In the nine-county Bay Area, as in the rest of the nation, deep racial inequities are built into the regional economy. Occupational segregation is stark and the impact of this is widespread. Deeply entrenched racial inequity cost the region $348 billion in unrealized GDP in 2018 alone. Inequities in the system are felt by the whole region, and workers of color are bearing the burden.
This report, produced in partnership with PolicyLink, Burning Glass Technologies, and ReWork the Bay, offers a comprehensive analysis of long-standing racial gaps in labor market outcomes, the economic impacts of Covid-19, and the racial equity implications of automation.
The report offers a robust plan, which centers workers themselves, to build a thriving and inclusive regional workforce:
- Establish a worker bill of rights.
- Define health and wellness standards to empower workers and incentivize employers.
- Develop community-centered economic plans.
- Strengthen the social safety net to improve worker benefits.
- Include workers’ rights training into workforce development programs.
You can find additional materials for this report at our partner PolicyLink’s website.