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Federal Data Delays Raise Concerns Among Economists
The return of federal jobs data is facing unprecedented delays, causing alarm among Colorado's economists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) resumed work following the longest federal government shutdown in history, which ended on November 12, after halting data collection for six weeks. On Dec. 3, 2025, economists received a crucial report—the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS)—the first official economic data since September. However, the figures included were outdated, reflecting conditions from August.
“It’s like welcoming back an old friend,” expressed Gary Horvath, an economist in Broomfield, as he commented on the resumed reporting. Yet, the welcomed report comes with the troubling news that vital statistics will be altered going forward. Specifically, the BLS plans to discontinue the monthly release of state-level JOLTS data, a change that practitioners like Bill Craighead from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, find concerning given the agency's chronic funding and staffing challenges.
The Impact of Incomplete Data
The resulting data void raises serious questions about analysis accuracy and decision-making for businesses and policymakers. Phyllis Resnick, executive director at the Colorado Futures Center, explains that her quarterly forecast is in limbo, reliant on BLS employment data. “There’s effectively nothing available,” she lamented, representing the frustrations shared by many economists who depend heavily on accurate and timely data.
Naturally, the incomplete data could hamper economic forecasts significantly. The much-anticipated state employment data from September is scheduled for release on December 16, while the October numbers have been outright canceled due to a lack of data collection. Furthermore, it remains unclear when the November figures will be released, leading to increased nervousness among economic analysts.
The Necessity of Reliable Economic Data
As the ripple effects of these delays unfold, analysts are left scrambling for alternative data sources, yet as Brian Lewandowski at the University of Colorado Boulder notes, substitutes for the detailed BLS data are limited and often less reliable. “The lack of information comes at a critical time,” he said, highlighting the conflicting signals currently present in the economy.
As the conversation continues among economists about the potential reduction of federal economic data frequency, analysts like Resnick worry about the implications for smaller research institutions. A movement towards privatizing data access could create inequities in economic research, as monetary constraints prevent smaller entities from acquiring the data they need for indispensable analysis.
Conclusion: Navigating Economic Uncertainty
For businesses and policymakers alike in Colorado, the consequences of delayed federal jobs data can be profound. Relying on rich, publicly accessible data from federal agencies promotes fair analysis across sectors. As the landscape shifts, staying informed on these developments is vital for a clearer understanding of economic performance and growth.
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