2021 Indicators Program

A collaboration among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Keystone College, King’s College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, University of Scranton & Wilkes University

2021

Lackawanna & Luzerne Indicators Forum 2021

Welcome!

The Institute was founded on the belief that good decisions are driven by good data. Since 2004, it has been our mission to serve organizations and communities by providing empirical, objective research that drives discussion and informs action.

For over a decade, Institute data and research on a wide range of topics have helped policymakers and community leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors understand and address some of the region’s biggest challenges.

The annual Indicators Forum is our opportunity to share this data and research. Conversation from past Indicators events has been a driving force behind many economic and community revitalization initiatives that produce positive outcomes in Northeast Pennsylvania.

It is our desire that the information in this year’s program will provoke thought and discussion that reveal new priorities and continue to advance our region.

Information— Insight — Impact

Academic Partners Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, Keystone College, King’s College, Lackawanna College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Scranton, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, University of Scranton & Wilkes University

Research Partners Event Sponsors

Signature Underwriters Event Sponsor Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation The Wright Center for Community Health Luzerne County PPL Electric Utilities Gold Sponsors Sordoni Family Foundation Allied Services Coal Creative Contributing Underwriters Scranton Area Community Foundation Borton-Lawson UGI Utilities Geisinger Health System WVIA Silver Sponsor Marywood University Supporting Underwriters The Scranton Plan Berkshire Asset Management BlackOut Design Bronze Sponsor FNCB Berkshire Hathaway Guard Companies Greater Hazleton CANDO Community Bank Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Johnson College M&T Bank Luzerne County Visitor Bureau McCarthy Tire Navient PNC Prudential The Luzerne Foundation The Wright Center for Community Health

UGI Utilities

Many thanks to our partners!

Community-Based Research Community-based research is at the core of the Institute’s mission. This work - funded by our academic partners and generous stakeholders - is made available to organizations and communities needing reliable research, data, and best practices to make smart decisions.

Community-based research funding supports the Indicators Initiative, Task Force research, the Quarterly Eco- nomic Tracker, Special Research Projects, the College Student Poll, and the Institute’s Internship Program.

The Institute also launched a special COVID-19 research program called Institute Insights on COVID-19, which has led to a series of additional research studies focused on the pandemic’s impacts on the region.

Your willingness to help brings meaningful change to our communities!

We would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thanks to our generous network of supporters, who care deeply about the future of the region they call home. Our work would not be possible without the energy and expertise of our academic and research partners, stakeholders, advisory board members, task force teams, and clients who entrust us to propose solutions and create opportunities.

Our successes are your successes. Your commitment ensures that data and research will continue to fuel decisions that facilitate greater economic vitality for Northeast Pennsylvania.

Quarterly Economy Tracker (QET)

This intuitive quarterly publication presents economic and business trends affecting the region’s economy, along with up-to-date and relevant data.

We thank Sordoni Family Foundation, our Signature Under- writer, as well as our generous Supporting Underwriter, UGI Utilities, for providing the capital for the QET.

Turning Information into Insight

Regional Indicators Agenda May 25, 2021

9:00 - 9:25AM Welcome and Opening Remarks Teri Ooms—Executive Director, The Institute

Gregory Cant, Ph.D.— Chairman, The Institute and President, Wilkes University Special Tribute—Frank Joanlanne—outgoing Vice Chairman

Linda Thomas—Hemak, MD—The Wright Center for Community Health—Event Sponsor

9:30 - 10:15 AM Presentation of Indicators, COVID-19 Impacts, and Task Force Reports Indicators—Teri Ooms and Andrew Chew Jobs, Economy & Economic Development—Rob Luciani Education & Workforce Development—Lucyann Vierling Housing Task Force – Charles Kasko Health and Health Care Task Force – Steve Scheinman, MD Planning, Land Use, Transportation, and Infrastructure Task Force – Marleen Troy, Ph.D. Energy Task Force— Bill Sordoni 10:15- 10:30 AM General Discussion and Q&A—all 10:30 AM Adjourn

Research in Action

Research in Action vignettes will return for future events. Some notable accomplishments include:  Institute research helped SLHDA expand services to low income children through a needs assessment;  Inform WVIA’s Keystone Edition, public affairs program  Provide data and input into the region’s comprehensive plan  Conduct research for the Scranton Public Library’s strategic plan  Conduct a five county needs assessment for the Commission on Economic Opportunity that helped to leverage over a $1 million investment from the Robin Hood Foundation into mobility from poverty program  Conduct research to inform philanthropy at Sanofi Pasteur  Develop a workforce education and training agenda for Hazleton PIE  Data collection, analysis, and program evaluation for the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber’s economic development programs  Demonstrate the economic impact of Johnson College and The Wright Center Turning Information into Insight

Special Thank You to our Outgoing Vice Chairman

Frank Joanlanne joined the board of The Institute in 2010 and became its second Vice Chairman in 2014. Frank led The Institute’s strategic planning process that year and has served as coordinator of The Institute’s seven issue based task forces. Frank Joanlanne, President & CEO of Borton-Lawson, is a seasoned business leader with more than 25 years of experience leading strategic initiatives in a variety of settings. He was named Borton-Lawson’s President & CEO after originally joining the firm’s Board of Directors in 2009. During his tenure, Borton-Lawson launched an in- house sister company, Precise Visual Technologies. The goal of this arm of the organization is to drive innovation by heavily investing in new technologies, including 3D la- ser scanning, drones, and other industry disruptors. In 2019, he orchestrated another transformation of the organization with a new strategic plan that aligned the company into three divisions— Public & Private Infrastructure, Beyond Engineering, and Energy & Industrial.

