Partnership for Strong Communities - "Housing and the Workforce" Kicks Off 2009 Lyceum Forum Series

"Housing and the Workforce" Kicks Off 2009 Lyceum Forum Series

DECD Commissioner Joan McDonald

Over 100 people came together on January 22nd at the Lyceum in Hartford to explore issues related to "Housing and the Workforce." The event marked the start of the 2009 Lyceum Forum Series, "Housing: The Hub of Public Policy." This series will explore the relationship between housing and a variety of public policy issues, such as transportation, the environment, education, healthcare, municipal budgets, economic competitiveness and human services.

"Housing and the Workforce" focused on the relationship between affordable housing and maintaining a competitive workforce in Connecticut. Mary Ann Hanley, the Governor’s Policy Advisor on Workforce Development from the Office for Workforce Competitiveness, welcomed the audience and DECD Commissioner Joan McDonald provided background information on Connecticut's housing and labor force challenges.

Presenter Prof. Andrew Sum, Labor Economist at Northeastern University, spoke about Connecticut's changing labor force and the need to produce affordable housing that can accomodate a younger workforce. Bruce Blakey, Economist and former Chief Forecaster at Northeast Utilities, presented information from a study on which he is working that shows that a lack of affordable housing slows economis growth and that the high cost of housing in the state is contributing to a shortage of workers. In addition, the presenters commented on the ability of housing to create both short-term stimulus and long-term economic growth for the state. A response panel, moderated by Commissioner McDonald, provided commentary and context on these issues and included:

- Orlando Rodriguez, Demographer, CT State Data Center
- Stan McMillen, Principal Economist, DECD
- Dep. Commissioner Albert Martin, CT Dept. of Transportation
- Robert Kantor, New England Director, Fannie Mae

A second panel, moderated by Diane Randall from the Partnership for Strong Communities, focused on the needs of employers and employees, especially in regards to housing and transportation. Panelists provided their perspectives on how the lack of affordable housing has impacted their abilities to attract workers and to meet the needs of Connecticut's young professionals. Panelists included:

- Ed Johnson, Senior Vice President, St. Francis Hospital
- Marie O’Brien, President, CT Development Authority
- Mary Glassman, First Selectwoman, Town of Simsbury
- Julio Concepcion, Vice President, MetroHartford Alliance

Click on the links below to view information from "Housing and the Workforce."

This event was co-sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the Partnership for Strong Communities. Financial support was provided by the state of Connecticut Office of Workforce Competitiveness, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the Connecticut Development Authority, and Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance.

Click here to learn more about the 2009 Lyceum Forum Series.

< Previous		Next >

[ Back ]