Understanding unemployment and local hiring in Lawrence, Massachusetts : a report for the City of Lawrence

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to assess the state of employment in Lawrence, Massachusetts in an effort to understand why the city has consistently struggled with an unemployment rate that is double the state average. First, we evaluate employers' workforce demand and the supply of potential workers among Lawrence residents. We then test the efficacy of City incentives when it comes to generating local employment. Thus, we look at how new employers that take advantage of City incentives - such as tax-increment financing - fare when it comes to local hiring. We identify three major development projects and determine which local benefits they were awarded, how many jobs they promised to create and retain, and what the businesses actually accomplished in terms of job growth. Finally, we recommend next steps that the local government can take in order to raise the employability of Lawrence residents and connect them with jobs that are in high demand locally.