“While there was a brief pause at the beginning of the pandemic, the valley’s economy has been strong since late 2020,” Kelton says. “This is particularly true for life sciences, technology, manufacturing, hospitality and infrastructure, which is being supported by the $1.3-trillion federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. These infrastructure funds are going toward water/wastewater, roads, public transportation and aviation projects, which will help address growth. Municipalities are prioritizing water-treatment projects that aid in water conservation and reuse.” 

But the area also is dealing with workforce and supply chain issues. “Fortunately, our business and community leaders have been addressing the skilled labor challenge for a while,” he says. “These efforts are having a positive impact.”