Frank is a committed community member having served in leadership roles at the United Way of Wyoming Valley; Northeast Pennsylvania Technology Institute; The Scranton Chamber of Commerce; the Westmoreland Club; Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA; and past- Chairman of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry in addition to The Institute.

Thank you Frank. Your leadership, guidance and support has helped The Institute reach new heights!

When Fr. Pilarz served his first term as President of the University of Scranton, he welcomed the initial founding members of The Institute, Dr. Tim Gilmour and Bill Sordoni, Sr. into his offices along with Teri Ooms to learn about the Joint Urban Studies Center (JUSC). He was eager to learn about the community initiative, opportunities for Scranton students, and the chance to be part of a new regional initiative between higher education & business.

Not only did he commit the University of Scranton as an Academic Partner, but he invited his peer Presidents from all of the Lackawanna County higher education institutions to hear about it and encourage them to join! Thank you Fr. Pilarz, you are deeply missed by your NEPA family.

Indicators Report Task Force Presentations

The Indicators program includes a presentation of the Each year, diverse groups of professionals convene as task Lackawanna & Luzerne County Indicators Report, which forces. They draw from their respective fields of expertise tracks economic data and quality-of-life trends critical to to evaluate opportunities to improve our region in critical the future of our region. areas. Research and policy agendas are established in June, and The Institute’s research team prepares the re- The report provides reliable measurements of the driv- ports to be presented at the following year’s Indicators . ing forces behind community and economic vitality. The Indicators report is used for many purposes; most im- Task force research has served as a basis for statewide leg- portantly, it educates the community and provides islation, has been used in legislative testimony, and has awareness to foster better strategic planning, goal helped organizations with strategic priorities and best setting, and policy development. practices. Turning Information into Insight

Task Force Chairs Housing Task Force Charles Kasko, Classic Properties Charlie Kasko is a Real Estate Agent with Classic Properties in Kingston, PA. After serving 4 years in the United States Marine Corp, Charlie spent the next 36 years working primarily in the home building industry. He has extensive experience in single and multi -family residential construction, residential remodeling and some light commercial construction. His experience includes modular as well as conventional construction.

Charlie has been involved in the National Association of Home Builders at the local, state and national levels: including serving as Pennsylvania Builders Association Presi- dent and Area 3 Chairmen for the National Association of Home Builders. He is the co- founder of the Luzerne County Housing Partnership and currently serves as the Housing Task Force Chairman for the Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development. Charlie also serves as the Director of the NEPA Scholarship Competition.

Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Task Force Robert Luciani, Prudential Retirement Services Rob Luciani, Regional Vice President, Client Relationship Business Development is re- sponsible for National Key Account Government and Taft Hartley clients. He leads a team of key account vice presidents who collaborate with specialists across administrative services, advisory services, investment services, and participant communication and education to best serve their clients. Rob joined Prudential in 1988 and has over 30 years of experience in the retirement industry. While at Prudential, Rob has held leadership positions in client services, research and compliance, new business development, and product development. He holds a B.A. degree from the Pennsylvania State University and a Certificate from the Institute for Employee Benefits Training. Rob is a Registered Principal, Sales Officer of Prudential Trust Company, a registered lobbyist , and holds multiple state insurance licenses. Health & Health Care Task Force Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Geisinger Health System Dr. Steven Scheinman is president and dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and EVP and Chief Academic Officer of the Geisinger Health System. Dr. Scheinman is an internist and nephrologist who has earned international prominence for his research into the genetics of inherited kidney diseases and kidney stones. He has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and book chapters on topics related to kidney disease and genetics. Dr. Scheinman has served on review boards for the National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Federation for Clinical/Medical Research, and National Kidney Foundation- among others. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and of the American Society of Nephrology, and is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation. Dr. Scheinman holds an A.B., summa cum laude, from Amherst College in Massachu- setts and received his medical degree with honors from Yale University. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Yale-New Haven Hospital; was chief resident in internal medicine at Upstate; and completed fellowships in nephrology at Upstate Med- ical Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Turning Information into Insight

Task Force Chairs Energy Task Force Bill Sordoni, Sordoni Construction William E. Sordoni is the president and CEO of Sordoni Construction Services, Inc., a construction management and general contracting firm founded in 1910 and head quartered in Forty Fort, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Sordoni Construction, Bill worked as a management consultant for Accenture in New York City and Philadelphia and as the director of business development for Saucon Technologies in Bethlehem, PA. Bill holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Susquehanna University. He serves as a board member for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Busi- ness and Industry, the Sordoni Family Foundation, Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the United Way of Wyoming Valley, the Geisinger Health System Foundation, Penn’s North- east, The Institute, the Wilkes University Family Business Forum, and Wyoming Semi- nary.

