2020: 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

2020

Lackawanna & Luzerne INDICATORS Forum 2020

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 Platinum 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 NET Credit Union Borton-Lawson Quandel Construction Geisinger Health System Scranton Area Community Foundation UGI Utilities Supporting Underwriters Berkshire Asset Management Silver Sponsor BlackOut Design McCarthy Tire Commission on Economic Opportunity The Scranton Plan FNCB Greater Hazleton CANDO Bronze Sponsor Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Berkshire Hathaway Guard Companies M&T Bank Community Bank McCarthy Tire Johnson College Mohegan Sun Pocono Luzerne County Community College Navient Luzerne County Visitor Bureau NET Credit Union Marywood University PNC Prudential Retirement Services Rosenn Jenkins Greenwald, LLC 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 has also launched a special COVID-19 research program called Institute Insights on COVID-19, which will lead to 14 additional research studies this year.

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 June 17, 2020

9:00 - 9:15 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks Teri Ooms—Executive Director, The Institute Gregory Cant, Ph.D.— Chairman, The Institute and President, Wilkes University

9:15 - 10:00 AM Presentation of Indicators, COVID-19 Impacts, and Task Force Reports Indicators—Teri Ooms and Andrew Chew Joint Task Force on Economic Competitiveness—Lucyann Vierling and Rob Luciani 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.

10:00 - 10:30 AM Special Presentations— Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Keith Wardrip—Community Development Research Manager at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, will discuss research estimating the early effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor force, small businesses, neighborhoods, and housing affordability. Kyle DeMaria—Research Analyst at the Philadelphia Fed, will present the findings from a study exploring how the transferability of in-demand skills could lead to economic mobility for lower-wage workers, highlighting the implications of this new research on the current economic environment.

10:30 - 10:45 AM General Discussion and Q&A—all

10:45 AM Adjourn

Research in Action

Will be presented in video vignettes throughout the year and return in a live Indicators event in 2021.

Turning Information into Insight

Special Presenters

Keith Wardrip, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Keith Waltrip joined the Community Development and Regional Outreach De- partment of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia in 2011 and has served as the community development research manager since 2013. In this role, he pro- duces original research, supervises the work of the department's research ana- lysts, and leads the development of the department’s research agenda. His work focuses primarily on employment and post-secondary educational opportunities for low- and moderate-income populations and philanthropic support for local community and economic development. Before joining the Philadelphia Fed, Wardrip spent six years in Washington, D.C. conducting affordable housing research at the Center for Housing Policy and the National Low Income Housing Coalition. He has an M.A. in geography from the University of Colorado and a B.A. in geography from the University of Kentucky.

Kyle DeMaria, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Kyle DeMaria is a community development research analyst at the Federal Re- serve Bank of Philadelphia. He conducts research on community development issues in order to provide actionable information to community stakeholders. His research interests focus on barriers to economic mobility and strategies for pro- moting equitable development. Before joining the Bank in 2015, DeMaria completed his undergraduate education at the College of William and Mary, where his thesis examined the public service costs associated with spatial patterns of urban growth. While in Williamsburg, VA, he was a geographic information system (GIS) fellow at the AidData Center for Development Policy, engaging in geographic information science education and research. Previously, he interned with the Planning and Zoning Department in Cheltenham Township, PA, and served as a Mayor’s Intern with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, where he con- ducted planning research and supported civic engagement initiatives. DeMaria is an MPA candidate at the University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Govern- ment. He has a B.A. with honors in human geography with a minor in economics from the College of William and Mary.

Indicators Report Task Force Presentations

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

Task Force Chairs Housing Task Force Charles Kasko, Simplex Homes As Director of Manufacturing, Kasko is responsible for all production and operations at both manufacturing facilities on the Simplex Campus. Charlie has been in the home building industry for over 33 years. During his career, he served as president of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, chairman of Builder Services Inc., life director for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), national area chairman for NAHB, BUILD -PAC chairman, Governmental Affairs Committee chairman, and vice chairman of the NAHB Research Center. Charlie was awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award by the Pennsylvania Builders Association in 2011. Locally, Charlie is a past president of the Building Industry Association of NEPA, past president and co-founder of the Luzerne County Housing Partnership, and a former member of the Luzerne County Planning Commission. Charlie is also the executive director of the NEPA Scholarship Pageant Association. Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Task Force Robert Luciani, Prudential Retirement Services Rob Luciani, Regional Vice President, Client Relationship Business Development is responsible 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 Energy Task Force 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 Paul Adams, Ph.D., Wilkes University’s Interim President (2019-2020) for his guidance support over the past year. In addition, we would like to thank outgoing Presidents, Tom Botzman, Ph.D., Misericordia University and Mark Volk, Ed.D., Lackawanna College for their years of participation and support of The Institute. We wish you the best in your new endeavors. Turning Information into Insight

