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This overview explores the characteristics and challenges of the Midwest workforce as discussed in the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's report from November 21, 2002. Key features include high-income levels, a strong manufacturing presence, and educational attainment disparities. The region has experienced out-migration of educated youth, while rural towns face economic struggles. The historical context highlights the transition to high-income status through agriculture and manufacturing. The report also addresses workforce participation, economic recovery prospects, and strategies for sustaining growth in the Midwest.
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Overview of Midwest Workforce Bill Testa Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago November 21, 2002
Workforce features • Marginally high income/high wage region • A “blue-collar” region; manufacturing concentration”
Workforce features • Education attainment--higher HS and HS-plus; lower at “college/college-plus”
Workforce features • Out-migration led by younger and more educated. • Domestic in-migration rates lower (often negative); immigration rates positive but lower
Workforce features • Urban/rural split similar to U.S. • Large cities among most segregated
Workforce features • Ag-related employment close to U.S. average; many rural towns struggling • Manufacturing decentralizing to rural towns, but income gains are paltry • Age profile similar on average--older in rural areas, younger in large urban areas
Historic perspective • Region became high-income during late 19th and early 20th century through agriculture, manufacturing & urbanization • Sources of high wealth and sustainability? • --Natural resources: transport, energy, land • --Agglomeration • --Market structure? (union, oligopoly, • dis-equilibrium)
Fall and rise (and fall?) • Per capita income • Midwest share of nation’s manufacturing • Employment growth
Midwest recovery: Transitory? • Restructuring fundamentals • --New technologies • --Firm re-structuring/industry shifts • Idiosycratic factors • --S & L crisis • --Defense build-down/base closings • --Falling dollar • --Low energy prices
The “participation recovery:” To be repeated? (unemployment)
Implications and (other) issues • How much will MW economic growth be regained/sustained? • High average incomes? • Welfare-to-work population re-employed? • Work force “shortages” and growth • impediments?
Implications and (other issues) • How productive the Midwest workforce? • Can MW “Development” be accomplished? • --High tech/creative class occupations and • firms.
Policies/priorities for the Midwest? • Training: where to focus? (jobs to match?) • Job market efficiency (spatial and otherwise) • Immigration & assimilation • Facilitating an older/diverse work force • Rural economic transition • Prison released population issues