A Collaboration Among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

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

Lackawanna & Luzerne INDICATORS Forum 2019

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

2019 Indicators Sponsors & Research Partners Academic Partners

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson 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 Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation Platinum Sponsor Luzerne County The Wright Center for Community Health PPL Electric Utilities Sordoni Family Foundation Gold Sponsors NET Credit Union Contributing Underwriters Power Engineering Corporation Borton-Lawson Prudential Retirement Services Commonwealth Health Systems Geisinger Health System Silver Sponsor Mohegan Sun Pocono The Scranton Plan

Supporting Underwriters Bronze Sponsor Berkshire Asset Management Community Bank BlackOut Design Peoples Bank & Trust Classic Properties Penns Northeast Greater Hazleton CANDO Quandel Construction Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Navient Individual Sponsor NET Credit Union John Cognetti Riggs Asset Management Carl Witkowski Sanofi Pasteur The Wright Center for Community Health UGI Utilities Wells Fargo

Turning Information into Insight

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, the College Student Poll, and the Institute’s Internship Program.

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 The Willary Foundation, our Signature Underwriter, as well as our generous Supporting Underwriter, UGI Utilities, for providing the capital for the QET.

Turning Information into Insight

Indicators Initiative 2019

Indicators Report The Indicators program includes a presentation of the Lackawanna & Luzerne County Indicators Report, which tracks economic data and quality-of-life trends critical to the future of our region.

The report provides reliable measurements of the driving forces behind community and economic vitality. The Indicators report is used for many purposes; most importantly, it educates the community and provides awareness to foster better strategic planning, goal setting, and policy development.

The project is also intended to build consensus among regional leadership regarding high-priority issues and new measures to ensure future success.

Think of the report as a gauge. It indicates how the region is progressing, and shines a warning light on areas where additional attention may be warranted. Indicators illuminate new and ongoing trends - both positive and negative - which may impact the region for years to come. These insights allow for active intervention with new initiatives and policies. In short, they propel momentum and impact.

Task Force Presentations Each year, diverse groups of professionals convene as task forces. They draw from their respective fields of expertise to evaluate opportunities to improve our region in critical areas. Research and policy agendas are established in June, and The Institute’s research team prepares the reports to be presented at the following year’s Indicators Forum.

Task force research has served as a basis for statewide legislation, has been used in legislative testimony, and has helped organizations with strategic priorities and best practices.

. Education & Workforce Development Energy

Health & Health Care Housing Jobs, Economy, & Economic Development Planning, Land Use, Transportation, & Infrastructure

Turning Information into Insight

Regional Indicators Agenda May 9, 2019

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Registration, Networking, Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:20 AM — Welcome and Opening Remarks Patrick Leahy, Ed.D.— Chairman, The Institute and President, Wilkes University

9:20 AM – 11:15 AM — Presentation of Indicators, Task Force Reports, and Special Projects Research Indicators—Teri Ooms and Andrew Chew Joint Task Force on Economic Competitiveness—Lucyann Vierling Housing Task Force – Charles Kasko Health and Health Care Task Force – Steve Scheinman, MD Energy Task Force – Bill Sordoni Planning, Land use, Transportation, and Infrastructure Task Force – Marleen Troy, Ph.D.

Special Projects Research Automation and Workforce Disruption in Northeastern PA — Christopher Ritter, Research Analyst

Municipal Dashboard — Andrew Chew, Senior Research & Policy Analyst

The Importance of High Quality Public Data— Andrew Chew, Senior Research & Policy Analyst

Q&A—all

11:15 AM Adjourn Frank Joanlanne, Vice Chairman, The Institute and President / CEO, Borton-Lawson

Research in Action

Clarence Baltrusaitis, President & CEO, NET Credit Union

Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation

Robert Durkin, President & CEO, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce

Christine Marcos, Program Officer, Moses Taylor Foundation

Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD, President & CEO, The Wright Center for Community Health

Turning Information into Insight

Speaker Biographies (alphabetical order)

Frank Joanlanne, 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 Economics, 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 Communica- tions. Before joining Frontier, Frank was Senior Vice President of Penn Millers, where he also served as President of Penn Software and Technology Services and Senior Vice President of East ern Insurance.

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 Achieve- ment 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, a former member of the Luzerne County Planning Commission, and Housing Task Force Chairman for The Institute of Public Policy and Economic Development. Charlie is also the executive director of the NEPA Scholarship Pageant Association.

