Jobless Rate Continues to Decline, But More to Numbers Than Meets the Eye

Sonoma County's jobless population is the lowest it's been in three years, according to the state department that tracks California labor market information. But an article in the Press Democrat this week reported that the numbers could be misleading. 

Experts on the local economy said in the article that what's really happening is the county's labor pool is shrinking — a sign that job-seekers have simply stopped looking for work.

"About 22,300 unemployed county residents were looking for work last month, compared to 25,500 a year ago," the article stated. Read the full story here.

We'd like to hear from you, readers. How has the economy impacted you? Have you had to lay off employees, or have you yourself lost  your job? Has it been difficult finding work?

The numbers show that Rohnert Park's economy is also improving. In December 2010, the jobless rate was 9.9 percent. Latest data released from the Economic Development Department show that in December 2011 the city's unemployment had dropped to 8.7 percent — . In November, the state reported Rohnert Park's unemployment rate at 8.8 percent. 

Out of roughly 40,000 people, 24,400 people are in the city's labor force, and 2,100 people are officially unemployed.

The city over the last year has escalated efforts to improve the local economy — to draw more business and investment here, to fill vacancies, as well as to create more jobs. City officials cite new businesses coming in, and . 

City Manager Gabe Gonzalez champions a recently-appointed , says there's efforts to help small businesses underway (which could be stripped with the disolution of redevelopment agencies) and says there's real interest growing from business leaders.

Economists say that Rohnert Park is slowly changing, and has reason to be hopeful. . What do you think the city needs to jumpstart the economy?

Other Sonoma County cities continue to struggle, as the state deals with pension reform, the housing crisis and unemployment.

Petaluma and Sonoma's jobless rate came in among the lowest in the county, at 8.1 percent and 7.2 respectively. Cotati is at 9.4 percent, Healdsburg 10.2 and Santa Rosa at 8.9.

Editor's note: hear for yourself what elected officials and business people have to say by watching the video to the right.