The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of childcare in improving access to quality jobs and promoting economic mobility. Targeting incentives to address childcare shortages, upskilling existing early childhood educators, and helping providers expand their offerings are three strategies for expanding the supply of quality childcare.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only one in four young adults in Dallas earned a living wage. Unfortunately, the pandemic only exacerbated the situation, particularly for minority communities. In response, local leaders came together to launch Dallas Thrives, a community vision focused on doubling living-wage attainment in a single generation.
Field Notes: Investing in Disconnected Young People Read More
When economic developers think about the intersection of workforce development and education, their focus is usually on post-secondary training and higher education. Recently, however, some communities are making an effort to prepare students for the modern workforce much earlier.
Taking the Long View: Workforce Development in K-12 Education Read More
Disconnected young people, often referred to as opportunity youth, are the future of our economies and our workforce. We spoke to Anna Crockett, Community Development Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, to better understand the challenges facing opportunity youth, their importance to our communities, and potential investment strategies for community leaders.
Field Notes: Investing in Disconnected Young People Read More
Over the past decade concepts like full employment, the skills gap, and the gray tsunami have become pressing concerns in the economic development arena. Technological disruptions continue to cast a shadow on the future of jobs. In the face of these challenges, here are three trends that are worth paying attention to over the short term.
The recent Politico article, “A Real Path to Shared Prosperity in America,” addresses a topic that has been a central concern for many of our clients. The article highlights findings from a conference of thought leaders held this summer at Harvard Business School to explore the critical question: How can our nation continue to grow while also providing a path to prosperity for more Americans?
