Rockland’s Great Resignation Resiliency
One of the many unforeseen consequences of the COVID-19 global pandemic, is being referred to as ‘The Great Resignation,’ or the elevated wave of employees quitting their jobs.
But Rockland County seems to have developed an immunity to this repercussion. Our County in terms of employment, has fully recovered from the COVID recession of 2020 and 2021 and is continuing to hit record-breaking unemployment, reaching one of the lowest percentages ever hit in more than 30 years.
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) reports Rockland County had a remarkable unemployment rate of 2.6% in May, the lowest percentage ever recorded, for the third time since December.
NYSDOL also ranks Rockland as the lowest in the Hudson Valley (see list below) and among the lowest across the state:
- Rockland County – 2.6 percent
- Putnam County – 2.7 percent
- Dutchess County – 2.8 percent
- Ulster County – 2.8 percent
- Orange County – 3.0 percent
- Sullivan County – 3.0 percent
- Westchester County – 3.0 percent
This record-unemployment rate is a direct reflection of the hard work of this administration including increasing our total value of taxable real estate by $7.4 billion in five years, a 21% increase which ultimately brings good jobs to Rockland.
We’ve worked hard to attract record-high investments of nearly $1 billion in the County, expected to generate 400 good paying jobs.
Our Department of Community Development utilized $3.5 million in Federal Cares Act funding from HUD for a Community Development Block Program, awarding up to $45,000 in relief to small businesses and non-profits to help retain workers and stay open.
Even now, we are still building on these efforts by utilizing $63 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support food pantries, restaurants, small businesses and creating more green spaces.
Despite all we’ve accomplished, I pledge to ensure this administration continues working diligently to improve the lives of everyone who calls our beautiful County home.
As for those who may still fall into that 2.6% unemployment rate, I encourage you to check the openings within the County of Rockland on our website www.RocklandGov.com.
I also encourage you to check out Rockland Works, a one-stop career center that helps job seekers craft a resume, cover letter, hone interview skills, and even provides tuition assistance for job training courses. To learn more contact Rockland Works at [email protected] or call 845-770-2900.
