On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, during the City Council Workshop meeting, Mayor Paul Callaghan introduced Brian Gottlob for an overview of regional economic trends, with a special focus on Rochester.
Gottlob is the Director of the New Hampshire Employment Security Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau. He also serves as principal of Dover-based economic research firm PolEcon Research. He was recently appointed to the advisory board of the New England Public Policy Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
Click here to see the full presentation.
During his presentation, Gottlob emphasized that while private sector job growth is slowing nationally, New Hampshire remains a regional leader, with Rochester benefiting from a strong labor market, low unemployment, and a significant manufacturing presence.
Gottlob stressed the importance of understanding demographics, labor force availability, and housing needs, noting that Rochester’s recent growth in rental housing and downtown development will help to attract younger residents.
According to Gottlob, Rochester is well-positioned for future economic success if it continues fostering a vibrant community that appeals to both residents and businesses alike.
Click here to watch the meeting. (Begin at 11:08 mins)