Economy & Workforce
The Policy & Innovation Center and partners share stories and data about equitable and innovative ways to create change in San Diego. For media inquiries, please email Olivia Stafford or Mariah Almasco at J. Walcher Communications, or call (619) 295-7140.
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Higher unemployment and inflation put San Diego economy in ‘danger zone’
Read more: Higher unemployment and inflation put San Diego economy in ‘danger zone’From KPBS Midday Edition: San Diego County’s unemployment rate hit a four-year high, according to state labor data released last week, all while the region has the highest inflation rate in the United States.
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Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responses
Read more: Measure limiting digital-only coupons receives mixed responsesA new law took effect Wednesday limiting the use of digital-only coupons by grocery stores — the first of its kind in the country. According to a study cited by the Policy and Innovation Center, 86% of low-income seniors own a smartphone, compared to 98% of San Diego residents overall. Three in 10 seniors in the…
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How is San Diego’s economy doing this holiday season?
Read more: How is San Diego’s economy doing this holiday season?Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the San Diego Regional Policy and Innovation Center, discusses how the holiday season often means extra spending on gifts and travel. But amid rising costs, inflation and a weakening labor market, the financial stress can be a lot. During the Midday Edition, Daniel checks in on the state of San…
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New data confirms the lack of affordability in San Diego
Read more: New data confirms the lack of affordability in San DiegoAs seen in the KPBS Midday Edition: San Diego economist Daniel Enemark joins Midday Edition to talk about the state of the economy, as new data highlights the difficulties many San Diegans face in getting by.
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San Diego County job growth slowed in 2025, with 62% fewer jobs than the previous year
Read more: San Diego County job growth slowed in 2025, with 62% fewer jobs than the previous yearDr. Daniel Enemark, chief economist of the Policy and Innovation Center, noted the hard-hit professional and business services sector added jobs in October, November and December. In the article addressing how San Diego County’s job growth slowed considerably in 2025, with 62% fewer jobs than the year before.
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Economic Forum Addresses San Diego’s High Cost of Living
Read more: Economic Forum Addresses San Diego’s High Cost of LivingDaniel Enemark addresses San Diego’s high cost of living at 2026 Economic Roundtable.
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AI Is Deskilling Your Workforce and It’s Costing More Than You Think
Read more: AI Is Deskilling Your Workforce and It’s Costing More Than You ThinkDr. Karen Boyd and Sarah Aghassi, Esq. discuss how job replacement comes up often in AI conversations: self-driving trucks putting drivers out of work or generative AI replacing programmers, graphic designers and copywriters. However, while we’ve been reading the unemployment numbers like tea leaves for signs of replacement, another, more difficult-to-observe change is happening.
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As Washington pulls back, it’s time for San Diego to bet on itself
Read more: As Washington pulls back, it’s time for San Diego to bet on itselfEmily Wier and Amy Liu address how Washington’s impacts on the region will inevitably wax and wane. And just as we have seen in the past, San Diego leaders can come together in 2026 to help government and community leaders act on smart ideas.
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The 42nd annual San Diego Economic Roundtable
Read more: The 42nd annual San Diego Economic Roundtable‘My worry is we become Santa Barbara’: San Diego economic event discusses challenges, opportunities. PIC’s Chief Economist Daniel Enemark shares at the 42nd annual Economic Roundtable.
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How national instability is impacting San Diego’s economy
Read more: How national instability is impacting San Diego’s economyPolitical stability is the bedrock of a healthy economy. The United States is inarguably struggling with both. PIC’s Chief Economist Daniel Enemark spoke to KPBS.