The reopening marks an important milestone in a major infrastructure project designed to improve the Market District for years to come. But for merchants that have operated alongside construction, the benefits have been accompanied by a significant short-term burden.

Now, businesses are preparing for what could be a new beginning.

The Market District will celebrate the reopening Sept. 3 with an all-day “ALL ACCESS Block Party on Market.” The event will feature live music throughout the district, food and drinks, family activities, business specials and exclusive offers. Organizers are promoting the event as a celebration of the businesses and community — as well as the return of unrestricted road access. “ALL ACCESS. All Roads Open. All Businesses Open,” organizers said.

Construction Comes with Price

The Market District project is intended to address infrastructure needs while making the area more attractive, connected and accessible. The work includes reconstruction of Maclay Boulevard and Maclay Commerce Drive, underground utility improvements, pedestrian enhancements, landscaped medians and two new roundabouts. The project also includes the Market District Park and East Stormwater Facility.

But reaching the finished product has required businesses to operate through construction zones and detours. For restaurants, retailers and other businesses that depend heavily on visibility and convenient access, changes in traffic patterns can have an immediate effect. A customer who must navigate a detour, find a different entrance or deal with construction may simply decide to go somewhere else. That makes the Aug. 31 reopening particularly important.

The end of detours will remove one of the most visible obstacles facing businesses during construction and restore the normal traffic circulation that customers have come to expect. The project has also forced businesses to compete for customers’ attention while the physical environment around them has been changing.

City and Blueprint Inter governmental Agency officials announced in February that construction sequencing would be changed to accelerate work on Maclay Boulevard and the central roundabout. The goal was to have the road work completed by late summer.

Looking Beyond Construction

The rationale for the project extends beyond simply replacing roads. The Market District Action Plan calls for improvements intended to make the area more connected, pedestrian-friendly and attractive. The current work is expected to improve traffic circulation while upgrading utilities, drainage, sidewalks and public spaces.

For property owners and businesses, those improvements could become an important competitive advantage once the construction equipment leaves. A more attractive district with improved access and pedestrian connections could encourage customers to spend more time in the area and make it easier to move among restaurants, retailers and other businesses. That is the potential payoff businesses have been waiting for.

The Sept. 3 celebration will effectively serve as the district’s welcome-back event. Throughout the day, customers will be encouraged to shop, dine and explore the businesses without having to navigate the construction-related road closures and detours.

The event also gives merchants an opportunity to reconnect with customers who may have avoided the district during construction. For the Market District, the next few weeks will therefore represent a transition. The construction that has disrupted daily business is nearing its end, while the infrastructure improvements that prompted the project are becoming reality. After months of asking customers to navigate around construction, Market District businesses will soon be able to deliver a much simpler message: The roads are open. The detours are gone. Come back to Market.

The latest information from the Tallahassee International Airport shows the July 2026 passenger traffic increased 8.0% when compared to traffic one year ago. The number of passengers was up 5,864 from the 73,005 reported during July 2025 to 78,869 in July 2026.

Relative to 2025, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in July were down 0.2% for American Airlines and up 4.7% for the Delta Group. In their first month of operation, Breeze Airways added 4,196 passengers

The graph below shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of June over the last four years. The annual rate of passengers at TIA in July 2026 – 871,410 – is down 7.81% when compared to one year ago (945,221).

The annualized level of passenger traffic in July (871,410) was up 0.68% when compared to June (865,546).

The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.

The median sales price for an existing single-family home in the Tallahassee MSA reached $364,950 in June, a 5.8% increase from June 2025. That outpaced the statewide median sales price of $432,000, which rose 4.9% over the same period. Year-to-date, the Tallahassee median sales price stands at $340,000, up 1.5%, compared with Florida’s statewide median of $421,419, which increased 1.6%.

While prices continued to rise, home sales moved in opposite directions.

The Tallahassee MSA recorded 364 closed sales in June, a 6.2% decline from a year earlier. By contrast, Florida recorded 26,036 closed sales statewide, an increase of 9.3% over June 2025.

Despite the slower June, Tallahassee remained ahead of last year’s pace on a year-to-date basis. The region reported 1,830 closed sales through the first six months of 2026, a 3.9% increase from the same period in 2025. Statewide, closed sales totaled 134,254, representing a 4.6% increase year over year.

The data suggest the Tallahassee housing market continues to experience resilient home values despite softer monthly sales activity. The region’s stronger June price appreciation compared with the state indicates demand has remained sufficient to support higher prices, even as fewer homes changed hands during the month.