Patrick Leahy, Wilkes University Dr. Patrick F. Leahy serves as the sixth president of Wilkes University. Since joining Wilkes in 2012, Leahy has been leading the university on a path to becoming one of the finest small universities in the country. He is doing so through several initiatives, including the launch of the “Gateway to the Future” - a strategic plan focusing on academic program developments, campus infrastructure, and community relations.

Prior to joining Wilkes, Leahy served the University of Scranton from 2004 to 2012 in numer- ous leadership roles. He was an executive vice president and also taught in Scranton’s Busi- ness Leadership Honors Program. Currently, Leahy teaches in the Sidhu School of Business at Wilkes.

Leahy holds a doctor of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania, a dual master’s degree from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University.

Turning Information into Insight

Robert Luciani, Prudential Retirement Services Rob Luciani, Regional Vice President, Client Relationship Business Development - located in Scranton, Pennsylvania – is responsible for National Key Account Government and Taft Hartley clients. He leads a team of key account vice presidents who collaborate with spe- cialists across administrative services, advisory services, investment services, and partici- pant 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 Em- ployee Benefits Training. Rob is a Registered Principal, Sales Officer of Prudential Trust Company, a registered lobbyist , and holds multiple state insurance licenses.

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, Ameri- can Heart Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Federation for Clini- cal/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 Massachusetts 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 Medical Center and Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Turning Information into Insight

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 Business and Industry, the Sordoni Family Foundation, Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the United Way of Wyoming Valley, the Geisinger Health System Foundation, Penn’s Northeast, The Institute, the Wilkes University Family Business Forum, and Wyoming Seminary.

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 Cer- tificate 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 Universi- ty of Rhode Island.

Lucyann Vierling, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Lucyann Vierling has over 30 years of experience in workforce development in Northeast 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 plan- ner, 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

2019 Task Force Presentation Topics

Jobs, Economy & Planning, Land Use, Infrastructure and Economic Development Transportation “Labor Market Assessment from 2019-2025” “Transit Systems Analysis” The labor market assessment evaluates the size of This analysis is a follow-up to the 2016 report and the labor market and the projected number of jobs further explores route planning considerations. It fo- that will result from expansion and replacement de- cuses on best practices in peer regions with higher mand. This data is analyzed against regional degree public transit use. Frequency, hours of operation, and completions in order to determine areas of potential route design are compared with local services to workforce shortage. identify potential areas for adjustment.

“Commuter Patterns for Transit-Accessible Education and Workforce Development Employment Centers” “A Strategy to Address the Top Five Projected An examination of commuter data for workers in several regional employment hubs reveals workforce Occupation Shortages” characteristics, such as dynamics of travel to and This data-driven strategy covers career awareness from these locations. The study compares commuting and exploration, education and training for youth and activities with existing transit routes. incumbent workers, the incidence of career change, entrepreneurship, as well as vocational rehabilitation and other programs and services.

Health and Healthcare “Food Literacy” Housing This study of food insecurity and food literacy “The Implications of the Region’s Aging throughout the region explores socioeconomic, cul- Housing Stock” tural/linguistic, and knowledge/education barriers to The region’s housing is older than average. In particu- healthy food choices. The research covers food de- lar, many lower– and moderate-income homeowners serts in the area, along with case studies of potential live in these aging homes—often with varying de- interventions. grees of maintenance needs. This study highlights the age and condition of the housing stock in Northeast Pennsylvania, identifies community-level housing challenges, and explains their implications across multiple public policy interest areas. Socioeconomic analysis and relevant best practices are also presented.

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. The committee produced a comprehensive study of regional fast-growth occupations.

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.

Education is our economic development future!

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.

2019 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 Richard Caruso, Author Ida Castro, JD, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton Tom Curra, President & CEO, WVIA Alexander Dawoody, Ph.D., Assistant Provost, Marywood University Vito Forlenza, Ph.D. Director, Regional Education Labs 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 Kevin McDonough, Assistant Professor & Director, Center for Teaching and Learning, Lackawanna College Jill Murray, Ph.D., Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer, Lackawanna College Dipti Pancholy, MD FACP, The Wright Center Graceann Platukus, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Luzerne County Community College Gerald Zaboski, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management & External Affairs, University of Scranton 2019 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, Argent Eagle Development Corporation Fran Calpin, Senior Director of College Relations, Keystone College John Cognetti, President & Broker of Record, Hinerfeld Commercial Real Estate Julie Schumacher Cohen, Director of Community Relations, University of Scranton Tom Curra, President, WVIA Public Media Laura, Ducceschi, President & CEO, Scranton Area Foundation Paige Gephardt Cognetti, PA Auditor General’s Office Frank Joanlanne, Borton Lawson Venard "Scott" Koerwer, Ed.D., Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Planning, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Amy Luyster, Vice President, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Rodney Ridley, Director, Allan P. Kirby Center for Free Enterprise, Wilkes University Lucyann Vierling, Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance Marwan Wafa, Ph.D., Penn State Scranton

