Prosperity

Florida, California, and Texas will account for nearly one-third of the nation's job growth of 50 million jobs over the next 20 years. The good news is that South Florida is leading the nation in creating jobs and reaching full employment and is projected to continue as the state's largest single job market. The bad news is that growth is fueled by low-wage jobs. Projections indicate that the greatest employment growth by 2012 will continue to be low-wage jobs. While trade and tourism are welcome and vital components of the economy, the region must diversify and increase high-wage jobs in order to remain attractive and competitive, increase per capita income, and maintain a good quality of life.

Trade and tourism continue to be primary economic drivers in the region. South Florida is a major tourist destination. It is the "cruise capital of the world" and a hot spot for megayachts. It is also a major center for international trade with the Latin Hemisphere. The location of Scripps and other research centers offers some assets and direction for quality job growth.