Winston-Salem has grown exponentially in the last ten years and we continue to see positive growth that is placing our wonderful city on the nation’s radar. Earlier this spring Mayor Allen Joines addressed the City with a State of the Community update. The overview of growth and change that our amazing city is going through is truly impressive and sets us up for more success to come.
The State of the Community was full of valuable statistics and information that covers the economic, educational, and cultural trends of Winston-Salem and how they impact the city now and in the years to come. Winston-Salem’s government and organizations have set out plans for the future in order to meet their shared goal of making Winston-Salem Metropolitan area one of the top 50 Metro areas in the country. Winston-Salem has recently been featured in the following:
Forbes- #14 best places to visit in 2019
Realtor.com- one of 10 “next urban powerhouse”
USA Today- ranked River Run Film Festival one of 10 amazing film festivals worth traveling for
As we continue to show up highly curated lists we also have seen amazing economic growth. Highlights include:
Unemployment rates are trending down. Forsyth County finished 2018 with a 3.6% unemployment rate and Guilford County finished 2018 with a 3.9% unemployment rate.
In 2017 we created 2,065 new jobs and in 2018 we created 5,300 new jobs - a 157% increase.
Visitor spending increased 6.1%
One of the highlights of the discussion is the substantial impact that has come with the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter at Bailey Park. This development continues to grow with more retail, office, and restaurant spaces. The Innovation Quarter currently consists of:
176 companies
1,075 residential units
$800 million invested
3,762 employees
9,185 student
The Innovation Quarter is right on trend with the continued growth and development of our vibrant downtown. Since 2000 Downtown has been infused with $1,955,930.00 of development. It truly is a great time to be in Winston-Salem!
Many other topics and statistics were shared that shed a positive light on all the amazing initiatives that are taking place in our wonderful city. The insight into the efforts our city and organizations are working on daily for growth is reassuring and helpful as we look ahead to a brighter future.
For more information please click here for the entire State of the Community Update.
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