According to Micah Pollak, an associate professor of economics at Indiana University Northwest, despite some talking points on the campaign trail, Northwest Indiana residents see a “pretty good” economy.

“Pretty much every economic indicator you look at last year was exceptional, and I think we really don't fully understand how good our economy is right now,” Pollak told Lakeshore Public Media. “It’s probably the best thing in many decades.”

Pollak says inflation is essentially under control, interest rates are stable and economic growth has been “incredibly strong.” “We've heard a lot about inflation, and as high as inflation has been, the increases have gone up faster,” Pollak said. “So the purchasing power of the average household in Northwest Indiana is higher now than it was pre-COVID.”

And he says the labor force and employment are back at record levels. He believes this is due to higher wages and a more flexible work environment.

“Many companies are recognizing that you need some personal time off, perhaps coming in late because you have children, and more flexibility in your day-to-day work and also in the way you do it – perhaps an option that you can do .” “Cut one or two days a week — and make the work environment less strict and a little more worker-friendly,” Pollak said.

According to the latest estimates from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, more than 1,800 Lake County residents are expected to be employed compared to last year. The number of Porter County residents believed to be working has increased by more than 600.