“It’s been sort of a stable year. We talked earlier that it’s been a good but not great year. I think that that holds true. The unemployment rate has ticked up a touch.”
Randy Thelen is President and CEO of The Right Place. He says local hiring has slowed down a bit, but the economy is solid, despite confusion and concerns over federal tariffs.
“So, I don’t want to say it’s becoming a massive trend yet but just starting to see companies that were quoting in the spring are now getting some orders this time of year.”
President of the W.E. Upjohn Institute Michael Horrigan notes that employment gains could slow down in 2026, with 2027 being a rebound year.
“Right now, we’re sort of in that phase where everywhere, Grand Rapids, everywhere, has had a bit of a slowdown, but Grand Rapids, I think, is performing better than a lot of different areas.”
Thelen notes 65% of local companies report increased sales, up almost 7% from 2024, but only 43% of those companies plan to increase hiring, down over 4% from 2024.
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