Georgia: Regional commissions see unemployment rates drop

(The Center Square) — Most of Georgia's regional commissions saw their unemployment rates decline in July, and officials continue to argue the state needs more jobs.

Three regional commissions — Central Savannah River at 4.9%, Southern Georgia at 4.3%, and Three Rivers at 3.9% — saw no change from last month. A fourth regional commission, the Northwest Georgia, saw its rate increase to 3.9%.

The remaining regional commissions — Atlanta at 3.8%, Coastal Georgia at 3.6%, Georgia Mountains at 3.4%, Heart of Georgia at 4.6%, Middle Georgia at 4.3%, Northeast Georgia at 3.8%, River Valley at 4.7% and Southwest Georgia at 4.3% — saw their rates decline.

"With over 5 million Georgians ready to work, our mission is clear: to turn this untapped potential into real, meaningful job opportunities," Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said in an announcement. "To build a stronger, more resilient Georgia for tomorrow, we must partner with businesses today to create jobs, leverage the power of our skilled workforce, and keep unemployment low."

The non-seasonally adjusted employment-to-population ratio stood at 59.6% in July 2024, the same as last month, but down from 60% in April and May and 60.1% in March. While that is up from 57.6% in July 2014, it is down from 64.4% in July 2004 and 64.5% in July 1994.

A leading Georgia business group said its members are ready to work with policymakers on solutions.

"Labor quality and labor costs are some of the biggest problems facing Georgia's small businesses," National Federation of Independent Business State Director Hunter Loggins told The Center Square via email. "Our members are eager to work with Commissioner Thompson, Governor [Brian] Kemp, and legislative leaders on strategies to develop jobs and prepare Georgians to enter the workplace."

Additionally, the NFIB's July Small Business Optimism Index revealed that labor quality is the second most significant problem small business owners say they face. The index indicated inflation was still atop the list, while labor cost was fourth on the lis