2020 Task Force Presentation Topics

Education & Workforce Development and Jobs, Economy & Economic Development

In a collaborative effort, the joint task force released a series of short research briefs. They consist of the following:  Skills Shortages  Rethinking the Trades & Regional Opportunities  Labor Demand  Soft Skills & the Workforce  Industrial Automation  Adapting to the Millennial Worker  A Comparative Analysis of Job Opportunities  Rethinking the Senior Worker and Higher Education Completions

Housing

“The Housing Divide in Northeast Pennsylvania” Although data indicate that housing affordability in the region is good compared to other metropolitan areas, security is still out of reach for some households. To better understand this divide, the task force ana- lyzed the regional housing market along with other socio-economic indicators (such as wages and debt), fo- cusing on those who struggle to afford housing. The research considers issues such as homelessness, transitional housing issues, and the needs of individuals released from incarceration. It also evaluates inventory, affordability trends (using HUD data), and geographic patterns to identify recommendations and ensure that regional housing needs are met.

Health and Healthcare

“The State of Child Abuse and Neglect in Northeast Pennsylvania and Beyond” This study explores data on child abuse and neglect using a variety of public and private sources in order to understand the scope of the issue and available resources. It also addresses the broader public health implications of child abuse and neglect, identifies shortages and gaps in services, and highlights best practices for effectively preventing child abuse and neglect and mitigating the consequences.

Planning, Land Use, Infrastructure and Transportation

“The Impact of Transportation in the Logistics Industry” As industrial parks continue to grow and the region’s warehousing industry cluster matures, what are the implications on land use and transportation? In light of this expanding transportation-centric industry and decentralization of employment, what kind of transportation infrastructure and land use planning tools are necessary for continued growth and sustainability? This report covers the full build-out state of planned regional economic development projects in order to identify points of traffic congestion, impacts on transit utilization and bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, and freight movement via road, rail, and air. More specifically, the study evaluates predominant commute patters, road counts, and pass-through truck traffic. It relates to planning and zoning, underlines opportunities for adaptive reuse and infill development in urban cores to reduce congestion and meet demands of downtown housing. Finally, it includes recommendations for changing the image of mass transit in order to shift from vehicle use to mass transit.

Access complete studies at www.institutepa.org

Special Report The Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Task Force and the Education & Workforce Development Task Force formed a Joint Committee on Economic Competitiveness.

Education & Workforce Jobs, Economy & Development Economic Development Task Force Mission Task Force Mission

Improve quality of life and standard of living for Improve the quality of life and standard of living residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania Pre-K to 20+ educators and workforce develop- through the formation of economic development professionals partnering with business to ment strategies, economic analysis, case studies, create a seamless, top-tier regional education and best practices related to effective and effi- system. cient government, growth, revitalization, and sustainability - while addressing policy implications on all of the above.

Purpose Purpose  Create policy solutions informed by best prac-  Educate and inform all stakeholders on the tices. regional economy and its opportunities and challenges.  Examine issues related the connection of educators to workforce development and busi-  Establish key findings on the financial health ness. of households in the region, including income, poverty, and financial literacy.  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.

Education is our economic development future!

2020 Education & Workforce Development Task Force Lucyann Vierling, Director, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance - Chair

Jane Ashton, Director of Continuing Education, Penn State Wilkes-Barre Tom Baileys, Ed.D., Administrative Director, Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County Lynn Biga, Executive Director, Luzerne County Head Start John Blake, PA State Senator Carolyn Bonacci, Director of Continuing Education, Marywood University 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 Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College Kellyn Nolan, Chief Academic Officer, Johnson College Graceann Platukus, 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 Gerald Zaboski, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management & External Affairs, University of Scranton 2020 Jobs, Economy & Economic Development Task Force Team

Robert Luciani, Vice President, Prudential Retirement Services - Chair

Pam Anslinger, Financial Homeownership Specialist, NeighborWorks Northeast Clarence Baltrusaitis, CEO, NET Credit Union John P. Blake, PA State Senator Joe Boylan, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce 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 Estate 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 Commonwealth 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 Ron Prislupski, Chief Development Officer, WVIA Lucyann Vierling, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Marwan Wafa, Ph.D., Penn State Scranton

An Overview of Economic Competitiveness in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Project Goals

Evaluate workforce trends and projections for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties - particularly as they per- tain to future labor demand, skills shortages, and educational needs.

