July 2018

Latest Jobs Report Analysis

For years, the Regional Economic Studies Institute (RESI) at Towson University has provided monthly updates on Maryland’s economy. The RESI team recently unveiled a new tool to allow you to better understand the economy of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Region: The Mid-Atlantic Regional Employment Workbook. The interactive dashboard allows you to see how the regional economy is changing for 29 different industries. Read on to see how the region’s economy is changing and to use the dashboard to solve questions related to your business.

Measuring Human Development Disparities in Baltimore City

Understanding human development is important not just to be able to measure and compare data, but to uncover inequalities and understand how they manifest over time. RESI reports on disparities in detail and identifies three strategies for working towards inclusive human development growth in Baltimore City. MORE

RESI in the News

Maryland Unemployment Rate Continues to Rise Despite the State Adding New Jobs
Baltimore Post-Examiner, 06/19/2018

April 2018 was the sixth consecutive month in which Maryland saw an increase in the unemployment rate, prompting concerns over a potential “employment crisis.” RESI's Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani explained that “job losses are considerable and they can be attributed to the low federal budget.” He added, “the losses are being revised and it is still early to tell exactly what causes them.”

Supreme Court’s Janus Ruling Seen as Setback for Public-Sector Unions in Maryland
The Baltimore Sun, 06/27/2018

Labor union leaders in Maryland characterize a recent Supreme Court ruling as an “attack on worker rights.” RESI's Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani noted the proportion of union employment has been decreasing and that the SCOTUS ruling “likely will accelerate that trend.” Irani stated, “From a labor union point of view, this is the worst thing that could have happened to them, and will allow non-members to benefit without paying. It could hurt their ability to be financially viable longer term as more people are opting out.”

Housing Indicators Reflect Strong Seller's Market in Baltimore Region
The Baltimore Sun, 07/13/2018

The median number of days on the market for homes listed for sale in June was just 15 days, the fastest timeframe in over a decade. RESI's Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani, stated that, “It is a hot real estate market now,” and that, “It is a seller’s market in the sense that, you know, you put a house in the market, it’s likely to be sold. And from a buyer’s point of view, they’re really competing against a really diminished inventory.” Irani also believes this is not a “short-term phenomenon” and will remain strong if increasing hiring and wage trends continue.