Planning, Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Task Force Marleen A. Troy, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE - Wilkes University Marleen Troy is an environmental engineer with specialized experience in environmental management and biological treatment techniques for remediation. She is currently a professor of environmental engineering and director of the Sustainability Management Certificate Program at Wilkes University. She is also a Pennsylvania-registered professional engineer, and board certified in environmental sustainability by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. Marleen serves on the board of the Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Parks Committee and is a member of the steering committee of the Northeast Pollution Prevention/Energy Efficiency Roundtable. Marleen received her Ph.D. in civil engineering from Drexel University and earned an MSCE in civil engineering—in addition to a BS in biological science from Drexel University and a MS in microbiology from the University of Rhode Island.

Education & Workforce Development Task Force Lucyann Vierling, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Lucyann Vierling has over 30 years of experience in workforce development in North- east Pennsylvania. She has extensive experience with federal, state, and local funding administration, program design/development, and implementation. Lucyann has served in a variety of capacities over her career, including case manager, career advisor, economic planner, and executive director of a local workforce investment board. She is currently leading Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance, The Community Education Council of Wayne and Pike Counties. Lucyann is a member of Governor Wolf’s Advisory Council on Rural Affairs and PA Department of Education’s STEM Advisory Committee. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in business administration and master of science degree in organizational management from Misericordia University.

Turning Information into Insight

Institute Board Leadership Chairman Gregory Cant, President/CEO Wilkes University A native of Australia, Cant has 30 years of experience as an educator and adminis- trator in the United States and abroad. He has served as the dean of the Feliciano School of Business at Montclair State University since July 2015. As dean, Cant provides strategic leadership for a business school of more than 3,700 students and 300 faculty and staff members. Under his leadership, the school developed and implemented over two dozen programs that enhanced enrollment and academic quality, leveraged interdisciplinary expertise and addressed critical market needs. During his tenure, the Feliciano School of Business experienced overall enrollment growth of nearly 50 percent, including a graduate population that grew by 115 percent. Prior to his role at Montclair State University, Cant was the dean of the Offutt School of Business at Concordia College in Minnesota. Cant worked with key con- stituents to transform Concordia’s business program into a comprehensive business school. Under his stewardship, the Offutt School established an intensive new curriculum, grew its faculty and staff, developed new initiatives and programs and raised more than $56 million. He holds his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Western Australia and a master’s degree in industrial relations from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial relations and economics from the University of Western Australia. Vice Chairman Frank Joanlanne, President/CEO Borton-Lawson Frank Joanlanne, President & CEO of Borton-Lawson, is a seasoned business leader with more than 25 years of experience leading strategic initiatives in a variety of settings. He was named Borton-Lawson’s President & CEO after originally joining the firm’s Board of Directors in 2009. Mr. Joanlanne was born in New York City, where he resided and worked until he and his family moved to Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2003. He is a graduate of New York University’s Stern School of Business, where he earned degrees in Eco- nomics, International Business and Foreign languages. He spent the first 15 years of his career on Wall Street managing international bond sales and trading operations for a number of banks. Prior to joining Borton-Lawson, Mr. Joanlanne was Senior Vice President at Frontier Communications. Before joining Frontier, Frank was Senior Vice President of Penn Millers, where he also served as President of Penn Software and Technology Ser- vices and Senior Vice President of Eastern Insurance.

The Institute would like to thank Fr. Jack Ryan, Ph.D., King’s College for his guidance and support during his presidency. In addition, we would like to thank outgoing President, Steven Scheinman, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medi- cine for his years of participation and support of The Institute and leadership of the Health & Health Care Task Force. We would also like to thank outgoing President, Kathleen Owens, Ph.D., Misericordia University. We wish you the best in your new endeavors. Turning Information into Insight

2021 Task Force Presentation Topics

Jobs, Economy & Economic Development

Real Estate & Economic Development in a Post-COVID World— This report explores how trends that have emerged or accelerated during the pandemic are impacting real estate markets (commercial and residential) as well as economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. How the region responds to these economic shifts will impact North- eastern Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness as a post-pandemic economy comes into view.

Education & Workforce Development Talent Attraction & Retention—As the labor market recovers toward a pre-COVID state over the next 12-24 months, it is important to plan for a return to tight labor market conditions and shortages of skilled workers in a number of key occupations, and to attract and retain younger workers in the region. This study will: summarize regional labor demand, role of K-12 and higher education on workforce development, college and university student perspective on the region. It will also consider how the region can attract an increasingly remote workforce through a talent attraction strategy. Health and Healthcare Public Health Infrastructure in Pennsylvania—The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragmentation of the nationwide public health infrastructure, and the lack of a coordinated pandemic preparedness response. It prompted the question of how the public health system should be changed in order to more effectively structure public health functions, and improve our ability to respond to public health emergencies.

