Community News
Minnesota Jobs Numbers Show Faster Growth Than U.S.
Minnesota employers added 8,900 jobs between September and November even as the United States as a whole was essentially flat, according to the most recent data released on January 9, 2026 by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota’s unemployment rate was 4.0% in November (compared to 4.6% nationally), rising by 0.3% since September as the state added more job seekers; the labor force increased by nearly 8,500 people from September to November and the labor force participation rate rose one- tenth of a percentage point to 68.2%.
As of November, Minnesota gained more than 40,700 jobs over the year, up 1.3%, with the private sector gaining 40,500 of those jobs, up 1.6%. Both rates are faster than the nation’s: overall, national employment grew 0.5% over the year with the private sector up 0.7%. Seven supersectors posted positive annual growth in Minnesota, led by Construction (up 11,600 jobs, or 8.3%) and Education and Health Services (up 24,700 jobs, or 4.1%). Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, Mining and Logging and Government also added jobs.
Jobs in Minnesota increased by almost 0.3% during this period while they were essentially flat across the U.S.
$2.04 Million Grant Recommended for Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo
Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo has been recommended for a $2,040,000 grant from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission to replace two pedestrian bridges. The project will improve ADA accessibility, enhance emergency access, and expand visitor reach to over 350 acres of park land.
Photo is a conceptual illustration of a proposed bridge structure that is ADA compliant and incorporates a modern, flood-resilient design.
36 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
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