The construction industry has been in flux for the last few years, but in states like Illinois, funding for public works is adding relief to the sector. State and other local government bodies have stepped up to request new projects throughout the area to encourage more growth, a move that's highly popular with residents.

Two current projects are aimed at helping young people, though at different times in their lives. The State Journal-Register reported a top of the line playground was being built at a family community center in Springfield. The targeted neighborhood has a high density of young children, but the closest recreational park is nearly a mile away, so local officials are hopeful this will encourage more people to stay in or move to the area.

Another project being completed in Bloomington is an apartment-style housing complex for Illinois State University students. These buildings house more than 1500 people and will cost the school upwards of $45 million to complete, but construction management software will be critical for keeping the massive build on schedule, as weather has been slowing work down since the groundbreaking in 2011.