News
Immigrants are an important, but underutilized segment of the workforce
As local employers continue to search for workers to fill their open positions, some have expanded efforts to reach under-utilized labor. The region’s immigrants and refugees are a critical part of the workforce, but they are more likely to be underemployed than US-born workers. Strategies to address this untapped talent can improve economic outcomes for employers, workers, and the overall region.
Outlook on Local Job Needs in the Next 10 Years
The Occupational Outlook for the Kentuckiana Region presents details on local job needs over the next ten years, organized by career cluster. Consideration for future job demand leads to better alignment of students and career changers with high demand, high wage jobs, and creates a larger pool of qualified candidates for employers.
New projections show a growing, diverse population in the region
The size of the region’s population and changing demographic patterns are important metrics for the local economy. The overall size of the region’s workforce and its demographic makeup are driven by the patterns across the total population.
Update: A new tool to help Kentuckians understand benefits cliffs
As the costs of basic needs have skyrocketed during this period of rapid inflation, it is worth revisiting the impact of cliff effects on workers in low-wage jobs. The Kentucky Center for Statistics has revamped its Family Resource Simulator, making it easier to use and ensuring it will stay updated and relevant in a changing economy.
Data is a Four Letter Word
Setting goals for quality and equity are important, but benchmarking and measuring progress is just as crucial. The data will tell the story over time.