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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />12 | Page <br /> <br />numbers reflect recovery, they underscore the need to address structural unemployment <br />and labor force participation challenges, which remain below pre-pandemic levels at <br />62.07%29. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Industry Unemployment <br /> <br />Unemployment in Orange County continues to vary significantly across industries, <br />highlighting an uneven recovery and ongoing structural challenges within the labor <br />market. As of October 2024, the construction and manufacturing sectors are among the <br />hardest hit, with 9% and 14% unemployment rates, respectively. These rates exceed the <br />national averages of 12% for construction and 16% for manufacturing, underscoring <br />vulnerabilities tied to fluctuating demand, supply chain disruptions, and seasonal <br />dependencies30. <br /> <br />Retail trade remains a notable area of concern, reporting a regional unemployment rate <br />of 9%, driven by ongoing shifts in consumer behavior and the growing influence of e- <br />commerce. While this figure is slightly below the national average of 11%, it signals <br />continued challenges in the sector. Accommodation and food services, heavily impacted <br />during the pandemic, have shown some stabilization but still face a regional <br />unemployment rate of 6%, which aligns with the national average. This sector continues <br /> <br />29 Lightcast. Economy Overview. <br />30 Lightcast. Unemployment by Industry Sector. January 2025.https://analyst.lightcast.io/ <br />2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 January - <br />July 2024 Aug-24 Sep-24 Oct-24 <br />Uemplyment Rate 2.82%8.98%5.99%3.21%3.55%3.96%4.54%4.07%4.14% <br />0% <br />1% <br />2% <br />3% <br />4% <br />5% <br />6% <br />7% <br />8% <br />9% <br />10% <br />Unemployment Rate <br />Data Source: Lightcast <br />EXHIBIT 1