ISSUE 162 | June 22, 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
PA colleges innovate to survive COVID and demographic shift 
Pittsburgh colleges and universities reported enrollment increases while other public higher education institutions struggled with declining student populations.

These difficulties result from COVID, decreasing youthful populations, and movement away from SAT and ACT testing.

To attract students, schools must approach enrollment differently and focus on careers and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. 
Philadelphia’s new police oversight agency opens its doors
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After a year of planning, nine community leaders will serve as commissioners of the new oversight group.

Furthermore, a staff of 15 will be responsible for investigations of officer misconduct, department audits, reviews of citizen complaints, and provision of policy recommendations.

The Police Advisory Commission will have subpoena power and full access to crime scenes and records.    

PA infrastructure funding could exceed $1 billion
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The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act guarantees at least $100 million to every state.

Recipients are eligibility for more funding, depending on need for reliable internet access.

If the state can gather an accurate count of residents with inadequate coverage by the deadline of August 15, up to $1.2 billion could be awarded.
Data Spotlight: Have you seen The Institutes new interactive data dashboard? Use the link to access information for Lackawanna, Luzerne, and 11 surrounding counties - as well as six regional cities!
From Around the Nation and the Globe
Economic and Policy News
Municipal buildings make great teen centers  
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A successful 20-year California program is being replicated in Georgia, in an effort to reduce violence.

One-Eighty will offer community programs, tutoring, outdoor adventures, and a teen center to serve adolescents after school.

Other organizations will also be able to make application to the government for use of the municipal facility to serve teens and at-risk youth. 
Legislation hinders strategies to curb the overdose crisis
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President Biden is calling for universal access to the three medications that can reverse an overdose.

Legislation and regulation at multiple levels currently complicates these efforts, however.

Biden is also calling for physician training and licensing, approval of telehealth visits to prescribe methadone, availability of medications in nontraditional settings, expanded access to medications in prisons, and funding for supply purchase programs (such as sterile syringes and fentanyl test strips).
Survey reveals factors contributing to great resignation
In a Pew Research survey, workers cited poor wages, limited advancement opportunities, and lack of respect from employers as the top three reasons for resignation.

Childcare issues were top concerns as well.

College graduates and individuals with some college education also sought more flexibility regarding their work schedules.
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