ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE
INTRODUCTION

Why is this important?

Broad opportunities for employment and strong infrastructure such as housing, transportation and water and sewer are major factors in creating a healthy economy.

What is the measure?

The indicators selected cover the following: retail sales, the diversity of business and industry in the county, employment/unemployment, income, tourism, land use, housing, infrastructure, transportation and communication.

How are we doing?

For the most part, the changes are favorable. Retails sales continue to grow, and in 2006, the percent change in retail growth exceeds the state rate for the first time since 2002.

Two key employers, Sonora Regional Medical Center and the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk, grew over the past two years. Manufacturing jobs continue to decline.

Tourism spending continues to grow, primarily from international visitors.

Changes in the housing market resulted in an increase in the number of homes priced at $300,000 or less. And it appears the gap between median household income and the median home price is shrinking.

Pavement condition and ongoing maintenance of the county road system continue to be major concerns.

Broadband communication penetration grew from 12% of households in 2005 to 55% in 2007.