Armstrong shared that the region had returned to pre-pandemic employment rates, fairing better than most other metropolitan communities. Target industry sectors in manufacturing, construction, trade, technology, finance, professional services, healthcare, and hospitality have all experienced growth since February of 2020. Other services which largely include retail establishments, however, saw a dramatic dip by more than 12%. The Chair noted that wages are up by 6.4%, which is slightly below the national average at 7.9%, but well below places like Dallas which has realized an overall wage increase of 13%
The most notable takeaway from Armstrong’s address centered around inflation. Today’s inflation rate is rising faster than ever, even when compared to record inflation rates of the early 1980s. The Chair noted, “Here in metro Atlanta, we like to rank top at things, but this is one category, we can all agree, where it’s best not to be out in front.”
Among those trending topics relevant to the region’s future, the Chair discussed water, mobility, healthcare and housing. The ARC’s research on housing is projecting an additional 600,000 residents in Gwinnett by 2050 and an additional 100,000 jobs. Housing in Gwinnett will become a primary focus as more people move to the community.
From housing to mobility, Armstrong noted that three of Gwinnett’s Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) have received LCI (Livable Centers Initiative) Study Grants totaling $440,000 collectively. These grants are funding planning studies that help communities become more walkable and provide mobility options. The ARC also allocated $371.6 million in federal and state funds for transportation improvement projects in Gwinnett.
“Our county and our region are facing a particularly complex, challenging moment. On one hand, inflation is soaring, and employers are having trouble filling jobs,” said Armstrong. “On the other, shoppers have more dollars in their wallets to spend locally, and we’ve recovered all our pandemic job losses. So buckle up, it’s sure to be an exciting ride.”
