What will Oregon's economy face in the coming decade?

The last decade was one characterized by unprecedented economic growth. But as we move into a new decade concerns and uncertainty abound. Should we be worried about increased economic volatility in the 2020s? Is Central Oregon poised for continued growth? Or, are our years of robust job gains behind us? Damon Runberg, Regional Economist with the Oregon Employment Department, will look back at our current expansion and delve into expectations for job growth going forward. He will discuss the impact of an aging workforce and the shifts in industry composition.

Damon Runberg, is a labor economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He specializes in rural economics and regional labor market analysis. He received his Master of Public Policy from Oregon State University where he concentrated in econometric analysis and natural resource economics and his Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University. Damon and his wife have lived in Bend for nearly 10 years.