The economy grew at an annual rate of 2.6% during the first three quarters of 2024. Based on current data, last year’s economic growth is expected to be around 2.7%, which is better than the average for this century. The average unemployment rate for 2024 was 4%, well below this century’s average. The Valley’s average unemployment rate during the first 11 months of last year was 3.7%, yet another lowest for the century. Technically speaking, the economy is in a good place.