Economic Prosperity Strategy

Improving economic opportunity for the Bay Area’s low- and moderate-wage workers

SPUR Report

The San Francisco Bay Area is in the midst of a strong recovery from the past decade’s economic downturn. However, the benefits of prosperity are not universally shared. In the Bay Area, more than 1.1 million workers — over a third of the total workforce — earn less than $18 per hour.

How can we make sure the region’s rising economic tide does more to lift all boats? The Economic Prosperity Strategy identifies a comprehensive, three-pronged approach to providing greater economic mobility to low- and moderate-wage workers in the Bay Area. First, create pathways that will help lower-wage workers move into middle-wage employment. Second, promote economic growth with an emphasis on middle-wage jobs — to ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for moving up. And third, improve the quality of jobs and economic conditions for lower-wage workers.

The research, outreach and drafting of the Economic Prosperity Strategy was carried out by a core team of four organizations:

  • SPUR
  • Center for the Continuing Study of the California Economy
  • San Mateo County Union Community Alliance
  • Working Partnerships USA

SPUR

Project Manager: Egon Terplan
Imron Bhatti
Tony Vi

 

Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy

Stephen Levy

 

San Mateo County Union Community Alliance

Maria Belén Seara
The Rev. Kirsten Snow Spalding

 

Working Partnerships USA

Louise Auerhahn
Bob Brownstein
Derecka Mehrens

 

Research Support

Bay Area Council Economic Institute

Jon Haveman (Marin Economic Consulting, a contractor to BACEI)

 

Outreach Support

Eisen|Letunic

Niko Letunic

 

50+1 Strategies

Addisu Demissie
Jen Kwart
Dana Rivera

 

Clients

The Bay Area Regional Prosperity Plan Strategy Committee
Co-project manager: Therese Trivedi (Metropolitan Transportation Commission)