An Overview of Economic Competitiveness in Northeastern Pennsylvania

Project Goals

 Evaluate the size of the labor market and projected number of jobs affected by expansion and replacement demand: - Identify growing occupations in Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties - Identify workforce trends

 Assess projections against regional degree completions in order to identify areas of potential workforce shortage: - Identify recommendations to mitigate workforce challenges

Findings

 In just two decades, the region faced loss of nearly 39,000 jobs, $1.5 billion in wages, and $6.2 billion in economic output.

 In addition to the decline of the coal mining and manufacturing industries, other production-oriented sectors prominent in the area face threats in the form of automation.

 Even though the manufacturing industry remains the area’s largest employer and contributor to GDP, such careers often lack opportunities for upward mobility needed to attract high-quality talent.

 Due to the area’s stagnant population growth, the region’s workforce is generally older and less educated than the statewide and national equivalents. There is also a widen- ing regional wage gap.

 Approximately 81,000 workers travel into the region from other locations, while nearly 150,000 leave to work else- where—a net loss of 68,000 workers. Thirty-one percent of Northeastern Pennsylvania residents commute to jobs located outside the region.

An Overview of Economic Competitiveness in Northeastern Pennsylvania However…

 Five sectors of the NEPA economy are poised to flourish. They are: - Healthcare and Social Assistance - Logistics, Transportation, and Warehousing - Infrastructure and Construction - Utilities and Energy Production - Advanced Professional Services

 In 2016-2017, the region’s multiple higher education institutions conferred over 13,000 degrees in more than 280 fields of study.

 The area’s relatively low cost of living makes it a financially sensible place not only to live, but a great place in which to invest as well. Every $1 spent in Northeastern Pennsylvania is worth $1.10 across the Commonwealth and $1.04 throughout the country.

 Younger workers in the region are well equipped to take advantage of expansion. Younger adults in NEPA are more likely to hold bachelor’s degrees than those over age 55.

 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.

Recommendations  Harness public-private partnerships and investment, along with the efforts of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s network of higher education institutions, to design a class- room-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.

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 home- lessness.

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

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

2019 Task Force Team

Charlie Kasko, Simplex Homes, Chair

Joe Boylan, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber & WBC Connect 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 Implications of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Aging Housing Stock

Project Goal

Help municipal and county officials, community development practitioners, nonprofit and social assistance professionals, and individuals in the housing and real estate industry better understand the implications of age and condition of the physical housing stock in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties.

Findings

• The region has a high concentration of older homes; nearly half were build before 1950. As such, there are important policy implications related to health and environ- ment, economic security, and community-level blight.

• Key concerns include the presence of asbestos, mold, radon, and lead-based paint. Accessibility is also a con- cern.

• Issues associated with older homes likely disproportion- ately impact lower-income households, because rent or purchase costs tend to me more affordable.

• Upkeep costs are substantial for older homes, and un- der-maintenance can result in lower resale value and re- duced equity.

Recommendations

 Consider tax abatement or other government policies that encourage new housing development.

 Assist homeowners with necessary repairs and renovations, perhaps through direct subsidies or match- ing grants.

 Consider the need for additional tenant education to ensure that renters understand their rights and options for addressing unsafe or unhealthy conditions in their homes.

 Consider expanding rental registration policies that require landlords to register rental properties and submit to inspections at regular intervals and upon change of occupancy.

 Enhance data capture to better capture to better understand specifically where and how homeowners and renters struggle with inadequate housing conditions.

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.

