Last Thursday, Oakland County’s 2015-2017 economic forecast was reported at the 30th Annual Economic Outlook Luncheon at the Troy Marriott. Over 620 people attended the sold out event to hear University of Michigan economists, Dr. George Fulton and Donald Grimes, share Oakland County’s three-year economic forecast. Dan Hunter, Deputy Director of Oakland County Economic Development & Community Affairs explained, “The economic luncheon is really helpful for policy makers, companies and investors to help see where the economy is going.”

Prior to the luncheon, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson held a press conference with Fulton and Grimes, who have prepared the county’s economic forecast for the last thirty years. During the press conference, Fulton and Grimes shared the fantastic news that wages in Oakland County are up, unemployment is falling and jobs are being created. Patterson was ecstatic about the report and said,

“The numbers in the outlook are spectacular. We’re getting to places we only dreamed about. When you get below 5% unemployment, you’ve reached full employment. That day is not that far off. According to this report and according to our growth studies, we’re going to hit that number squarely this year and probably drop below 5 to 4.9% or 4.8%. It’s just incredible growth in the right sectors.”

For video of the press conference, click here.

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