Since the recession, increasing numbers of people have found themselves shut out from access to economic opportunity. Middle-class incomes have stagnated, wage gaps have become more acute, and fewer lower-skill jobs are available that pay a living wage. Old patterns and new market dynamics make it difficult for many people to enter the workforce for the first time, to re-enter the workforce, or to earn a family-sustaining wage. At the same time, changing demographics and economic factors mean that the U.S. needs the broadest possible workforce participation.
This series was presented by IEDC's Committee on Equity and Economic Opportunity.
Part 1 - August 2015: Inclusive growth - in which all people who want to participate in the economy are able to do so - doesn't have to come at the expense of economic growth. In fact, recent research finds that inequality is actually bad for growth, and that economies are stronger where income gaps are lower.
This webinar was hosted by Mike Finney, Senior Advisor for Economic Growth, Office of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, and featured speakers Sarah Treuhaft, Director of Equitable Growth Initiatives at PolicyLink, and Robert Weissbourd, President, RW Ventures
» Click here to download the webinar recording. Click here to download the speaker presentations.
Part 2 - September 2015: What are states and communities doing to broaden access to economic opportunities for all their residents? Initiatives are under way in the state of Michigan and in northeast Ohio that show promise from two different approaches.
This webinar was hosted by JoAnn Crary, CEcD, President of Saginaw Future, and featured speakers Mike Finney, Senior Advisor for Economic Growth, Office of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, and Brad Whitehead, President of the Fund for our Economic Future in Northeast Ohio.
» Click here to download the webinar recording. Click here to download the speaker presentations.