Local Work Force Expected To Expand

The number of people working in Spokane County should grow by 5 percent or more in 1995 - the fastest rise in four years, an economic study predicts.

The trucking industry will drive much of the job growth, according to an economic forecast by Washington State University’s College of Business and Economics. In addition, a predicted 6 percent, inflation-adjusted rise in retail sales will create more jobs in 1995.

“While 1994 was the best year for covered employment growth in over three years, the projections for 1995 look even better,” according to the Quarterly Employment, Wage Income and Taxable Retail Sales Forecasts report.

Covered employment refers to jobs covered by state unemployment compensation.

On the downside, a slowing of real estate development may limit job growth in construction trades. Finance, insurance and real estate jobs also may decline.

Spokane County reported 6.2 percent unemployment rate in January, with 182,500 people employed.

The Forecasts is an independent report funded by the Spokane Area Economic Development Council and Momentum ‘95.