Labor shortage hurting SLO County recovery

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. - A chronic labor shortage is hurting economic recovery in San Luis Obispo County, according the latest information from the Central Coast Economic Forecast.

It's a problem everywhere: Plenty of jobs available but not enough workers to fill them.

The good news, according to the CCEF, is the local and regional economy is rebounding in a "V shape," despite impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and the related public health shutdowns and restrictions.

Wages are rising and affordable, workforce housing is also improving.

But the labor shortage issue, particularly in the construction and healthcare industries, continues to weigh on local economic recovery.

"If we were to look at the labor market in San Luis Obispo and how housing has performed over the last 18 months, the common theme is there are not enough workers locally to fill the positions that employers would like to fill," said economist Tanner Osman, who spoke at the conference.

Central Coast Economic Forecast organizers worked closely with the San Luis Obispo County Public Health Department in order for the popular event to return indoors this year at the Alex Madonna Expo Center.

Last year's event was done virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions.