The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and followers! Our offices will be closed for the holiday, reopening for regular business hours on Monday, December 1st.

11/26/2025

The Institute polls students at 14 local colleges, universities and professional schools twice annually. The spring poll asks about their post-graduation plans, their perceptions, attitudes and opinions on NEPA and their interest in living and working here after graduation.

Read the full 2025 spring student poll on our website: https://buff.ly/PWzbFQS

11/25/2025

The Institute's quarterly newsletter is now available. Read about the A.T.L.A.S. Mapping Tool, get a preview of our 2026 Task Force research, and see what else is new at The Institute!

https://buff.ly/PtMqJ3l

11/24/2025

Alana Roberts and Don Brominski, Co-chairs of the Energy Task Force, discuss ways to address anticipated energy shortages in the future. This video was originally presented at the 2025 Indicators event on May 20, 2025. All of our task force videos are available now on our YouTube page.

Alana Roberts and Don Brominski, Co-chairs of the Energy Task Force, discuss ways to address anticipated energy shortages in the future. This video was origi...

11/21/2025

The Institute Review #334 is available now; read it here:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Institute-Review--334.html?soid=1134090414735&aid=Hc8C_Sws5E0

11/20/2025

The health and health care section of the Indicators report identifies key health indicators in Pennsylvania, as well as Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties. These indicators encompass metrics related to physical and mental health, health resources, insurance, and both healthy and unhealthy habits.

All of the Health and Health Care Indicators are available on our online dashboard: https://buff.ly/nRm02vT

11/19/2025

The Institute is highlighting potential careers in NEPA during the 2025 fall semester. Developed in conjunction with our academic partners, we will be sharing posts throughout the fall semester with data on careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

Respiratory and physical therapists are in demand across hospitals, nursing homes, and home visit programs in Northeast Pennsylvania. These career paths have a higher retirement rate locally, much like other medical professions. As a result, hiring for these roles will remain a priority in our region.

11/17/2025

We would like to thank The Wright Center for Community Health for the opportunity to meet with Yolanda Moore of The Reinvestment Fund. We appreciate the opportunity to introduce her to The Institute and the work we do, and the chance to highlight our collaboration with The Wright Center.

The Reinvestment Fund is a mission-driven federally certified community development financial institution (CDFI) that is focused on improving communities by supporting and partnering with businesses and organizations that are working to expand opportunities in their region.

11/14/2025

The Institute Review #333 is available now; read it here:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Institute-Review--332.html?soid=1134090414735&aid=_iMWiOAE4NA

11/13/2025

The Social Services section of the Indicators report covers indicators related to social service programs within Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne counties and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Social services include government-funded programs usually provided to those needing essentials, whether as a safety net or for ongoing services. Nonprofit organizations and private philanthropy also play an important role in the provision of these services to disadvantaged members of the community.

All of the Social Services Indicators are available on our online dashboard: https://buff.ly/yhuTS8D

11/12/2025

Maintaining and repairing industrial machinery is a critical role at the many industrial parks in our region. With an overage annual salary of $60,701 in Northeast Pennsylvania, Industrial Machinery is a highly skilled career that pays a living wage.

The Institute is highlighting potential careers in NEPA during the 2025 fall semester. Developed in conjunction with our academic partners, we will be sharing posts throughout the fall semester with data on careers in healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

11/11/2025

Save the date for Indicators 2026 at our new venue: Mohegan Pennsylvania!

Join fellow community and business leaders and influencers on May 12, 2026 at the Indicators event for a report on the economic, demographic, and quality of life trends critical to the future of our region. Discover how community, business, government, and non-profit leaders are using data to spark initiatives that are improving the economy, businesses, and quality of life in our region.