2019 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 Tom Curra, President & CEO, WVIA 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 Mary Ellen Monacelli, Director U.S. Tax Services, Sanofi Pasteur Barbara Norton, Director, Corporate and Foundation Research, Allied Services Debra Pellegrino Ed.D, Dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, University of Scranton Raymond E. Petren, Ph.D., Assistant Professor Human Development & Family Studies, Penn State Scranton Tracy 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 Institute John Wiercinski, Principal, JPW Consulting and Professor, University of Scranton

Healthy Food: Environments, Access, and Literacy

Project Goals

 Analyze data on access to food and food deserts in Northeastern Pennsylvania

 Explore the factors related to food decision-making and how these choices relate to population health

 Understand what barriers exist to food literacy and what practices can be utilized to promote food literacy and expand food access.

Findings

 Geography drives structural food access issues. Several food deserts exist in the region, including in rural, suburban, and urban communities.

 Though many barriers to food access are external, food literacy and nutrition education are also important interventions to improve population health.

 Research has shown that nutrition education is broadly effective at increasing food knowledge and changing be- haviors. There are established best practices for these interventions.

Recommendations  Provide fresh foods directly to those in need, and work creatively to enhance fresh food options available in existing food outlets

 Explore community-based solutions such as community gardens

 Provide healthier food choices in school settings

 Provide nutrition education in school, healthcare, and social service settings whenever possible

 Reevaluate and expand nutrition education to align with best practices, including: - Accommodate different learning styles and incorporate experiential learning - Ensure that educators have appropriate expertise and are able to relate to target audience - Include evaluation to measure impacts and progress toward goals

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.

2019 Task Force Team

Dr. Marleen Troy, Professor, Wilkes University, Chair

Tom Curra, President, WVIA Public Media Norman Gavlick, Executive Director, Luzerne County Transportation Authority Paige Gephardt Cognetti, PA Auditor General’s Office 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 Rick Williams, Williams Kinsman Lewis Architects

Employment Center and Transit Systems Analyses

Project Goals

 Better understand how many and what portion of employees in key regional employment centers could feasibly and conveniently use existing public transportation to travel from locations near their homes to locations near their workplaces on a single bus.

• Compare transit systems in nine similar cities with the systems found locally.

Findings

 Across the employment centers analyzed, no more than 25 percent of workers live in census tracts served by bus routes that also serve the employment centers.

 Funding limitations on bus service in Lackawanna and Lu- zerne Counties suggest that simply adding more routes to serve more communities may not be the most effective way to increase transit use. It is instead important to focus on the following:

- There is an evident relationship between public transportation end times and ridership. - Ridership tends to decrease as frequency of bussing de- creases.

Recommendations

 Expand means of sharing information about bus schedules and routes to workers directly.

 Focus workforce recruitment efforts along transit routes that serve industrial parks directly.

 Continue transit planning with a broad regional lens in order to meet needs of commuters who cross county lines.

 Consider expanding evening bus service

 Work to expand service frequency and operating hours along key routes and corridors.

 Collaboration among stakeholders to find creative ways to enhance frequency and hours where necessary; public-private partnerships could be useful when funding is uncertain.

Special Projects

Automation and Workforce Disruption in Northeastern Pennsylvania This summer, the Institute will release a report which examines the Nearly 242,000 workers across Northeast- impact of automation on the regional workforce in Northeastern ern Pennsylvania, or roughly 49 percent of Pennsylvania, the rest of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the the region’s total workforce, is employed in Northeast portion of the United States. The Institute’s research builds one of the 320 occupations with at least a upon similar studies conducted by Tennessee’s Department of Eco- 70 percent probability of automation. nomic and Community Development, as well as North Carolina’s Insti- tute for Emerging Issues.

Continued advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning enable modern technology to replicate many of the tasks and re- sponsibilities once considered uniquely human, such as driving cars, engage in monetary transactions, taking food orders, or even diagnos- ing illnesses. In order to harness the opportunities that come with automation, community stakeholders must also prepare for the workforce disruption that accompanies these developments.

The centerpiece of this forthcoming report is a regional index of fore- casted vulnerability to workforce disruption, which is comprised of three indicators. To measure the full extent of workforce disruption from automation, projected lost wages consist of 50 percent of each index score. Second, 25 percent of the index score is attributed to high dependency ratios, as regions without an ample supply of working age labor may see more accelerated trends in automation. The final 25 percent is attributed to educational attainment, which can help to mitigate adverse changes brought on by automation.

