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Santa Rosa staff: unemployment 4.2%, average salary ~$62,700; leasing activity seen since April
Summary
Staff reported the July 2026 quarterly economic snapshot: local unemployment rose to 4.2%, median hourly wage increased to about $30.14, and staff logged roughly 60 lease transactions totaling about 237,000 square feet since April. The report shows a mixed picture with some stabilization in retail but a contraction in labor force participation.
Scott Adair presented the July 2026 quarterly economic report prepared with consultant Dr. Robert Eiler and summarized key metrics: "unemployment rate in Santa Rosa has increased slightly to 4.2%" and annual salary on average increased to about $62,700 while the median hourly wage rose to roughly $30.14.
Adair told the committee the city has seen a contraction in labor-force participation even as average wages rose. He said staff are tracking downtown retail indicators and reported fewer vacant storefronts in the downtown since April and about 60 lease transactions representing approximately 237,000 square feet of new commercial space leased across the city.
The report also flagged modest increases in asking rents (from about $29.98 per square foot to $30.32) and average sale price increases in retail sales prices. Staff stressed that while some indicators show improvement, others are flat or slightly decreased and require ongoing monitoring.
Committee members asked for extended time-series comparisons (5-to-10-year windows) and more granular reporting on business openings and closures to better understand local trends.
The presentation was informational; staff made the report available on the city website for public review.
