Arizona could see boost in job, population growth in 2018
Dec 27, 2017, 7:36 PM | Updated: Dec 28, 2017, 8:15 pm
(Flickr/Thibault)
(Flickr/Thibault)
PHOENIX — Residents across the state of Arizona are gearing up to ring in the new year and the endless possibilities it could bring.
But one Valley economist said the coming of 2018 could also bring some positive changes, including a huge boost for job and population growth in Arizona.
Jim Rounds with the Rounds Consulting Group said Arizona could be among the top five states in the country when it comes to job and population growth.
“Overall, Arizona is on solid footing,” he said. “Expect us next year to be in the top five, both for job growth and population growth.”
While both Phoenix and Tucson are helping to boost the state economically, Rounds said rural areas are continuing to struggle.
“The greater Phoenix area is on some pretty solid footing. The Tucson area still has its rough patches, but they’re working on things like infrastructure and economic development programs.”
“The parameter of the state is continuing to struggle,” he added. “We will need to get clever with the marketing and economic tools in those areas.”
Rounds said the passage of the Republican tax reform bill, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump shortly before Christmas, is expected to help the state’s economy in the long run.
“We are expected to see a benefit,” he said. “Individuals will spend more, businesses will invest more. The argument is that it will have a positive impact and help move public policy in the right direction.”
KTAR News’ Jim Cross contributed to this report.
