Dave Rosenberg

YOLO COUNTY WORKS!

By Dave Rosenberg
Yolo County Supervisor, District Four

Yolo County's working men and women are working harder and in greater numbers than ever!

According to statistics recently released by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), unemployment in the six-county region (Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yuba, and Yolo) decreased a whopping 6.2% from 1997 to 1998. In 1998, the region averaged a labor force of 892,400 with 842,800 employed and only 49,600 unemployed for an unemployment rate of 5.6%. This compares well with 1997 when the region had a labor force of 883,000 with 830,100 employed and 52,900 unemployed resulting in an unemployment rate of 6.0%.

Between 1997 and 1998, the labor force increased by 9,400 or 1.1%. The number of people employed, however, increased 12,700, or 1.5% . The number of unemployed actually decreased by 3,300 or 6.2%.

The numbers in Yolo County are equally striking.

In Yolo County, between 1997 and 1998, the labor force increased by 500 persons or .6%. Employment, however, increased by 900 persons, or 1.1%. The number of unemployed persons decreased by 400, or 7.8%, a remarkable drop! The unemployment rate continues to decrease in Yolo County from a low 5.8% in 1997 to an even lower 5.4% in 1998.

Overall, in 1998, the labor force in Yolo County numbered 87,200 people. Of that number, 82,500 were employed and 4,700 were unemployed. Yolo County's unemployment rate continues to be slightly lower than the rate in the six-county region. At the same time, Yolo County's employment statistics continue to be among the highest in the six-county region.

All in all, Yolo County is more than "holding it own" in the economic good times experienced by the region. Yolo County's economy is pumping!

Prospects for 1999 and 2000 are bright in Yolo County. New retail outlets planned for Davis and Woodland will provide additional jobs for the workforce. The prospect of a professional baseball team and new stadium in West Sacramento will energize the eastern part of Yolo County. Similarly, an expanding wine grape industry and new rules which make it easier for the wine industry to expand will be a spark for the western part of Yolo County.

Keeping Yolo County's economy primed is the major focus of Yolo County's Economic Development Council. The EDC, which I chair, is always on the lookout to cut government red tape and stimulate appropriate commerce and industry for Yolo County.