WDEF in Chattanooga has a story about the recently released CRER forecast for the Chattanooga economy. They spoke with CRER director and chief economist Howard Wall: Dr. Wall said, “Manufacturing has been slow for a couple of years and that’s nationally not just locally, although there’s special cases locally, and manufacturing has not been helped…
1/14/26: New CRER Forecast for the Chattanooga Metro Economy
The CRER produces quarterly forecasts of payroll employment growth for the six-county Chattanooga metro area. The latest forecast indicates net job gains of about 5,000 during 2026, which would be a big improvement over 2025. Even so, that would make the year a weak one relative to recent history. Job growth should return to normal…
10/23/25: After a Flat Year, Chattanooga Economist Says Region Could See Weak Job Growth
The Chattanooga Times Free Press covered the 2025 CRER Forecast Breakfast held on October 22: Howard Wall, the director of the Center for Regional Economic Research, told local officials he expects an average growth of 3,000 jobs by the end of 2025. Next year, however, he foresees a decent level of growth at 6,500 jobs. Wall…
10/22/25: CRER Releases Fall Forecast of Chattanooga Metro Employment
The CRER produces quarterly forecasts of the growth of nonfarm payroll employment in the Chattanooga MSA. Forecasts depend on the consensus forecast of the U.S. economy from the Blue Chip Economic Indicator survey. Our new forecast is a net gain of twelve hundred jobs in the third quarter, and for growth to rise throughout 2026.…
8/14/25: CRER Releases Summer Forecast of Chattanooga Metro Employment
The CRER produces quarterly forecasts of the growth of nonfarm payroll employment in the Chattanooga MSA. Forecasts depend on the consensus forecast of the U.S. economy from the Blue Chip Economic Indicator survey. Our new forecast is a net gain of one thousand jobs in the third quarter, and for growth to slowly return to…