Research by Author & Topic

Publications by Robert I. Lerman on Cities and Metropolitan Regions

In Hurricane Katrina's aftermath, several hundred thousand former residents of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast lost their jobs. In this paper we review some of the short- and longer-term challenges and uncertainties involved in tackling labor market issues in rebuilding New Orleans. We also present some policy proposals for addressing them. The needs of those returning to New Orleans, as well as those who choose to remain or go elsewhere, are considered. We argue that, for fairly modest public expenditures, the labor market disadvantages of many current and former residents can be addressed and their long-term employment outcomes improved.

Despite the significant flow of single mothers into the job market as a result of welfare reform between 1996 and 1998, this report of 20 metropolitan areas indicates that labor markets were able to absorb these new workers without a negative impact on competing workers. Double-digit rates of job growth for single mothers took place in 17 of the 20 metropolitan areas. Wages increased and overall employment rates improved for single mothers and other less-educated adults. Even in metropolitan areas with high unemployment and high welfare caseloads, such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia, enough jobs materialized to expand employment and reduce unemployment for single mothers with little or no harm imposed on the job opportunities of competing workers.

Bob Lerman, head of the Institute's Center on Labor and Social Policy, and Institute economist John Foster-Bey discuss major trends and forces shaping American cities in the 21st Century. With Fred Seigel of Cooper Union in New York. Hosted by Kojo Nnamdi.