Findings

Employment in 64 percent of occupations is projected to shrink by 2026, as the overall workforce decreases by 0.2 percent.

Given the relatively high number of area workers who have attained only a high school diploma, the regional workforce is disproportionately geared toward low skill careers (at 57 percent of all occupations).

Nearly half of all workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania serve in occupations that face 70 percent or greater risk of automation in some capacity.

An overwhelming majority of job success comes from strong soft skills, such as time management, problem- solving, effective communication, flexibility, perseverance, and vulnerability. More than 100 soft skills are listed as requirements for employment in over 14,000 job openings throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.

Workers under age 35 comprise at least 20 percent of all but one industry group. They value flexibility in scheduling, the opportunity to balance time between work and life responsibilities, and extended learning opportunities that allow them to embrace innovative solutions to everyday challenges.

Approximately one quarter of the labor force in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties is over the age of 55. These workers tend to desire autonomy and flexibility (particularly in terms of part-time scheduling and self- employment).

Five sectors of the NEPA economy are poised to flourish— Healthcare and Social Assistance; Logistics, Transportation, and Warehousing; Infrastructure and Construction; Utilities and Energy Production; and Ad- vanced Professional Services.

Younger workers in the region are well equipped to take advantage of expansion. They are likelier to hold bachelor’s degrees than those over age 55.

Furthermore, the number of inbound commuters is growing more rapidly than those going out of the area to work, and this population of employees is likelier than native-born individuals to be college educated.

There is also considerable demand for technical trades in the region. Building, mechani- cal, medical, and technology trades are poised to add more than 4,200 jobs in Lacka- wanna and Luzerne Counties – at family-sustaining wages.

An Overview of Economic Competitiveness in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Project Goals

Explore emerging dynamics amid a changing regional economy, including generational nuances, the value of soft skills, and a reframing of careers in the trades.

Recommendations  Harness public-private partnerships and investment, along with the efforts of Northeastern Pennsylva- nia’s network of higher education institutions, to design a classroom-to-workplace pipeline.

 Use the grant-making process to incentivize greater stakeholder collaboration, while supporting non- traditional educational avenues.

 Leverage multi-stakeholder and collective impact initiatives to equalize the range of services offered by regional workforce development organizations.

 Integrate K-12 integration into a broader workforce development pipeline to cultivate skills acquisition in the region’s future workers.

 Parents, educators, career counselors, and others influencing career decisions in youth should commit to sharing information on trade occupations, their economic opportunity, and the skills and education needed to obtain such employment.

 Soft skills should be modeled, incorporated into all levels of educational curriculum, and covered in on- the-job orientation and training programs.

 To maximize the strengths of today’s workforce, misconcep- tions should be recognized and reframed in recognition of different generational experiences.

 Millennials should be managed with frequent feedback, focus on results, and an emphasis on shared success.

 Older workers should have access to phased retirement programs as well as workplace accommodations that ensure safety and productivity.

 Employers should reinforce efforts to reduce age discrimination, including they way they request age- related information from job applicants as well as the availability of various workplace accommodations.

 Employers should consider continuing education for all workers (particularly opportunities to foster inter- generational mentoring), along with flexible scheduling and unique and diverse benefit options.

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.

2020 Task Force Team

Charlie Kasko, Simplex Homes, Chair

Joe Boylan, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce Jesse Ergott, Executive Director, NeighborWorks Northeast Steven Farrell, Owner, Classic Properties Patrick Fricchione, President & CEO, Simplex Homes Patricia Moroz, US, Housing & Urban Development Joe Terrana, Terrana Law PC

The Housing Divide in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Project Goals

Enhance understanding of the regional housing divide by analyzing the market in Northeast Pennsylvania along with various socio-economic indicators, with special focus on those who struggle to obtain and afford housing.

Findings Renter households are disproportionately cost-burdened; they comprise approximately one third of all occupied households in both counties (and throughout Pennsylvania), but close to 50 percent of all cost- burdened households.

In both Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties, lower-income households (with incomes under $35,000) make up about 31 percent of all occupied households, but close to 80 percent of all cost-burdened households.