Housing Equity in Housing—The report is structured around housing complaints filed. It is organized as such to demonstrate which population most often report inequity via discrimination. Nearly all data in the report pertains to the region before the onset of the pandemic. Although most of the data on COVID-19’s impact on housing is not yet known, preliminary state level data by way of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey is presented in order to provide insight as to which already vulnerable populations detailed in the report are as well as who are being hit hard- est by the economic repercussions of the pandemic.

Energy Alternative Energy & Its Impact on Fleet Vehicles - Shifting energy production to non-fossil fuel energy sources has been emphasized by policymakers and business leaders alike in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. Business and industry are a key stakeholder in these efforts as major users of energy, particularly those industries centered on transportation. Energy itself is big business in NEPA, and further growth will expand its economic impact. Planning, Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Transportation & Municipal Services After COVID-19—The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted transportation and infrastructure. This event has touched virtually all aspects of everyday life in the region, including how and where indi- viduals work, how and when they take trips, and how goods are moved. This research has uncovered a number of trends in how elements of our region’s transportation systems (including mass transit, roads and bridges, and freight) have been impacted, as well as several unresolved questions to consider as the region gradually resumes normalcy.

Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org

Jobs, Economy & Economic Development

Mission

Improve the quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through the formation of economic development strategies, economic analysis, case studies, and best practices related to effective and efficient government, growth, revitalization, and sustainability - while addressing policy implica- tions on all of the above.

Purpose

 Educate and inform all stakeholders on the regional economy and its opportunities and challenges, and provide innovative recommendation to ensure economic sustainability.

 Establish key findings on the financial health of households in the region, including income, poverty, and financial literacy.

2021 Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Task Force Members Robert Luciani, Vice President, Prudential Retirement Services - Chair

 Pam Anslinger, Financial Homeownership Specialist, NeighborWorks NEPA  Karen Baker, Senior Advancement Director, Johnson College  Clarence Baltrusaitis, CEO, NET Credit Union  John P. Blake, Congressman Matt Cartwright’s Office  Fran Calpin, Senior Director of College Relations, Keystone College  Colleen Carter, Director of Marketing, McCarthy Tire Service  John Cognetti, President & Broker of Record, Hinerfeld Commercial Real Es- tate  Lindsay Griffin, Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce  Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton  Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation  Frank Joanlanne, President, Borton Lawson  Venard “Scott” Koerwer, Ed.D., Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Planning, Geisinger Common- wealth School of Medicine  Katie Leonard, Ed.D., President, Johnson College  Joe Lettiere, Vice President, Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Inc.  Amy Luyster, Vice President, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce  Jordan Petsas, Ph.D. Chair Department of Economics & Finance, University of Scranton  Ron Prislupski, Chief Development Officer, WVIA  Alana Roberts, Regional Public Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities  Lucyann Vierling, Workforce Alliance  Marwan Wafa, Ph.D., Penn State Scranton

Real Estate & Economic Development in a Post-COVID World

Project Goals

Better understand trends that have emerged or accelerated during the pandemic impacting real estate markets (commercial and residential) as well as economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania in order to develop an effective response. Findings

The future of work is likely more workers spending less time in face-to-face workplaces, whether fully remote or in a hybrid format. Employers will have to offer hybrid or remote work to more effectively com- pete for workers. While the share of workers who can feasibly work remotely who will actually do so per- manently is difficult to predict in early 2021. Nonetheless, there will be impacts on demand for office space as well as impacts on businesses that rely on office workers. These impacts will likely be greatest in areas with the highest concentration of teleworkable jobs, which tend to be concentrated disproportion- ately in higher wage, higher education white collar industries such as finance and insurance, information, management, and professional services. Thus, it is likely that any prolonged dip in demand for office space will be correlated with some degree of decline in other commercial real estate, particularly space suited to restaurants, coffee shops, gasoline stations, and personal service businesses.

Regional data on jobs by industry were combined with the effective potential estimates above, in order to determine how many jobs in the region could potentially be done remotely given an area’s mix of industry sectors.

In Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, nearly 58,000 jobs are projected to have the potential for telework, representing 28 percent of Lackawanna County employment and 26 percent in Luzerne County. Variances were also seen at the ZIP code level. The highest shares of potentially teleworkable jobs were found in the following ZIP codes: 18507 Moosic: 47% *** 18701 Downtown Wilkes-Barre: 41% *** 18706 Hano- ver Township & Surrounding Area : 37% *** 18503 Downtown Scranton : 35%

Anecdotal evidence from around the region has suggested that residential real estate market activity is high for both rental and owner-occupied housing. The Zillow Observed Rental Index (ZORI), a seasonally- adjusted measure of rental housing cost, increased nationwide by less than one percent between Febru- ary 2020 and February 2021, despite averaging 3.5 percent annual growth per year in the previous five years. Regionally, rental cost growth was nearly six percent during the most recent year, outpacing the 4.4 percent annual growth seen in the previous five years.

