The U.S. economy seems headed for a strong recovery, barring new covid-related setbacks. But nonresidential construction is lagging, even as homebuilding soars. Fast-rising materials costs and increasingly unreliable delivery times for materials are adding to the industry’s challenges. Mr. Simonson, chief economist for the nation’s leading construction association since 2001, will discuss the outlook for various construction segments, along with the prospects for federal infrastructure legislation and what that might imply.