Agenda Packet 2-24-20 Work Session

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Employment Opportunities People who have low incomes, are unemployed or underemployed need a broader range of employment opportunities, including self- employment • Job growth and low unemployment rates has not yielded better wages for many younger residents and workers lacking necessary skills. • The new workforce of youth 16-24 years old accounts for 38% of the workforce. • Current low unemployment rates and retirements in workforce has created demand for skilled workers in some industries. • The United Way ALICE report found that 58% of all jobs in Oregon are low-wage (less than $20/hour), with contract positions (non0benfited) increasing, a factor in job and housing insecurity. • There is a need to increase high-wage and living wage career employment opportunities for youth. • Lower wages are exacerbating housing affordability for some workers Low-Income Areas & Areas of Slums and Blight Geographic areas that meet federal criteria as areas of slums and blight or as low- income areas and need additional support for rehabilitation and public facility improvements • There are several areas in this community that are or could meet the HUD requirement for an areas of slums and blight which would allow different uses of CDBG funds. These areas could benefit from increased investments in the area. • There are several areas of this community that are characterized by 51% or more low- to moderate-income residents, which can benefit from increased investments in this area. • Needs to support areas low- and moderate- income neighborhoods through public improvements such as infrastructure and public facilities • Low-Income Areas have been mapped for both jurisdictions • Support currently designated slum/blight area February 24, 2020, Work Session – Item 2CC Agenda - Page 26