Inauguration of Joe Biden

Elkhart County, Indiana — home to more than 80% of the world's RV production and long viewed as a bellwether for the national economy — is showing signs of softening after a pandemic-era boom. Manufacturing makes up more than half of the metro area's workforce, and a New York Times analysis found roughly a quarter of local jobs sit in industries targeted by early retaliatory tariffs. Community leaders are split on the effect of President Trump's tariff policy: some, including the local economic development CEO, say tariffs are pushing manufacturers to reshore supply chains, while others, including a local factory worker running for county council and the county GOP's vice chair, say tariffs and higher costs have dampened RV demand, contributing to layoffs, facility closures, and consolidation. An RV manufacturer in Bristol is set to close in September, cutting 105 jobs.

Beyond tariffs, the county is investing state redevelopment funds to retain young workers and has drawn a diverse, immigrant-heavy workforce. Politically, local leaders describe unusual bipartisan cooperation, even as tension grows with state government over property tax legislation ahead of the coming election.