As household income increases beyond $35,000, the gap between the shares of cost-burdened renters and home- owners generally shrinks and sometimes reverses.

Individuals returning to their communities from incarceration, along with people navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges, often face numerous obstacles to accessing permanent housing.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2019 Point-In-Time count found revealed 155 households experiencing homelessness in Lackawanna County, and 118 in Luzerne County. The majority of these households were sheltered, either in emergency shelters or in transitional housing.

Recommendations  Expand the supply of affordable housing units, including a state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. One approach to help to expand the stock of quality housing for lower-income households would be to provide for subsidies (through federal, state, local, or philanthropic sources) to repair and renovate for older homes for conversion to income-restricted or market-rate housing.  Raise wages for low-income workers. The minimum wage in Pennsylvania—the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour—is not sufficient for meeting the basic needs of families or individuals. Households with low incomes are the most likely to be housing cost-burdened.  Ease restrictions on assistance for people with criminal records or histories of substance use. Local housing agencies could mitigate the problem of discrimination by reevaluating the extent to which they withhold housing assistance from people with criminal records and people who struggle with substance use.  Invest in transitional and supportive housing. These services can meet the needs of households experiencing (or at risk of experiencing) homelessness and individuals with severe mental health conditions.

Health & Health Care Task Force

Mission Project Goals

Improve quality of life and standard of living for resi-  Evaluate data on child abuse and neglect to dents of Northeastern Pennsylvania through the ex- better assess the scope of the issue and available amination of health status as well as health care de- resources livery, costs, and insurance.  Explore the broader public health implications of Purpose child abuse and neglect  Identify shortages or gaps  Examine priorities related to public health, care in services, and describe providers, access to care, and other health and best practices for effec- healthcare issues impacting the region. tively preventing child abuse and neglect and  Provide insight into the health and healthcare mitigating the conse- indicators as appropriate to ensure a compre- quences. hensive, high-quality set of benchmarks for health care status.

2020 Task Force Team

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

Cornelio Catena, President & CEO, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital William Conaboy, President & CEO, Allied Services Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation Brian Ebersole, Executive Director, Geisinger Springboard Joe Grilli, Director of Corporate and Institutional Recruitment Partnerships and Alliances, Misericordia University Joseph Hollander, Chief Executive Officer, Scranton Primary Health Care Center Scott Koerwer, Vice President, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine 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 Studies, Penn State Scranton Tracey Pratt, Manager of Development, Johnson College Brian Rinker, Senior Vice President, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Bette Saxton, Maternal & Family Health Services 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

The State of Child Abuse and Neglect in the Region and Beyond

Findings Regionally, there were nearly 2,000 reports of alleged child abuse received in 2018—and 12 percent were substantiated. Statewide data indicates that for nearly half of all substantiated reports of child abuse from 2016 to 2018, the perpetrator was the child’s mother or father.

The majority of allegations in Lackawanna County related to physical abuse (51 percent) while the allegations in Luzerne County (64 percent) and statewide (47 percent) were predominantly related to sexual abuse. Counties with smaller populations and classified as rural generally have higher rates of child abuse than counties that are larger or urban. Higher rates of abuse are also correlated with higher levels of poverty and lower median income. Lasting impacts include injury, mental health issues, infectious and chronic disease, risk behaviors, and lost opportunities. According to the CDC, the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect was approximately $428 billion in 2015. Challenges include high workforce turnover in agencies providing welfare services, a lack of parental skill training, a lack of mental health services and therapy services for children, and barriers in accessing basic needs, including housing, transportation and childcare.

Recommendations  Reduce gaps and shortages in services, especially those related to transportation, childcare, and housing.  Provide training to enhance parenting skills, which will better equip caretakers to manage the demands of child-rearing and maintain healthy family dynamics.  Improve awareness and understanding of child abuse throughout the community, through public engagement and education campaigns via mass media, social media, town hall meetings, etc..  Explore centralization, regionalization, or coordination of child welfare services to minimize redundancy, improve efficiency, and reduce barriers to service.  Increase availability of mental health services and support for adults and children, including options for those with developmental disabilities.  Expand access to treatment to lessen the harms of abuse and neglect, particularly as it relates to trauma therapy.  Increase support for stronger family engagement programs, such as kinship placement.  Improve data collection and reporting to better identify and monitor trends at the county 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

 Create programs, initiatives, and policy solutions based on evidence and best practices that have the potential to lead to positive outcomes.

