Grand Junction - The CMU Department of Business quarterly economic analysis report will be released Wednesday, November 28, 2018. CMU Associate Professor of Economics Nathan Perry,
According to his findings, Perry said Mesa County’s economy grew at 4.2 percent for the quarter which is the strongest growth rate since 2008.
The CMU economic report is an ongoing university analysis meant to track economic trends on a quarterly basis with the intent of supporting the needs of business, government, communities and university partners in planning for the future.
The report identified that unemployment in Mesa County remains low at 4 percent with sales tax collection and increased employment numbers up for the year. Additionally, Perry revealed Mesa County added 6,146 jobs representing “a very strong run in employment.”
The report identifies that the local real estate market remains strong, but Perry warns there are some signs of slowing both locally and nationally. He attributes the
When it comes to the Montrose area, Perry reports the economy “remains strong with no signs of slowing” as the areas’ unemployment rate remains around 3.2 percent.
“Since January of 2017, the Montrose economy added 2,540 jobs,” said Perry. “Local wages continue to rise as a result of a strong economy and low unemployment with strong growth in construction and manufacturing.”
CMU President Tim Foster is one of the people who follows Perry’s quarterly economic analysis reports.
“Dr. Perry is the only person on the west slope doing unique economic analysis, at the academic level, that is truly specific to the local economy,” said Foster. “Most community leaders I know are following the report for this reason. I am pleased this kind of research can be a service to the community.”