Two-Year Trend

The chart below shows that the Tallahassee MSA single-family home median sales price has generally trended upward over the past two years, despite some month-to-month fluctuations. After beginning near $320,000 in mid-2024, prices climbed steadily through late 2024 and early 2025 before leveling off for several months. The three-month moving average indicates the market has remained relatively stable while continuing its overall upward trajectory. By June 2026, the median sales price had risen to approximately $365,000, reflecting continued appreciation in home values.

Florida Realtors compiled the statistics from local multiple listing services, with June 2026 data released on July 17, 2026. The Tallahassee MSA includes Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla counties, while statewide figures encompass all Florida metropolitan statistical areas.

There were 155,970 people working in Leon County in June compared to May’s revised employment number of 155,117. The size of the workforce in June was 164,213 up from the 163,178 reported in May.

Year Over Year Comparisons

The Leon County Jobs Report, provided below, shows the number of people working in June 2026 was 819 less than in June 2025. The June labor force – those looking for jobs – came in at 164,213 which was 614 more than reported one year ago.

The Junel unemployment rate of 5.0% is up from the 4.2% reported one year ago. At the state level, the Junel unemployment rate of 4.6% (not seasonally adjusted) was up from the 3.9% reported one year ago.

The chart below shows the monthly level of jobs in Leon County over the last 37 months with a 12-month average trend line. The highlighted numbers relate to employment levels for the month of June back to 2023.

The last time more than 75 SFR permits were issued was in May 2023 when 85 permits were approved.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data (May – July), which smooths out the month-to-month volatility, shows a 36.8% increase in the number of permits issued over the same 3-month period one year ago.

Permit Value

The July permit value was up 44.3% from $11.5 mill in July 2025 to $16.6 million in 2026.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data show a 10.5% increase in monthly average permit value during this period. The 3-month average permit values increased from $13.7 million in July 2025 to $15.2 million in July 2026.

Long Term Trend

The chart below shows the number of permits issued each month for the last 37-month period. A 3-month average line is also included. The highlighted numbers relate to permits issued in the month of July back to 2023.

The chart shows that the 3-month average declining trend that began in June 2025 has been reversed. The year-to-date (YTD) numbers through June show 2026 permits (387) are ahead of the number of permits issued during the first six months of 2025 (340) and 2024 (342).

Relative to 2025, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in June were down 7.5% for American Airlines and up 1.4% for the Delta Group. Impacting the numbers was the fact that Silver Airways ended service in June 2025.

The graph below shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of June over the last four years. The annual rate of passengers at TIA in June 2026 – 865,546 – is down 8.99% when compared to one year ago (951,015). The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.

June 2026 is the 15th consecutive month that annual passenger traffic has declined.

June Permits

For the month of June, the number of single-family residential construction permits were down 7.0% when compared to June 2025. There were 53 permits issued in June 2026, compared to 57 permits issued one year ago. There were 66 permits issued last month, May 2026.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data (Apr. – Jun.), which smooths out the month-to-month volatility, shows a 19.5% increase in the number of permits issued over the same 3-month period one year ago.

June Permit Value

The June permit value was down 9.3%, from $16.2 mill in June 2025 to $14.7 million in 2026.

The 3-Mnth Avg. data show a 3.5% decrease in monthly average permit value during this period. The 3-month average permit values decreased from $14.3 million in June 2025 to $13.8 million in June 2026.

Long Term Trend

The chart below shows the number of permits issued each month for the last 37-month period. A 3-month average line is also included. The highlighted numbers relate to permits issued in the month of June back to 2023.

The chart shows that the 3-month average declining trend that began in June 2025 has been reversed. The year-to-date (YTD) numbers through June show 2026 permits (312) are ahead of the number of permits issued during the first six months of 2025 (301) and 2024 (298).

TR has previously published an analysis which showed that Leon County’s job growth during this period ranked 37th and the annual wages ranked 13th.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), Leon County’s number of business establishments increased from 9,155 in 2019 to 10,868 in 2025. That represents a gain of 1,713 establishments, or 18.7%, ranking sixth among 11 peer counties.

For comparison purposes, the peer group includes counties that produced between 100,000 and 200,000 jobs in 2019.

Only Pasco County (30.5%), Manatee County (24.8%), Sarasota County (24.1%), Lake County (22.9%) and Collier County (20.4%) recorded faster growth during the six-year period.

Leon County’s growth also exceeded the statewide average. Across Florida, business establishments increased from 679,463 to 800,831, a gain of 121,368 establishments, or 17.9%. Leon County’s 18.7% increase was nearly one percentage point higher than the state’s overall growth rate.

