Signs Of Growth

New Mexico Business Journal, Nov, 2000

The state's economy continued to expand during the second quarter, according to the economists at UNM's Bureau of Business and Economic Research. The employment growth--quite properly described as "moderate"--was 1.8 percent. Short-term outlook for the economy calls for continued expansion, peaking early 2001 and leveling off in 2002.

But nonagricultural employment is expected to increase 2 percent next year and 2.4 percent in 2001. The spurt will be fueled by a surge in construction activity followed by a jump in high-tech employment. The state's employment growth will be about average in 2000 when compared to the U.S. as a whole but almost a full percentage point better in 2001. All of which is good news.