MadREP, along with our partners at the Urban League of Greater Madison, are pleased to announce we have scheduled a special Zoom session with Susan Longworth (Fed. Reserve Bank Chicago) for her presentation, Conclusions from Conversations about Economic Inclusion from the Midwest. Mark your calendars for Monday, November 30 at 1:00 PM and
register here!
Prior to COVID-19, the Midwest experienced a decade of growth that benefited some populations and places more than others. In her recently co-authored publication “Conclusions from conversations about economic inclusion from the Midwest,” Susan Longworth summarizes findings from focus groups with 175 participants in 13 medium-sized Midwestern cities experiencing varying rates of unemployment, family poverty and labor force participation. Many of the locations represent older industrial cities with limited public and philanthropic resources, challenging demographic trends and a loss of manufacturing employment opportunities.
As the effects of the pandemic continue to impact lives throughout the region, it is useful to understand the relevance of COVID-19 to preexisting barriers and divisions; hear residents’ suggestions on what leaders can do to create sustained economic resilience; and consider implications for inclusive policy and practice.
Susan Longworth is a senior business economist in the community development and policy studies division at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Prior to joining the Fed in 2011, she had over 20 years of community development experience, with a special emphasis on community development financial institutions and community banks. She holds an undergraduate degree in English from the University of Michigan, a master’s in public service management from DePaul University and an international MBA from the University of Chicago.
Thank you again to those of you who joined the recent Madison Region Economic Development & Diversity Summit! Hundreds of you contributed your time, financial support and insights via our discussion channel and it means the world to us.