The total value of building permits issued in 2007 by the City of Ada is expected to reach the $30 million mark before the end of the year. As of August 31, the year-to-date value of building permits was over $28.3 million. The 2007 monthly average value of issued building permits is over $1 million, which means Ada is currently on track to surpass the $30 million mark.  This is more than twice the value of building permits issued in 2005. This figure does not include the numerous street and infrastructure improvements the City of Ada has completed this year. Look for more information on these street and infrastructure projects in the October Economic Journal and Review.

Sales tax collections for the City of Ada have also experienced significant growth. Fiscal year totals are up by over 16% in two years. Since fiscal year end 2001, yearend totals have increased by over 25%. This trend is like to continue with the additon of new retailers to the community.

The size of Ada’s labor force is also an indicator of the community’s growth. In August 2005, the labor force was 17,350 people and Ada had an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Currently, the labor force is 20,210 and the unemployment rate is 3.4%. This represents a 16.5% increase in the size of the labor force in two years. During the same period, the size of the United Stated labor force increased by only 2%.  Ada’s unemployment rate decreased from 4.3% to 3.4% in this same period.