Author: Jeffrey Humphreys

2023 Industry Outlook

Thanks to several state-specific factors, Georgia continues to outpace the nation in economic growth. Our annual outlook for the Peach State’s primary industries is based on research from the Selig Center for Economic Growth at University of Georgia’s Terry College…

Economy: Silver Linings

This year, I expect Georgia’s post-pandemic expansion to end and a mild recession to begin, which will last about six months. A recession is not inevitable, but it would take near-perfect monetary policy plus a lucky break to avoid one.…

Economy: Hinesville’s Quick Recovery

Thanks to Fort Stewart, the Hinesville metropolitan statistical area’s (MSA) economy performed well during the pandemic recession and recovered quickly. From peak-to-trough, Hinesville lost 9% of its jobs, which is much smaller than the 13% loss posted by the state…

Economy: Valdosta’s Positive Prospects

From its 2020 peak-to-trough the Valdosta metropolitan statistical area (MSA), which includes Brooks, Echols, Lanier and Lowndes counties, lost about 10% of its jobs to the COVID-19 recession. The heaviest losses were in government and high-contact service industries such as…

Economy: Brunswick’s Strengths

From its 2020 peak-to-trough, the Brunswick metropolitan statistical area (MSA) – Brantley, Glynn and McIntosh counties – lost 19.2% of its jobs to the COVID-19 recession. The heaviest losses were in leisure and hospitality and state government. Because the Brunswick…

2022 Industry Outlook

Georgia continues to outpace the nation in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic due to a number of state-specific factors, and some industries in the state are experiencing dramatic growth. Our annual outlook for Georgia’s primary industries is based on research…

Economy: Athens Rising

From its 2020 peak to trough, the Athens metropolitan statistical area (MSA) lost 13.7% of its jobs to the COVID-19 recession. The city is recovering slowly. By November 2021, it had reversed only 71% of its job losses compared to…