2026-2030 Economic Development Strategic Plan

Riverside County has demonstrated strong private-sector momentum and post-pandemic resilience, with notable gains in job creation and business formation. While employment density and labor force participation remain areas for improvement, the county’s recovery and sustained growth position it as a rising economic force in the region. Key Economic Performance Highlights (2014-24)

60.6%, second lowest among benchmark counties. Labor Force Participation +64% increase in establishments, 5.1% annualized growth. New Business Formation

Private Sector Job Growth: +38.4% total growth, 3.31% CAGR, 194,984 new jobs. 275.2 jobs per 1,000 residents, lowest among peers. Employment Density

Riverside County is positioned as a “fast follower”. As a fast follower, Riverside County is demonstrating a rapidly growing and evolving economy and strong potential for catching up or surpassing peers by adopting successful strategies, targeted investments and building on innovation. Compared to peers: Benchmark County Comparisons After a 5.0% employment drop in 2020 (the steepest among the Benchmark Counties), Riverside County not only regained pre‑pandemic job levels by 2022 but sustained above‑average growth through 2024, demonstrating economic resilience. Economic Resilience

Top Performers (e.g., Collin, Maricopa, Mecklenburg) combine high job growth with high employment density and educational attainment. Emerging Markets (e.g., Fresno, San Bernardino) share Riverside County’s growth trajectory but face similar infrastructure and workforce challenges.

(e.g., Los Angeles, Orange, Harris) show high density but slower growth. Mature Markets

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