Panel:
Economic Inclusion, Immigrants, and Young People of Color: The Role of Cities, Schools, and Gentrification
(Social Equity and Race)
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
In the wake of the Great Recession, policymakers and community development practitioners have grown increasingly focused on ensuring that the benefits of economic growth extend to vulnerable populations. This session highlights quantitative and qualitative research on economic inclusion, with a focus on how cities are addressing equity and policies that impact immigrants and youth of color. The first two papers examine how, and to what extent, cities are addressing economic inclusion, while the second two highlight issues facing immigrants and youth, including gentrification and barriers to employment. Solomon Greene, Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute, will present an empirical analysis of how economic health and inclusion interact in US cities before and after the Great Recession. Susan Longworth, Senior Business Economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will present a qualitative report based on focus groups conducted in 13 midwest cities in which economic and community development practitioners were asked about ongoing economic inclusion strategies and challenges, with a focus on outcomes for youth in vulnerable communities. Francisca Antman of University of Colorado Boulder will present an analysis of the impact of immigration enforcement actions on labor market outcomes. Syeda Sana Fatima of New York University Wagner School of Public Service will present research on the impact of gentrification on school integration and outcomes for students in affected neighborhoods. Together, this session will connect “big picture” trends in how US cities are faring at economic inclusion, to the next generation of immigrants and youth, who have the most at stake as policymakers and practitioners attempt to foster a more equitable future.
