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Elkhart Posts Stong Economic Numbers in First Quarter

 

Economic development started in Elkhart in 2017 is continuing into 2018. Economic numbers in the first quarter are up.

The city of Elkhart has issued permits for 48 million dollars in new construction and upgrades so far in 2018. If that continues it will outpace 2017’s 144 million in developments. In 2016, less than 60 million dollars was put into such investments.

Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese said the city still faces problems with getting qualified people for available jobs.

“One of the unique situations that we have is that we have more jobs available than we do people. That’s a very uncommon circumstance but that’s what occuring in the City of Elkhart.”

Neese said the city is excited about development that attracts new residents, like the aquatic center and the retirement home in the former Conn-Selmer factory.

He said another problem is having enough housing for the people who come for jobs.

Neese said Elkhart is also looking to diversify its economy with these developments in an effort to lessen the impacts of the next recession.