Special Projects Preliminary Findings: Workforce Disruption Index

 Approximately 242,478 workers across 12 NEPA counties are employed in positions with a 70 percent or higher risk of automation, representing approximately 49 percent of the region’s current workforce.  Lower-wage occupations are at a greater risk of automation. Across each NEPA county, the average annual salary of occupations with a 70 percent or higher risk of automation pay approximately 18 to 27 percent lower than the average annual salary for all jobs.  Commuter counties appear to be less vulnerable to the disruptive effects of automation. The counties with the two lowest index scores - Monroe and Pike - are home to growing numbers of long-distance commuters into vari- ous metro areas in New York and New Jersey.  Counties home to a higher percentage of educated residents, perhaps due to the presence of large universities, also appear to be less vulnerable to automation, such as Lackawanna and Columbia counties.  Pennsylvania’s economic status hinges between post-industrial Mid-Atlantic states and those in the Rust Belt, who continue to struggle with the long- term consequences of deindustrialization. Among Mid-Atlantic states (PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE), Pennsylvania is the most vulnerable to future workforce disruption from automation. Among states traditionally considered part of the Rust Belt (PA, OH, IN, MI, WI, WV), however, Pennsylvania is least vulnerable. NEPA’s index scores, however, are closer to those in the Rust Belt.

Workforce Disruption Index (2018)

Counties with a lower score are deemed less at-risk to automation, while counties with a higher score are considered more vulnerable.

Special Projects

Municipal Dashboard

The Institute’s annual Indicators Report has typically emphasized regional and county-level data. This is intentional, as the region’s key challenges, and assets for addressing them, cross municipal boundaries. However, there can often be a need to better understand issues happening at the local level. To better facilitate this, The Institute has developed the Municipal Dashboard, a way to present and analyze local-level data by grouping together similar communities.

Analyzing municipal data can be problematic when different communities with differing populations, economic characteristics, and historical contexts are compared to one another. The Municipal Dashboard avoids this by grouping together 1. Urban Core & Satellite Cities communities that are similar in population Municipalities: 9 Population/Percent of Region: 199,890 / 38% size, density, and growth rate. The five categories at right were defined based on these parameters, with adjustments made to account for qualitative factors and local 2. Valley Legacy Communities context. Municipalities: 27 Population/Percent of Region: 99,836 / 19%

Below is a table presenting several community indicators across the five 3. Suburban Growth Centers classification groups. A complete Municipal Municipalities: 30 Population/Percent of Region: 95,580 / 18% Dashboard report, including methodology and additional analysis of indicators by municipality group, will be released in 4. Established Suburbs & Centers summer 2019, and The Institute hopes to Municipalities: 22 Population/Percent of Region: 87,231 / 16% further apply this lens to better understand local-level community indicators. 5. Perimeter Communities Municipalities: 28 Population/Percent of Region: 47,645 / 9%

Signature Underwriters Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation

Contributing Underwriters

Supporting Underwriters

Advisory Board

Patrick Leahy, Ed.D., Chairman Frank Joanlanne, Vice Chairman Wilkes University, President Borton—Lawson, President

Heather Acker Thomas Leary Marleen Troy, Ph.D., Planning Land Gentex Corporation Luzerne County Community College Use, Transportation and Infrastruc- ture Task Force Chair Ron Beer, MHA, FACHE Katie Leonard, M.A. Wilkes University Geisinger Health Systems Johnson College of Technology Wico van Genderen Thomas Botzman, Ph.D. Robert Luciani, Jobs, Economy, & Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Misericordia University Economic Development Task Force Business and Industry Chair Don Brominski Prudential Retirement Services 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. Mark Volk, Terry Casey University of Scranton Lackawanna College Chancellor Financial Group Alana Roberts Marwan Wafa, PhD. Cornelio Catena PPL Electric Utilities Penn State Scranton Commonwealth Health System Eugene Roth Tara Mugford Wilson John Cefaly Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald Power Engineering Corporation Cushman Wakefield John J. Ryan, C.S.C., Ph.D. State Senator John T. Yudichak, Thomas Curra King's College Public Safety Task Force Co- WVIA Public Media Chairman Steven J. Scheinman, M.D., Health Pennsylvania State Senate, 14th Robert Durkin & Healthcare Task Force Chair Senatorial District Greater Scranton Chamber of Com- Geisinger Commonwealth School merce of Medicine

Dale Jones, Ph.D. Bill Sordoni, Energy Task Force Penn State Wilkes-Barre Chair, Sordoni Construction

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

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