Economic Opportunity

Greater Twin Cities United Way's Vision:

All adults have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and advance toward prosperity and wealth building.

career-academies-welding

Our Policy and Advocacy Agenda

LEAD:

Explore policies to create a “sliding” income threshold to slowly decrease benefits relative to increased earnings that will provide a bridge to financial independence.

SUPPORT:

• Establish Pathways to Prosperity grants as a permanent program within the state’s base budget that includes automatic forecasting and funding by DEED for the budget biennium.
• Increase investments for workforce education and training programs, including Pathways to Prosperity grants.
• Expand access to employment for individuals with prior criminal records.

ENDORSE/MONITOR:

Advance improvements and modernization of state workforce data collection and reporting systems.

Key Statistics

  • Fundamental Needs

    1 in 4 people in our community cannot afford their basic needs.

  • Economic Disparities

    People of color in the Twin Cities are nearly four times more likely to experience poverty than their white neighbors.

  • Inclusion Ratings

    Out of the 100 largest cities in the country, the Minneapolis and St. Paul region ranks 88th on economic inclusion and 92nd on racial inclusion.

  • Workforce Shortage

    By 2024, Minnesota is projected to have 400,000 unfilled jobs. 63% of those jobs will require some education beyond high school.

Stories

  • Rashonda of Summit Academy
    "They really equip you with what you need to go forward. My future, it’s bright. "
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    RaShonda
  • chrisujamaa
    "I knew I had the potential to give this world more than I was giving. "
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    Chris
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