ISSUE 139 | January 12, 2022

The Institute is an economic research and applied research and consulting group that provides customized client solutions and strategies to facilitate decision making and planning that enhances growth, impact, and sustainability for organizations.

From Around the Region and the State Economic and Policy News

WV provides real time insight into births of PA residents Unlike Pennsylvania’s Department of Health, West Virginia officials track births in real time and identify up to eight substances to which infants may be exposed. Data is recorded using umbilical cord tissue as soon as 12 hours after birth. This data also shows that many women from rural PA counties travel across state lines to deliver. Click here to read the full article MSA Fair Market Rents aren’t so fair The 2021 Fair Market rent for a studio apartment or efficiency is $614 per month – a rate that a pre-school teacher earning an average of $24,000 annually in Northeastern Pennsylvania would be unable to afford. The Fair Market rate is $714 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, $877 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $1,132 for a three-bedroom apartment. In reality, it is difficult to find a one-bedroom apartment below $1,000 monthly. Click here to read the full article PA personal income exceeds than pre-pandemic income Personal income is the sum of all income from wages, social security, retirement contributions, property income, and all government subsidies. Pennsylvania’s 2021 personal income is 2.9 higher than it was prior to the pandemic (nationally, personal income is 4.1 percent higher). Growth is positive for state government because it leads to increased tax revenue.   Click here to read the full article

Data Spotlight! The Institute's annual Indicators publication contains an array of regional data, including insights into community health, household income, housing, and more! Use these indicators to make informed decisions. Simply click the link provided and scroll down! Click Here

From Around the Nation and the Globe Economic and Policy News

Project amplifies American voices during crisis The American Voices project uses an interview process to study the impact of the pandemic on people, communities, and systems. Its Monitoring the Crisis series is co-sponsored by the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality and the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Boston. Researchers want to know how individuals and families cope with everyday life amid uncertainties brought forth by the pandemic.  Click here to read the full article Thought leaders share ideas for community economic success The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis compiled evidence-based strategies that help people build wealth. Solutions include public policy reforms and new savings vehicles. The content also covers Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Click here to read the full article Baltimore elevates homegrown entrepreneurship  The Baltimore Economic Development Corporation created a catalyst for successful small-scale manufacturing. This vehicle consists of short-stay pop-ups, where the city’s home-based businesses can use physical storefronts to sell products. The space is located in a downtown opportunity zone, where program partners also offer education and support to the budding entrepreneurs.  Click here to read the full article

OUR PARTNERS Research Institutions

PUBLICATION SUPPORT Relaying Relevant News & Research to Local Stakeholders