goal is simple:
Connect engineering firms with talented civil engineers for project-based work. Whether it's drainage design, grading plans, geotechnical analysis, structural support, or peer review — the industry already collaborates this way. Aquifer PE aims to make those connections faster and easier.

On this Pi Day, it felt fitting to launch something that celebrates engineering, problem-solving, and the community behind it.

🔹 Civil Engineers:
Create a profile and join the platform to showcase your expertise and find project opportunities. Most importantly, get notified when an opportunity is posted.

🔹 Engineering Firms:
Post RFPs or project needs and connect with qualified engineers who can help expand your team when it matters most. Sign up today. Service is free! Reach out to emmalee@aquiferpe.com for support.

You can learn more and join here:
https://www.aquiferpe.com

This is a soft launch, and I’d truly appreciate feedback from fellow engineers and industry professionals as we grow the platform.
Looking forward to building something valuable for our community.

Nicole Mi, Founder and CEO - Aquifer PE

Wishing every engineer a happy national engineers week! Thank you for what you do for our society.