A collaboration among Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Johnson College, , King’s College, , Luzerne County Community College, , , , Penn State Wilkes-Barre, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, , & Presented by: Gold Event Sponsors Silver Event Sponsors Bronze Event Sponsors Signature Underwriters

Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation Contributing Underwriters Supporting Underwriters Themes for 2021

1. COVID-19 & Public Health Factors

2. Economic Recovery & Restructuring

3. Growing & Changing Population

4. Social Inequities & Family Economic Security

5. Building a Strong, Resilient & Sustainable Region Institute Insights on COVID-19

Crisis Recovery & Revitalization Research on Health Care, Education, Government, Business & Industry Workforce Development, Housing, and more Learn more at www.institutepa.org

Luzerne County COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund of The Luzerne Foundation Scranton Area Community Foundation COVID 19 Fund Wells Fargo Foundation COVID-19 & Public Health Factors

COVID-19 has been a public health challenge unprecedented in recent memory. It has drawn focus to areas for improvement in population health, health care systems, and public agencies’ ability to respond to such a crisis. Vaccination Update Health Indicators

Heart Disease Death Rate 196.4 per 100,000 14% Higher than Statewide

Adult Obesity Rate 32% Compared to 29% Statewide Economic Recovery & Restructuring

Economic indicators show signs of an economic return to normal and quickly tightening labor market. As a result, there is a need for sharp focus on building a talent pipeline with the right skills for an evolving economy. Jobs & Economy Indicators

Wage Growth Trends for Largest Industries 2020 Average Year over Year Wage Growth All Industries 4.3% Construction 1.6% Manufacturing 2.4% Wholesale Trade 4.1% Retail Trade 4.9% Transportation and 2.7% Warehousing Finance and Insurance 4.7% Administrative and Support 3.8% Services Educational Services 3.6% Health Care and Social 4.8% Assistance Accommodation and Food 3.9% Services Education Indicators

Avg. Graduation Rate Lackawanna: 88.4% Luzerne: 88.1% Statewide: 86.5%

Degree Completions 8,391 Workforce Development & COVID-19

Recommendations • Regional upskilling & reskilling Programs • Human-centered workforce approach • Equity in workforce development • Childcare initiatives • Initiatives targeted to in-demand Jobs • Focus on jobs resistant to automation • Statewide upskilling initiative Growing & Changing Population

While the region’s population growth has been minimal over the past decade, COVID-19 has brought about renewed signs of migration and growth. The region’s population has also continued to become more racially diverse. Demographic Indicators

Changing Demographics

13.7% Non-White Population Compared to 3.4% in 2000

20.1% Population Age 65+ Compared to 19.6% in 2000 Housing Indicators

Median Rent as % of Median Income Median Home Value 28.8% $138,600 Compared to 30.2% statewide Compared to $192,600 statewide Social Inequities & Family Economic Security

With nearly half of Pennsylvanians reporting income loss since March 2020, many families have faced significant hardships. COVID-19 and its economic impacts has appeared to widen existing socioeconomic disparities. Social Services Indicators As of Spring 2021,

26% of Pennsylvanians Struggle to Pay Usual Household Expenses

9% of Pennsylvanians Face Food Insecurity

12% of PA Renters Behind on Rent Payment Social Equity & COVID-19 Building a Strong, Resilient & Sustainable Region

This unique point in our region’s history offers us opportunities to reimagine our economy and infrastructure and explore new, more collaborative approaches to problem solving. This is essential to ensure our region is ready and resilient when faced with the next crisis. Environment & Infrastructure

Commuters Driving Alone to Work 79% Compared to 75% statewide

Households Without a Vehicle 10.7% Compared to 11.0% statewide Themes for 2021

1. COVID-19 & Public Health Factors

2. Economic Recovery & Restructuring

3. Growing & Changing Population

4. Social Inequities & Family Economic Security

5. Building a Strong, Resilient & Sustainable Region Regional Indicators 2021 Presented by: Gold Event Sponsors Silver Event Sponsors Bronze Event Sponsors Signature Underwriters

Andrew J. Sordoni Foundation Contributing Underwriters Supporting Underwriters Regional Indicators 2021 Presented by: 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