Recommendations Targeted intervention will be needed for communities that are hard hit by loss of economic activity due to remote work. State and federal economic development and urban revitalization programs already in exist- ence should be sustained, and expanded where necessary. In urban downtowns, refocusing of economic development strategies will be necessary to shift focus away from attraction of office tenants and toward providing housing options to new residents migrating into the area.

Education & Workforce Development

Mission Improve quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through Pre-K to 20+ educators and workforce development professionals partnering with business to create a seamless, top-tier regional education system. Education is our Economic Development Future

Purpose

 Create policy solutions informed by best practices.

 Examine issues related the connection of educators to workforce development and business.

 Provide insight into methods of increasing higher education attainment in Northeast Pennsylvania.

 Inform the community about how education and an educated workforce are the most effective economic development tools for the region.

2021 Education & Workforce Development Task Force Members

Lucyann Vierling, Director, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance - Chair

 Jane Ashton, Director of Continuing Education, Penn State Wilkes Barre  Karen Baker, Senior Advancement Director, Johnson College  Carolyn Bonacci, Director of Professional Continuing Education, Marywood University  Tom Baileys, Ed.D., Administrative Director, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County  Lynn Biga, Executive Director, Luzerne County Head Start  John Blake, District Director, Congressman Matt Cartwright  Ida Castro, JD, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine  Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton  Michelle Giovagnoli, Director of Institutional and Academic Grants, King’s College  Brad Kovaleski, Director of Student Services and Engagement, Penn State Scranton  Sue Kuhl, Alternative Learning Center, LIU 18  Amanda Modrovsky, Director Sponsored Programs, Wilkes University  Kellyn Nolan, Chief Academic Officer, Johnson College  Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College  Graceann Platukus, Ed.D., Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Luzerne County Community College  Ann Sadusky, Director of Human Resources, McCarthy Tire Service  Kirsten Smith, Education & Grants Director, WVIA  Debra Youngfelt, Executive Director, AHEC  Gerald Zaboski, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management & External Affairs, University of Scranton

Talent Attraction & Retention

Project Goals

A tight labor market is likely for several decades prompting discussions on regional talent attraction and retention as a major economic development strategy.

Findings

Due to national demographic changes, the U.S. entered a period where more workers are leaving the workforce than there are following them through the ranks, thus creating a worker shortage. This means NEPA will be competing with regions and communities around the country for workers. So talent attraction and retention are integral in order for this region to remain economically viable. In 2021, The Institute conducted a survey of about 2,000 students at its partnering higher education institutions. This survey focused on the students’ thoughts and opinions on Northeast Pennsylvania, and on their plans for after they graduate. When asked which factors were most important for deciding where they would seek employment, students who said they would likely stay within the region after graduating were more likely to assign higher value to factors like proximity to family and suitability for raising families. These students were less likely to prioritize factors like recreation, dining options, diversity, and inclusiveness. The op- posite is true for students who said they were more likely to seek employment outside the region. Overall, students frequently ranked availability of jobs in their desired field, cost of living, and proximity to family as very important factors for deciding where to locate. However, students do not believe the economic opportunity exists here. There will be jobs in all sectors and all levels going forward. Even if an industry it is not predicted to grow, it will have jobs to fill due to retirees or “replacement” demand. Ensuring that NEPA not only has the volume of workers needed, but also the right mix of education and skills are critical. It is incumbent upon all sectors to work together to retain and attract new talent. A regional approach is critical because talent will not come to the region as a result of opportunity in only one community and a few companies. Talent, like employers, want options, so a regional effort makes sense. K-12, higher education, businesses themselves, government and organizations have a role to play in the implementation of a strategy. Even remote workers can benefit from our regional economy.

Recommendations The report offers a number of recommendations for a regional strategic approach. Only a few are listed here. The remainder can be found in the report on The Institute’s website.  K-12—Expand teacher in the workplace programs and use ARP funds to hire career counselors.  Higher education and businesses can worker closer to educate students on opportunities. Expanded in- ternships and more interactive meetings with regional businesses are among some strategies.  Promoting the region on social media to students and alumni and using tools like Discover NEPA to address quality of life components.

Housing Task Force

Mission

Improve quality of life and standard of living for the residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through examination of housing stock and housing affordability.

Purpose

 Create policy solutions based on evidence and best practices that have the potential to impact legislation and beyond.

 Examines issues related to housing planning and zoning, housing affordability, housing stock, and homelessness.

 Maintain a bilingual education/information website to assist new and existing homebuyers.

 Maintain a web based toolkit for communities dealing with housing challenges.

