McAllen MSA Continues to Outperform at the National Level

McAllen – Unemployment in the McAllen MSA area rose slightly to 12.8 percent in January, up from 12.2 percent in December; still above the Texas unemployment rate of 8.5 percent and U.S. unemployment rate of 9.8 percent, both of which also marked an increase from December. The McAllen MSA area also posted an increase of 1,100 in the Civilian Labor Force in January, increasing by 5,900 since January 2010.

According to a recent study by the Brookings Institute; which profiled 100 of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas – home to three-fourths of the U.S. economy, the McAllen MSA is one of only four metropolitan areas that were among the top 20 metropolitan areas during both the recession and the recovery period.

“The local labor market has consistently showed positive signs. In spite of the current local unemployment rate, the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow and create jobs. I am encouraged job seekers will find good paying jobs and employers will continue to find qualified employees,” said Yvonne ‘Bonnie’ Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Solutions. “Staff at the Office for Business Partnerships, and six Career Centers in the tri-county region, remain committed to assisting employers and job seekers.”

Workforce Solutions / Lower RGV is one of 28 local workforce development boards located throughout the state. This Board serves Starr, Hidalgo and Willacy counties through a network of partners in the tri-county region. The primary goal of Workforce Solutions / Lower RGV is to respond to the needs of employers, workers and job seekers, and provide the resources needed to succeed in an ever-changing world. All eligible employers, workers and job seekers are encouraged to take advantage of these services.

For more information Contact:
Victor M. de Leon, Public Information Officer – Workforce Solutions
victor@wfsolutions.org