Report highlights grassroots strategies for shared prosperity and inclusive job growth

In an effort to inform grassroots economic development in rural communities and small- and mid-sized cities, a new report from the Upjohn Institute identifies collaborative strategies that do not necessarily rely on government funding or philanthropic gifts. The report, Building Shared Prosperity: How Communities Can Create Good Jobs for All, is based on findings from Upjohn’s Promise: Investing in Community initiative, which focuses on place-based scholarships, local labor market issues, and economic development policy.

Each of the report’s four chapters draw from lessons learned by Upjohn’s research and practitioner experiences. For example, the second chapter on “supporting businesses for shared prosperity” highlights the importance of targeting tax incentives on high-multiplier firms, and focusing on customized business services, which are oftentimes a more cost-effective economic development tool. In the “place-based innovations in workforce development” chapter, the authors recommend developing neighborhood employment hubs that focus on marginalized populations that face significant hurdles to employment. The report is available here, while additional analysis can be found in CityLab.