2021 Task Force Members

Charlie Kasko, Chair

Jesse Ergott, Executive Director, Neighbor- Works Northeast Steven Farrell, Owner, Classic Properties Patrick Fricchione, President & CEO, Simplex Homes Patricia Moroz, US, Housing & Urban Develop- ment Joe Terrana, Terrana Law PC

Project Goals

Identification of equity issues relating to inequities in housing—both ownership and renting.

Equity in Housing

Findings Though discrimination in housing based on several protected classes is illegal under federal law, significant inequities exist in housing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A direct line connects a history of racist housing policies, such as redlining, to racial inequities in housing and homelessness amongst other things. Yet housing inequities in our region, and throughout the Commonwealth and nation, are not just racial; they are gen- dered as well as divided by age, income, education, national origin, and disability status to name a few.

In Northeastern Pennsylvania, several demographic categories experience lower rates of homeownership and/or are more likely to be cost-burdened by housing (spending more than 30 percent of income on housing) among other housing inequities. The demographic categories include the following:

Disability - The two county area has a significantly larger share of the population with a disability, an average of 16.5 percent in the region. Disability is the leading reason for housing discrimination complaints. Disabled Pennsylvanians are nearly twice as likely to experience housing cost burden and are more likely to live in poor or substandard housing. Race & Ethnicity is another leading reason for housing discrimination complaints. Among nonwhite groups, Asians are the only one with homeownership rates comparable to white residents. Family Type – Female, single parent house- holders with no spouse present are most likely to rent their home regardless of income. Gender – Women pay a higher share of their earnings to maintain a home that is generally valued to be than those owned by men due to the gender pay gap. Furthermore, their homes are worth ten percent less than those owned by men on average. Age - Northeastern Pennsylvania residents are less likely to own a home until they are 45-54 years of age. Education– Data shows a correlation between educational attainment and homeownership. Those without a high school diploma or equivalent are more than twice as likely to rent their homes as own them.

Recommendations Previously, The Institute highlighted the need for housing that is both affordable and accessible to those with various types of disabilities, including mobility, hearing, and vision difficulties. It still exists.

Overly restrictive building codes or zoning and subdivision ordinances also hamper the development of affordable housing in many communities. Some of these factors are deeply rooted in social, economic, or financial systems, but some (such as loosening tenant screening policies for public housing and adopting inclu- sionary practices in local planning and zoning ordinances) may be effectively addressed with policy changes.

Additional research is necessary on policy responses to the contributing factors to housing inequities, with consideration of causes and solutions at the local, state, and federal levels.

There is also a need for resources or supports to help households with financial difficulties, such as adverse credit scores, lack of funds for a security deposit, or facing a benefits cliff.

Health & Health Care Task Force

Mission

Improve quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through the examination of health status as well as health care delivery, costs, and insurance.

Purpose

 Examine priorities related to public health, care providers, access to care, and other health and healthcare issues impacting the region.  Provide insight into the health and healthcare indicators as appropriate to ensure a comprehensive, high-quality set of benchmarks for health care status.

2021 Task Force Members

Steven J. Scheinman, MD, President & Dean, Commonwealth Geisinger School of Medicine and EVP and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger Health System - Chair

Karen Baker, Senior Director Advancement, Johnson College Cornelio Catena, President & CEO, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital William Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services Marianne Devers, Vice President Healthcare Technologies, Topp Business Solutions Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation Brian Ebersole, Executive Director, Geisinger Joe Grilli, President & CEO, Senior Day Services, A Telespond Company Joseph Hollander, Chief Executive Officer, Scranton Primary Health Care Center Scott Koerwer, Vice President, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Maria Montoro Edwards, President & CEO, Maternal & Family Health Services Barbara Norton, Director, Corporate and Foundation Research, Allied Services Ben Payavis, Chief Content Officer, WVIA Raymond E. Petren, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Human Development & Family Stud- ies, Penn State Scranton Brian Rinker, Senior Vice President, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Bette Saxton, Community Member Ellyn Schindler, Director of Community Relations, Sanofi Pasteur LaTida Smith, President & CEO, Moses Taylor Foundation Susan Sordoni, MD, Founder Volunteers in Medicine Laura Toole, Executive Vice President, Northeast Regional Cancer Society John Wiercinski, Principal, JPW Consulting and Professor, University of Scranton

Public Health Infrastructure

Project Goals

Create an understanding of the existing role of public health and its structure in PA. Highlight the national fragmentation manifested during COVID—19. Offer policy recommendations to improve the system. Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the fragmentation of the nationwide public health infrastructure, and the lack of a coordinated pandemic preparedness response. It prompted the question of how the public health system should be changed in order to more effectively structure public health functions, and improve our ability to respond to public health emergencies. One of the data gathering methods used by The Institute was to interview several regional leaders in public health to get their input on the current structure of the PA public health system, and whether there are any improvements that could be made to improve public health services and more effectively respond to public health emergencies. Some have seen a shift from a more regional approach focused on prevention and education with the support of state health district offices and nursing staff, to a more fragmented approach focused on providing the minimum public health services as staffing and funding levels have declined. This can lead to tremendous variability across the state in terms of public health services.