Among the counties trailing Leon were Marion (16.6%), Seminole (13.5%), Escambia (13.4%), Volusia (8.6%) and Alachua (7.3%).

The figures come from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), widely regarded as the nation’s most comprehensive source of local employment and business data. Unlike surveys that rely on statistical sampling, QCEW is based on unemployment insurance records submitted by employers and covers approximately 95% of U.S. wage and salary jobs, making it one of the most accurate measures of local economic activity.

In QCEW data, an establishment is a single physical business location where economic activity occurs, such as a retail store, restaurant, manufacturing plant, office, medical clinic or warehouse. A single company may operate multiple establishments—for example, a retailer with 10 stores would be counted as 10 establishments. As a result, establishment growth measures the expansion in the number of business locations rather than the number of companies.

Economists often view growth in business establishments as a key indicator of economic vitality because it reflects business formation, expansion and investment within a community. When combined with employment and wage growth, establishment growth provides a broader picture of the strength and diversity of a local economy.

The analysis below provides a comparison between Leon County and a peer group that includes 11 other counties. For comparison purposes, the peer group includes counties that produced between 100,000 and 200,000 jobs in 2019.

Leon County Added 12,000 jobs Since 2019

Leon County added more than 12,000 jobs over the past six years, ending 2025 with an average of 165,332 jobs. The pace of employment growth (7.67%) ranked 7th in the peer group of ten counties. See table below.

Among the 11 peer counties included in the comparison, Alachua County (4.99%), Escambia County (5.97%) and Seminole County (6.64%) recorded lower growth rates than Leon County.

The strongest performers were Pasco County, which added 28,535 jobs for a 23.44% increase, followed by Marion County at 15.15%, Collier County at 13.79%, Sarasota County at 12.92% and Manatee County at 11.93%. Lake County also posted double-digit growth at 17,314 jobs, or 17.09%.

Statewide, Florida employers added more than 1.03 million jobs during the period, an increase of 11.68%.

The gap narrows somewhat when looking only at the post-pandemic period from 2022 to 2025. During those three years, Leon County added 9,452 jobs, representing 6.06% employment growth.

That growth matched the statewide average of 6.03% but still ranked below six of the peer counties. Pasco again led the group with 11.22% growth, followed by Manatee (9.20%), Lake (8.56%), Collier (7.83%), Sarasota (7.71%) and Marion (7.45%). Leon outperformed Volusia (4.69%), Alachua (3.85%), Escambia (3.26%) and Seminole (3.00%).

The data suggest Leon County has experienced steady job gains but has not kept pace with many of Florida’s fastest-growing counties over the longer six-year period. However, its performance since 2022 indicates the county’s labor market has largely kept pace with statewide employment growth as Florida’s economy has continued to expand following the pandemic.

Leon County wage growth ranks among Florida’s strongest

While Leon County has trailed some of its Florida peer counties in overall job growth since 2019, workers have experienced one of the stronger increases in wages over the same period. The QCEW data shows that Leon County economy ranks 13th among the 67 Florida counties in annual wages in 2025. From 2019-25, Leon County wages grew 39.6%, which ranks 22 among the 67 counties. The table below lists the top 20 Florida counties ranked by 2025 annual wage.

Among the 10 peer counties in the comparison, Leon ranked fifth in wage growth. See table below, which display the counties ranked by the 2025 annual wage.

Florida’s average annual wage climbed from $51,744 in 2019 to $72,732 in 2025, an increase of 40.6%. Leon County’s 39.6% increase was just one percentage point below the statewide average.

Only four peer counties recorded stronger wage growth than Leon. Manatee County led the group with a 43.3% increase, followed by Pasco County at 42.1%, Sarasota County at 41.6% and Collier County at 40.1%.

Leon County outperformed Lake County (38.5%), Marion County (38.0%), Escambia County (37.0%), Volusia County (36.2%), Seminole County (35.6%) and Alachua County (34.5%).

Leon ranked in the middle of the peer group for wage growth with average annual wage of $64,947 ranked behind Collier County ($70,215), Seminole County ($68,003), Sarasota County ($67,589), Alachua County ($66,042) and the statewide average of $72,732.

The comparison suggests Leon County’s labor market has produced steady wage gains even as employment growth has lagged many of Florida’s faster-growing counties. Workers saw average annual pay increase by more than $18,400 over the six-year period, reflecting continued upward pressure on wages despite more modest job creation than many of the state’s high-growth markets.