 Examine issues related to planning, land use, and transportation systems.

2020 Task Force Team

Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor, Wilkes University—Chair

Carl Beardsley, Executive Director, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Joe Glynn, Chief Technology Officer, WVIA Robert Luciani, Vice President, Prudential Retirement Services Lawrence Malski, Director, Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority Amanda Modrovsky, Director Sponsored Programs, Wilkes University Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College Kevin O’Donnell, President, CAN DO Steve Pitoniak, Lackawanna County Planning Commission Vivian Williams, Director, NEPA Moves

The Impact of Transportation in the Regional Logistics Industry

Project Goals

 Evaluate the transportation infrastructure and land-use planning tools needed to ensure continued growth and sustainability. • Consider congestion in terms of commute patterns, road counts, pass-through truck traffic, and zoning while exploring opportunities for adaptive reuse and infill development.

Findings

The Industrial Transportation and Distribution Cluster is made up of several component industries, which have seen nearly five percent growth in employment in the two-county region in the last decade; the warehousing and storage component makes up about 70 percent of total employment in the industry.

Land available or proposed for industrial development in and around existing parks numbers in the hundreds or thousands of acres in both counties, and many incentives continue to be available, such as KOZ and/or LERTA status offering tax abatement on some properties.

Transportation and distribution industries are particularly impactful on regional traffic patterns because the employment centers are lo- cated in business parks outside the densest population centers of the region, necessitating that many employees commute by car, and because the nature of these firms necessitates the receiving and shipping of goods - primarily by truck.

Implications include cost burden on shippers and carriers from delays and reduced reliability caused by traffic congestion, as well as the potential for inadequate facilities for truck parking and additional wear and tear on roadways.

Recommendations  Support efforts to diversify transportation mode share, using renewable fuels where feasible. Public transit, carpools or vanpools, and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure connecting nearby population centers with business parks could help alleviate congestion as freight traffic grows. Opportu- nities to utilize air freight should also be considered, along with restoring passenger rail service to alleviate congestion on the Interstate 80 and 380 corridors.  Connecting freight traffic with limited access highways as quickly and efficiently as possible should be the focus of highway infrastructure improvements. Doing so would reduce congestion and wear-and- tear on local streets, and additional access points to major highways allows for better system redundancy and alternative routes for diversion of traffic from existing busy intersections.  Planners should ensure that existing zoning and land development administration allows for mixed use opportunities. Options include new housing, convenience shopping, fast food, daycare, gyms, or service businesses within or adjacent to business parks.

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

Above: Teri Ooms, Executive Director: Andrew Chew, Senior Research & Policy Analyst: Megan Stachowiak, Research Analyst; and Joe Gallo, Research Assistant. Below: Kara McGrane, Research Analyst, Jill Avery-Stoss, Data, Research & Intern Coordina- tor; and Susan Magnotta, Community Outreach Director

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 Katie Leonard, Ed.D. Marleen Troy, Ph.D., Planning Land Gentex Corporation Johnson College of Technology Use, Transportation and Infrastruc- ture Task Force Chair Ron Beer, MHA, FACHE Robert Luciani, Jobs, Economy, & Wilkes University Geisinger Health Systems Economic Development Task Force Chair Wico van Genderen Thomas Botzman, Ph.D. Prudential Retirement Services Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Misericordia University Business and Industry Jill Murray Don Brominski Lackawanna College Lucyann Vierling, Education & UGI Utilities Workforce Development Task Mary Persico, IHM, Ph.D. Force Chair Tracy L. Brundage, Ph.D. Marywood University Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Keystone College Rev. Scott Pilarz, S.J. Marwan Wafa, PhD. Terry Casey University of Scranton Penn State Scranton Chancellor Financial Group Alana Roberts Tara Mugford Wilson Cornelio Catena PPL Electric Utilities Power Engineering Corporation Commonwealth Health System Eugene Roth John Cefaly Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald Cushman Wakefield John J. Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D. Robert Durkin King's College Greater Scranton Chamber of Com- merce Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Health & Healthcare Task Force Chair Dale Jones, Ph.D. Geisinger Commonwealth School Penn State Wilkes-Barre of Medicine

Charles Kasko, Housing Task Force Bill Sordoni, Energy Task Force Chair Chair, Sordoni Construction Simplex Homes Matthew Sordoni Thomas E. Lawson Sordoni Construction Borton - Lawson Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD Thomas Leary The Wright Center for Graduate Luzerne County Community College Medical Education

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