There is support for a more regional approach to public health, and a comprehensive plan that encompasses all aspects of public health instead of a piecemeal approach. Regional leaders have also noted the benefit of a collaborative approach and having a network with a broad range of partners in responding to public health emergencies. Many other areas within the overall health realm are regionalized. The health insurance and care delivery systems are mainly comprised of providers serving a broad region, and social service agencies often adopt a regional model.

Recommendations Advocate for sustained public health funding to help strengthen the existing infrastructure and be better positioned to respond to emergencies.

Invest in modernizing the health information technology infrastructure and improving surveillance capabilities.

Require adherence to standards for data collection and reporting across all public health agency entities.

Strengthen the public health workforce capacity.

Develop and strengthen collaborations across regions to better leverage resources and improve capacity.

Strengthen partnerships with other community stakeholders to ensure the delivery of public health services at a local level.

Planning, Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Task Force

Mission

Improve quality of life and standard of living for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through examination of best practices and policy in planning, land use, transportation, and infrastructure development.

Purpose

 To convene and participate in creating policy solutions based on evidence and best practices that have the potential to impact legislation and beyond.  The examine issues related to planning, land use, and transportation systems.  The task force provides information to inform the Bi-County Comprehensive Plan.

2021 Task Force Members

Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor, Wilkes University—Chair

Carl Beardsley, Executive Director, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Inter- national Airport Joe Glynn, Chief Technology Officer, WVIA Lexie Langan, Business Development Leader, The Milnes Co. Robert Luciani, Vice President, Prudential Retirement Services Lawrence Malski, Director, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority Amanda Modrovsky, Director Sponsored Programs, Wilkes Uni- versity Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College Kevin O’Donnell, Community Member Steve Pitoniak, Lackawanna County Planning Commission Sofia Vidalis, Ph.D., Associate Profession of Civil Engineering, Penn State University Vivian Williams, Director, NEPA Moves

Project Goals

Understand how COVID-19 has impacted transportation and infrastructure.

Findings

Strong transportation networks, including roads, bridges, public transportation, airports, and freight rail, will be critical to the region’s economic recovery going forward. In particular, continued rapid growth in logistics sector will shape transportation needs for both commuters and freight. Nationwide, freight has already rebounded as goods continue to move despite the pandemic.

Vehicle miles traveled (VMT) saw a significant dip at the onset of the pandemic, with declines reaching 40 percent or more. Traffic has since rebounded and stabilized at ten to fifteen percent below pre-pandemic levels. With the drop in miles traveled, there was a corresponding decrease in fuel demand. As fuel taxes are a significant contributor to transportation funding in Pennsylvania, the continued lag in VMT compared to pre- pandemic levels even in late 2020 indicate that transportation funding will remain challenged.

Mass transit ridership has also been significantly affected by the pandemic, reporting substantial declines in trips that have persisted through 2020 even as unemployment rates fell from April peaks. There is no appar- ent evidence that mass transit is uniquely prone to COVID spread, especially as safety measures like universal masking have been implemented. Rider perceptions of safety still matter, but as vaccines help return a sense of normalcy, mass transit will remain an important part of the region’s transportation infrastructure.

Telework and telehealth could be longer term factors affecting trips taken, impacting transit as well as other modes. The impact on mass transit ridership from shifts to telework may be somewhat limited, as lower income workers, who more frequently utilize public transit, are generally less able to work remotely, particularly workers in the arts, entertainment, accom- modation, and food service industries.

Recommendations Continued rapid growth in logistics sector will shape transportation needs for both commuters and freight. All infrastructure needs to keep pace with growth. Re-evaluate the fuel tax as a funding source for infrastructure improvement. Several areas of uncertainty remain that will affect land use, and by extension, transportation. It is unclear how the pandemic will shape consumer perception of urban density, drive migration into the region from larger metropolitan areas, or result in further interest in development of distribution center uses. Further- more, the future of transportation, infrastructure, and public services funding is an overarching area of con- cern that must be addressed through sound public policy.

Energy Task Force

Mission

To convene community resources to strategically plan and promote the sustainable economic development of regional energy resources across business, education, political and community stakeholders.

Purpose

The task force was originally formed to convene community resources to strategically plan and promote the sustainable economic development of regional natural gas resources across business, education, political and community stakeholders. The task force has since recognized that electric and renewable energies can be great economic generators for the region and therefore should be explored.

2021 Task Force Members

Bill Sordoni, President, Sordoni Construction, Chair

 Don Brominski, Business Development Director, UGI Utilities  Jody Cordaro, Principal, SCE Environmental Group, Inc.  Frank Joanlanne, President, Borton Lawson  Scott Lynett, Principal, Times Printing  John Nealon, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly  Alana Roberts, Regional Public Affairs Director, PPL Electric Utilities  Bob Stoyko, Vice President Northern Region, UGI Utilities, Inc.

Natural Gas & Electric Fleet Vehicles

Project Goals

Understand how the transition of company fleet vehicles to electric and natural gas will improve the environment, but also create business opportunities.

