There’s good news in the economic forecast for the greater Pittsburgh region

Economists expect net positive growth for the next 18 months in the metro area, which includes seven nearby counties. Pittsburgh’s Real Professionals in April heard from Mekael Teshome, Vice President and Senior Regional Officer for the Pittsburgh branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

Teshome offered analysis and insight into the factors affecting the economy of the Pittsburgh area, and the U.S. Locally, education, healthcare, and technology are positive drivers.

The consensus among professional forecasters is that the U.S. economy is accelerating, fueled by several factors including lower taxes, and a strong job market, Teshome said.

The Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank has branches in Pittsburgh and Cincinnati and serves the Fourth District, which covers Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and parts of West Virginia and Kentucky.