The airline’s first flights on the new routes started on July 2, adding direct connections between Tallahassee and the two destinations for the first time. Service will operate three days a week — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Breeze Airlines Communication Specialist Ryne Williams told the Tallahassee Democrat that the company was “really pleased with the performance of both routes and are excited to see how they continue to grow following the launch of service.”

“We are excited to begin service from Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale and Raleigh-Durham on July 2,” said Williams,

Breeze is offering introductory fares starting at $39 one way for qualifying reservations, giving travelers another low-cost option for summer travel.

The launch of Breeze service marks the latest effort to expand air travel options at Tallahassee International Airport. City of Tallahassee Aviation Director David Pollard said the new routes support the city’s goal of increasing passenger traffic, economic impact and cargo activity.

“We are thrilled to welcome Breeze Airways to Tallahassee,” Pollard said, calling the addition an important step as the city continues investing in air service improvements.

The Tallahassee City Commission approved a program that good provide up to $3 million in incentives for the new routes at Tallahassee’s airport, according to TLH Airport Director David Pollard.

“We’re very pleased with the support of our leadership and the City Commission as we work to take that next step with respect to the implementation of the air service incentive and capacity improvements program,” Pollard said.

Breeze Airways founder and CEO David Neeleman said the airline is focused on providing affordable, nonstop service from communities that have had limited direct-flight options.

Founded in 2021, Breeze operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes to 86 cities across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. The airline flies Airbus A220-300 aircraft and promotes amenities including onboard WiFi, family seating options and flexible booking policies.

With the new flights beginning, Tallahassee residents will have expanded access to two additional nonstop destinations as the airport continues efforts to grow commercial air service.

Relative to 2025, the Passenger Traffic Report shows year-over-year passenger counts in May were down 11.8% for American Airlines and up 7.1% for the Delta Group. Impacting the numbers was the fact that Silver Airways ended service in June 2025.

The graph below shows the annualized number of passengers for the last 37-months. The highlighted numbers on the graph indicate the annual traffic during the month of May over the last four years. The annual rate of passengers at TIA in May 2026 – 869,626 – is down 9.13% when compared to one year ago (956,949). The annualized number of passengers is calculated by summing the previous 12 months of traffic.

May 2026 is the 14 consecutive month that annual passenger traffic has declined.

Foster concludes that, based on this data, “Almost 5,000 jobs have vanished in 18 months.”

Foster’s conclusion is wrong and here’s why.

The jobs data Foster is referring to comes from the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) and measures employment by place of residence, not total jobs created in a specific county.

For measuring jobs created in Leon County, the federal government publishes the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW).

Comparing the two sources of job information shows why Foster’s conclusion related to vanishing jobs is wrong.

In the table below, the QCEW data shows the “Jobs in Leon County” increased 9.8% from 2021 to 2025. The Leon County economy added 14,725 jobs during this period.

However, the data that measures “Leon Residents with Jobs in Leon County” only increased by 10,050 or 6.8% during this period. And as Foster points out, this number decreased in 2025.

The big story in this data is not the vanishing jobs but the vanishing people that still hold the jobs created in Leon County.

Since 2021 over 4,500 people with jobs in Leon County chose to move outside Leon County. And even more relevant is that most of this movement occurred recently, in 2024 and 2025.

Where did the people go? For the answer to that question, let’s turn to population growth.

The table below shows the latest census population numbers available for Leon, Jefferson and Wakulla counties from 2020 to 2025.

Foster argues that census data shows Leon County loss 1,400 residents in 2024. However, the most recent revisions do not support this decline.

The most recent data shows 2.3% population growth in Leon County over 2020-25, much less than the 8.9% for Florida over the same period and even less than the population growth in Wakulla (12.8%) and Jefferson (10.3%) counties.

Now it is becoming clear where the people with jobs in Leon County went – to Wakulla and Jefferson counties. And when they left, they kept their Leon County jobs.

Implications

The above analysis shifts the focus about the local economy from the Leon County job market to a question about why people are choosing to work in Leon County but live elsewhere.

The list of possible answers to this question is long and, in my opinion, includes housing affordability, local taxes, public school quality, crime and, yes, politics. This discussion will be left for another day.

However, regardless of the answer, If this trend continues, the Leon County economy will continue to create more jobs and eventually begin losing out on the benefits of the job growth.

For a great example of what this might look like, look no further than the Leon County School Board: declining enrollment, unused infrastructure, under paid teachers, and increasing property taxes!