# Central Okanagan economic development and challenges > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/central-okanagan-economic-development-and-challenges > Updated: 2026-09-24T13:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The Central Okanagan region is experiencing a complex economic landscape characterized by both growth and structural challenges. A Q2 2026 report indicated that while total employment rose by 3.1 percent, the unemployment rate climbed to 8.3 percent, a 2.2 percent increase from the previous year. This rise is attributed to more individuals seeking work than available positions. Additionally, housing construction saw a 37 percent decline in new starts compared to 2025, driven by financing costs and market conditions. Local municipalities have responded with measures such as permitting acceleration and relief from development cost charges. To bolster the regional economy, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is expanding the Okanagan Manufacturing Database. The project is transitioning from a regional directory into a manufacturing intelligence tool designed to strengthen local supply chains. The initiative aims to help businesses identify partners and market opportunities by collecting standardized data on export activity, supply risk, and geographic markets. Local officials noted that increasing visibility through this database can help businesses remain resilient amidst trade uncertainty. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Okanagan Manufacturing Database expansion to boost local supply chains The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission is expanding its manufacturing database into an intelligence tool to strengthen local supply chains and connect regional businesses. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/okanagan-manufacturing-database-expansion-to-boost-local-supply-chains ### 2026-09-07: Central Okanagan faces rising unemployment and housing declines A new report shows the Central Okanagan faces rising unemployment at 8.3 percent and a 37 percent decline in housing construction starts compared to last year. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-okanagan-faces-rising-unemployment-and-housing-declines --- Cite as: Central Okanagan economic development and challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/central-okanagan-economic-development-and-challenges