Findings

Several alternative fuels are coming into prominence for transportation, each with unique features and benefits. These include natural gas, renewable diesel, and battery electric vehicles. Of these, electric vehicles have the lowest lifecycle emissions.

Limiting factors of electric vehicles for commercial use include present limitations on range, charging speed, and availability of charging infrastructure. For Northeastern Pennsylvania, the electric range of incoming generation of heavy vehicles (150 – 500 miles) will be appropriate for transporting goods between distribution centers in Northeastern Pennsyl- vania and ports in the Mid-Atlantic region. Alternative fuels will be essential for long-haul freight transport in the coming years.

In the short to medium term, there are significant benefits associated with other alternatives – CNG (conventional and renewable), biodiesel (blended only), and renewable diesel. Each of these can offer cost savings, emissions savings, or both. In Northeastern Pennsylvania, CNG may offer a particularly noticeable cost reduction compared with other fuels due to close proximity to sources of NG in the Marcellus formation. CNG is also subject to less price fluctuation and can be an effective fuel source for high mileage fleets when central fueling is possible. The possibility of retrofitting older vehicles to use CNG is another reason CNG can be a useful energy source for commercial vehicles.

The energy industry is an important economic driver to the region. Increased transition to CNG and electric power has the dual benefit of improving our environment and growing our economy.

Recommendations Investment in new infrastructure for charging and alternative fuel filling is critical for economic development in the region. Ensuring sufficient electric and CNG facilities (including those with a capacity for heavy-duty vehicles) will increase the region’s competitive advantage in transportation-reliant industries and help position the region as an attractive place to do business. Investing in a diverse portfolio of alternative energies will be necessary to sustain the region’s important logistics sector. This recommendation aligns with federal policy goals on green job creation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Major stakeholders that could be positioned to lead this effort are enterprises with large fleets, economic development agencies, and business park developers. Existing business and industrial parks are likely to be a critical locations for fueling and charging infrastructure investment. Public/private partnerships with equipment manu- facturers (e.g. Tesla) and the logistics industry should be pursued.

Policymakers should consider ways to expand incentives for CNG retrofits.

Institute Insights on COVID-19 The Institute extends sincere thanks to the research sponsors of the COVID-19 Research Initiative:

Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Sordoni Family Foundation UGI Utilities Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund of The Luzerne Foundation Scranton Area Community Foundation's NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund Wells Fargo Foundation

The Institute is responding to the COVID-19 crisis by embarking on a timely and ambitious program of research. Our agenda examines the effects of the pandemic on Northeastern Pennsylvania, and provides data-driven insights to help community members and leaders better understand, address, and overcome unique challenges. For more research and analysis on COVID 19’s impact on the region, visit https://institutepa.org/covid.php

Meet the Institute Team

Teri Ooms, Executive Director; Andrew Chew, Senior Research & Policy Analyst; Megan Stachowiak, Research Ana- lyst; Sarah Bender, Research Assistant; Kara McGrane, Research Analyst; and Jill Avery-Stoss, Data, Research & In- tern Coordinator

Academic Partners

Signature Underwriters Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation

Contributing Underwriters

Supporting Underwriters

Advisory Board

Gregory Cant, Ph.D., Chairman Frank Joanlanne, Vice Chairman Wilkes University, President Borton—Lawson, President

Heather Acker Joe Lettiere Matthew Sordoni Gentex Corporation Greater Hazleton CAN DO Sordoni Construction

Ron Beer, MHA, FACHE Robert Luciani, Jobs, Economy, & Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD Geisinger Health Systems Economic Development Task Force The Wright Center for Graduate Chair Medical Education Don Brominski Prudential UGI Utilities Marleen Troy, Ph.D., Planning Land Rev. Joseph G. Marina, S.J. Use, Transportation and Infrastruc- Tracy L. Brundage, Ph.D. University of Scranton ture Task Force Chair Keystone College Wilkes University Carla McCabe Terry Casey WVIA Wico van Genderen Chancellor Financial Group Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Jill Murray Business and Industry Cornelio Catena Lackawanna College Commonwealth Health System Lucyann Vierling, Education & Kathleen Owens Ph.D. Workforce Development Task John Cefaly Misericordia University Force Chair Cushman Wakefield Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D. Robert Durkin Marywood University Marwan Wafa, PhD. Greater Scranton Chamber of Com- Penn State Scranton merce Alana Roberts PPL Electric Utilities Tara Mugford Wilson Dale Jones, Ph.D. Power Engineering Corporation Penn State Wilkes-Barre Eugene Roth Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald Charles Kasko, Housing Task Force Chair John J. Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D. King's College Thomas E. Lawson Borton - Lawson Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Health & Healthcare Task Force Chair Thomas Leary Geisinger Commonwealth School Luzerne County Community College of Medicine

Katie Leonard, Ed.D. Bill Sordoni, Energy Task Force Johnson College of Technology Chair, Sordoni Construction

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