Childcare, Transportation and Housing are Issues Facing the Local Workforce

The County's Development Department shows recurring themes when it comes to Workforce Development Challenges

On Monday morning, roughly 100 business, government and nonprofit leaders attended a meeting hosted by the Miami County Department of Development discussing the long-anticipated results of a Community and Workforce Assessment completed by Measurement Resources, a public research firm that works with governmental and nonprofit organizations out of Columbus.

The work was inspired by the earlier work Measurement Resources completed looking specifically at the Troy community that was commissioned by the Troy Foundation. This report, the Troy Community Needs Assessment, talked about the issues facing the community. In someways, the county was looking to go deeper, but go broader with the foundation’s previous work. The county wanted this work to go broader by getting a view of the entire county, not just one particular duty. The county also wanted this work to be specifically narrow to talk specifically about the issues facing employers and employees here in Miami County.

The study on the Miami County Community and Workforce Assessment provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges faced by under-resourced "ALICE" (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Miami County, Ohio. These households, which earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but less than the basic cost of living, confront significant barriers in childcare, transportation, and housing—factors critical to their ability to gain and retain employment, and thereby, improve their economic stability.

Childcare Affordability and Availability

One of the primary concerns highlighted is the acute shortage of affordable childcare options. This shortage spans the spectrum of needs, from after-school programming to services for children for parents who may have second and third shift work. The scarcity of childcare providers, alongside the high cost relative to household income, particularly burdens single mothers, who spend a disproportionately higher percentage of their income on childcare compared to single fathers and two-parent households. This scenario forces some families into precarious situations, such as relying on unlicensed childcare providers or facing job changes due to childcare issues, thereby perpetuating a cycle of economic instability.

Transportation Affordability and Availability

Transportation emerges as another significant hurdle for ALICE households. With a heavy reliance on personal vehicles, the high costs associated with transportation disproportionately affect younger and lower-income workers. This demographic is more likely to miss work due to transportation issues, underscoring the need for more affordable and reliable transportation options. The report suggests that the lack of transportation also affects access to essential services, further complicating the lives of under-resourced households.

Housing Affordability and Availability

Housing challenges in Miami County are characterized by a lack of affordable options and a limited variety of available housing types. The predominance of single-family homes and a shortfall in multi-family units exacerbate the issue, particularly for older adults, young adults, and single parents who require more diverse housing options. The report indicates a critical need for the development of affordable housing to accommodate the county's workforce, suggesting that the high cost of living in relation to wages significantly impacts single mothers, young adults, and older adults the most.

Strategic Recommendations

The assessment outlines several strategic recommendations aimed at addressing these barriers. This list certainly isn’t exhaustive to what was provided in the report, but gives a sense of those ideas that were brought forward in the report.

• For Childcare: Establish public-private partnerships to expand childcare services and advocate for state and federal policy changes to support childcare availability and affordability.

• For Transportation: Improve access to affordable transportation options through partnerships with local businesses and public transit agencies, and explore funding opportunities for mobility management.

• For Housing: Encourage the development of a variety of affordable housing options, leveraging community buy-in and federal funding opportunities, and prioritize initiatives that align with the community's broader needs.

The challenges faced by ALICE households in Miami County are complex and interconnected, requiring a multi-faceted and collaborative approach to address. By focusing on improving access to affordable childcare, transportation, and housing, Miami County can make significant strides toward enhancing the economic stability and quality of life for its under-resourced residents. The report's data-driven recommendations offer a roadmap for community stakeholders to collaboratively address the urgent needs of workers and those seeking to enter the workforce, thereby strengthening the overall economic and social fabric of the county.

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