The number of public sector jobs in East Valley schools and local governments is growing, according to a Tribune survey.
For example, the size of staffs in school districts in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Scottsdale have all increased last year over 2005 by a combined 849 workers. Arizona State University had the biggest increase – 449 employees – going from a total of 11,770 in 2005 to 12,219 in 2006. The figures include all ASU campuses, including downtown and west Phoenix.
Although public sector jobs were not included in today’s Top 40 list, which is limited to private sector employers, government employment is a significant part of the economy, and population growth spurs an ever-growing demand for city and educational services.
Local municipal workers in Chandler, Scottsdale, Tempe and Gilbert grew by a combined total of 386.
However, Mesa, one of the East Valley’s largest government employers, reduced its work force by 217, dropping to 4,238 at the end of last year from 4,455 in 2005.
"Mesa was the only local government in the East Valley to experience a financial crunch that resulted in a reduction in its work force," said Don Wehbey, senior economist for the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Wehbey said the public sector job growth reflects a similar pattern statewide.
"Work forces in both local governments and local schools have increased in Arizona in 2006 compared with 2005," he said.
The growth in the total number of jobs in all categories reached its zenith statewide in 2005 with an increase of 125,600, but dropped slightly last year to 123,000 new positions, he said.
"Nevertheless, the statewide increase – even if less than in 2005 – is significant," Wehbey said. "It shows that our state is still a magnet for people to move here."
He said the increase in jobs in both local governments and schools is primarily the result of the steadily growing population.
Arizona’s population in 2000 was 5.1 million and reached 5.9 million by 2005, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Maricopa County’s population jumped from 3 million in 2000 to 3.6 million in 2005.
Statewide, the percentage of population growth during the five years was 15.8 percent compared with 5.3 percent nationwide, Wehbey said.
In Maricopa County, the number of local government jobs increased by 2,800 in 2006 over 2005, and the addition of new school jobs, including teaching staffs, was somewhat higher, he said.
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=83910
by Tony Natale, East Valley Tribune
