Watch:
Silicon Valley experienced a sixth consecutive year of productivity gains in 2007 that surpassed previous highs from the dot com boom, but the growth spurt is offset by economic instability, according to the 2008 Silicon Valley Index released by Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network and Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The Index, published annually since 1995, measures the strength of the region’ s economy and the health of the community.
While the region reported significant growth in population, jobs, median income and investment capital in 2007, economic turbulence is bringing pressure to Silicon Valley workers and their families, particularly mid-wage earners, as they move between jobs and work for smaller firms that offer fewer benefits.
“The rapid change imposed by innovation, venture capital investment and globalization among our leading companies keeps Silicon Valley in the world spotlight,’
said Russell Hancock, president and CEO of Joint Venture.
“But the volatility of our financial markets, the sub-prime mortgage crisis and fears of impending recession dims the glow for our workforce.’
“The Index reflects good news for some in Silicon Valley, rough patches for others and heart wrenching choices for many,’
said Emmett D. Carson, Ph.D., CEO and President of the community foundation.
“The research is a wake-up call to our community that we must work across sectors to address the intertwined challenges facing our region, especially for families with the fewest resources.’
The Index reports its findings in five major sections: People (talent flows, diversity); Economy (innovation, employment, income); Society (preparing for economic success, early education, arts and culture, health, safety); Place (environment, land use, housing, commercial space); and Governance (civic engagement, revenue).
Highlights among the sections in this year’ s 64-page Index were:
- People: Silicon Valley’ s population grew 1.5 percent in 2007, with a net increase over 2006 of 38,000 people ‘“ the third consecutive year of increasing population growth rates. Together, 35 percent of San Mateo County and Santa Clara County residents are foreign-born and almost half the population in those counties ‘“ 48 percent ‘“ speaks a language other than English at home.
- Economy: Silicon Valley gained 28,000 jobs, a faster growth rate than California or U.S. overall. Venture capital investment was up nearly 11 percent, with the valley receiving 62 percent of the clean tech VC dollars in the state.
- Society: Disparities in health and education continue by race and ethnic groups. High school graduation rates dropped and juvenile offenses increased slightly. Child immunizations rates are not improving. Arts organizations in the region are growing in number with decreasing funding.
- Place: Water consumption dropped 6 percent, solar and wind systems installations were up 21 percent, transit ridership was up 3.4 percent and Silicon Valley is home to 11 percent of all hybrid vehicles registered in California. The share of new housing approved near transit rose to 55 percent. Foreclosure rates jumped four times over 2006, rents are up 7 percent.
- Governance: Nonprofits continue to grow and voters are increasingly independent, with 23 percent of the valley’ s registered voters having no party affiliation. City revenues rose 37 percent mainly due to property taxes. Although the region accounts for roughly 7 percent of the state’ s population, Silicon Valley residents contributed 15 percent of state revenues from personal income tax.