Journal Article
"Producing" Growth
Kauffman, Nathan; McCoy, John (2024-07-15)
In contrast to the nation as a whole, goods-producing industries have accounted for much of the recent economic growth in Nebraska. Persistent demand growth for food, alongside construction, have been significant drivers of growth, both recently and longer-term. Moreover, a concentration in manufacturing has generally been a source of strength for Nebraska's economy, particularly in rural areas.
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Hybrid Work May Pose Challenge to Bars and Restaurants in Parts of the Tenth Federal Reserve District
McCoy, John (2024-03-01)
As remote or hybrid work continues to be popular, office attendance has fallen. Less in-person work may increase office vacancy rates and reduce foot traffic to other businesses located in office-dense areas. Compared with the national average, most states in the Tenth Federal Reserve District have a lower share of office space in office-dense areas, but some of these areas have a higher share of bars and restaurants. The outlook for these businesses may depend on how foot traffic within office-dense areas evolves.
Economic Bulletin

Journal Article
Cost of Childcare Increasingly Weighs on Labor Force Engagement
McCoy, John (2024-10-09)
Problems attaining childcare have weighed on workers’ engagement in the labor force for some time. Afew years ago, pandemic disruptions were the primary culprit in the lower consumption of childcareservices. Now, the rising cost of childcare may be to blame. As wage growth moderates, higher childcarecosts could place added pressure on households and cause some workers to at least partially disengagefrom the workforce.
Economic Bulletin

Journal Article
Leisure and Hospitality: Strong Demand and Supply Constraints
McCoy, John (2024-05-07)
Strong household finances, along with pent-up demand from the pandemic, has fueled discretionary spending on recreation and experiences for Nebraskans.
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
First-Time Homeownership Became Less Affordable Across Most of the United States in Recent Years
Farha, Chase; McCoy, John; Rodziewicz, David (2025-01-15)
New homeownership became less affordable across much of the United States over the last five years. Swiftly rising house prices and higher borrowing costs have not been fully offset by wage gains, making homeownership less affordable in both metropolitan and rural areas. Although new homeownership is less affordable than in years past, slower housing price gains and steadily rising wages may offer some reprieve for housing affordability in the coming year.
Economic Bulletin

Journal Article
Nebraska’s Labor Market Still Strong, but More People Working Multiple Jobs
McCoy, John; Kauffman, Nathan (2024-11-20)
The labor market in Nebraska remains strong, but some emerging trends point to elements of softness important to monitor moving forward.
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Labor Market Risk Associated with Trade Uncertainty More Limited in Nebraska
McCoy, John; Kauffman, Nathan (2025-04-18)
Nebraska’s labor market has remained strong through the first quarter of 2025 and faces more limited risk from trade policy uncertainty than other states.
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Uncertainty Clouding a Conclusive Assessment of Nebraska’s Economy
McCoy, John; Kauffman, Nathan (2025-07-09)
Some economic data suggest that labor markets in Nebraska have remained solid, though perhaps somewhat cooler than a year or two ago.
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Cooling Labor Markets in Nebraska Present Some Challenges for Younger Workers
McCoy, John; Kaufman, Alex (2025-09-29)
Labor conditions in Nebraska have cooled over the last year, marked by slowing demand and a slight increase in unemployment. Hiring has slowed across industries and fewer workers are voluntarily leaving jobs, resulting in some challenges for younger workers.
Nebraska Economist

Journal Article
Nebraska's Tight Labor Market: An Update to Long-Running Shortage Concerns
McCoy, John (2024-01-19)
Labor markets have been tight in Nebraska for almost a decade. Increasing participation among the youngest members of the labor force could help.
Nebraska Economist