The Anchorage Economic Development Corporation released a mid-year report yesterday indicating the city will likely add 2,500 new jobs in 2007. That’s an increase of 1.7% over 2006 and continues a steady economic growth trend of nearly 20 years.
AEDC president Bill Pop pointed to significant growth in the business and professional services sector, which includes architectural, accounting and engineering jobs.
Pop said Anchorage has exceptional growth record when compared to other U.S. cities of similar size and the city has moved beyond the boom and bust cycles of the 70s and 80s, partly because of an increased demand for services as the city grows. He said service industry development helps keep more dollars in the state, especially in the area of health care.
Pop said the only area of slight decline was in new home starts, but he says this was offset by an increase in commercial construction.
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
