Economic mobility is often described as how a person’s economic well-being changes over a lifetime. As a person’s income increases, they are considered upwardly mobile. Ultimately, pathways to good jobs run through postsecondary education — 85 percent of new good jobs by 2031 (PDF) will require education and training beyond high school. Concrete ways that local leaders can influence the economic mobility of their residents include supporting or investing in workforce development programs and championing job quality, as well as employers that offer it.
According to the Urban Institute’s Upward Mobility Framework, creating workforce development programs that support workers in reskilling and upskilling are promising local policy interventions to advance economic mobility. Increased skills or credentials allow workers to gain employment that offers higher wages and benefits. For example, earn-and-learn programs, such as apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with real-world work experiences, are proven to promote long-term wage gains for participants. Those who complete Registered Apprenticeship Programs see higher rates of wage growth (PDF) than their peers in other programs, an average salary of $80,000 on completion and more than $300,000 in increased lifetime earnings.
Examples of City Workforce Partnerships
The City of Jamestown, NY (population 28,000) partnered with their manufacturers’ association to launch “Dream It Do It” Advanced Manufacturing, which gives middle and high school students hands-on-learning experiences with manufacturing. In 2024, Dream It Do It enabled more than 264 residents to earn digital badges related to advanced manufacturing skills, and provided career exposure opportunities to more than 1,000 youth and adults in Jamestown. As part of a strategy to expand access to employment, Jamestown’s The Resource Center (TRC) supports individuals with disabilities with workforce training and supports that enables a higher quality of life.
The City of Missoula, MT (population 75,000) funds the Missoula Economic Partnership, focused on workforce development and industry engagement across the community. Facing the decline of legacy industries, the city has worked to strengthen their regional economy by aligning workforce training with growing, high-wage industries (PDF) such as photonics, construction and healthcare. By braiding federal, state and local funding, the city has supported the development of apprenticeship readiness programs, mentorship programs and programs that support mothers in entering the workforce.
Focus on Job Quality to Improve Retention & Economic Mobility
Research shows actions that improve the quality of jobs can increase economic growth, reduce reliance on public benefits and lift communities out of poverty. Local leaders have an opportunity to track sectors or businesses that pay a living wage — the estimated amount that a full-time worker requires to cover the costs of their family’s basic needs where they live. This can be accomplished with the support of a local chamber of commerce, faith community or other community organizations. In Virginia, the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building has supported the Richmond Living Wage Certification Program. Through such programs, cities can recognize high-wage employers annually and share information about those employers that offer living wages in their community, thereby helping consumers and job seekers make informed decisions.
Beyond wages, tackling key workforce barriers such as access to childcare, transportation, or housing can improve workforce outcomes. The City of Tacoma, WA’s Tacoma Training and Employment Program not only directly connects jobseekers with high-wage careers, but also helps address barriers like access to affordable childcare, and other basic needs.
Municipalities of all sizes have a role to play in advancing the economic mobility of their residents — an opportunity to help connect their residents to education and training, build partnerships with local employers and celebrate those employers or sectors that offer wages that support economic security, not just making ends meet. A core part of increasing economic mobility is helping people get a job, keep a job and move ahead.
About the Authors
Workforce Development
Increasing Quality Employment for Residents, Part of a Brief Series
How Hard-to-Fill Infrastructure Jobs Impact Building Our Future
Using ARPA Funds to Invest in Workers and Businesses to Build New Pathways to Economic Competitiveness
- Patrick Hain
- Stephanie Martinez-Ruckman
- Michael Bartlett
- Corianne Rice