The National Equity Atlas is a tool for understanding the demographic and socio-economic makeup of communities. Produced by PolicyLink and The USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE), the tool provides data on “equitable growth indicators.”
Housing costs are one of the largest monthly expenses for many households. Many jobs are located in higher cost areas of a community, putting an even greater strain on household finances if employees live near their work.
Financial wellness programs are increasingly being offered as a benefit to employees as a way of helping boost their economic security. These programs vary between employers, but are all aimed at increasing financial literacy, promoting savings, and managing debt or financial emergencies. Examples of services provided include financial coaching and counseling, debt management services, savings products and services, short-term loans and accrued wage advances, online financial management tools, and financial education classes
Workplace experience is valuable for people just starting their careers, no matter what path they want to pursue. But these opportunities to get on-the-job experience are not easily available for all young people, putting some at a disadvantage when it comes to finding a decent paying job. Paid job training programs for teenagers and young adults can help close that gap.
As cities continue to sprawl, connecting workers to jobs remains a critical issue that has lacked a substantive conversation. The Fund for Our Economic Future’s “Geography of Jobs” report raises this important issue and measures its impact in Northeast Ohio.
These jobs often do not require a college degree, but some advanced training is necessary. This is particularly true in the advanced manufacturing and healthcare sectors, two major employers and economic drivers in many small legacy cities. Yet existing workforce development programs in some communities are not closely aligned with employers, and the skills taught to program graduates are not what is in most demand.
The program serves as a workforce intermediary for employers, training organizations, and other community partners.
The system seeks to move individuals from poverty to self-sufficiency, reduce social costs related to crime, poor health and welfare, strengthen education attainment and jobs skills, and improve on-the-job productivity.
While entrenched poverty is a problem in cities of all sizes, smaller legacy cities have much higher rates of poverty than their larger counterparts. To ensure that increased economic opportunity benefits all parts of the community, special attention must be paid to expanding opportunities for low-income workers. Job opportunity and access are key to ensuring a legacy city revival that benefits everyone.