Institute Launches New Quarterly Report Series with Sonoma County EDC

The Bay Area Council Economic Institute released its first Sonoma County Economic Outlook last week, a quarterly report series developed in partnership with the Sonoma County Economic Development Collaborative that offers a data-driven analysis of the county’s economic trends. The report finds that Sonoma County’s economy remains stable but under pressure, with job growth lagging state and national recovery and key industries – particularly manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture – facing labor force challenges. Like most of the region, healthcare and education have emerged as relative bright spots, though long-term competitiveness is challenged by an aging population, lower educational attainment compared to regional peers, and reliance on immigrant labor amid intensifying enforcement activity. 

The report provides a comprehensive snapshot of local labor market conditions, industry performance, housing trends, and demographic shifts, while placing Sonoma County’s trajectory in the context of broader state and national economic conditions. It also offers an outlook for the months ahead amid continued economic uncertainty and slower expected growth.

Read the full report here, and check back in 2026 for future quarterly updates.