The pursuit of “economic mobility” in America—the ability of individuals and families to improve their economic status—is one of the few areas where liberals and conservatives find some agreement these days. Recognizing the critical importance of this issue, policymakers across the political spectrum are actively seeking solutions. From targeted tax reforms to innovative education initiatives, the term has become a focal point for policy experimentation.
However, there is an important jurisdictional mismatch that presents itself with this issue. While most of the key determinants of economic mobility such as the quality of K-12 education, jobs, and transportation tend to fall into the jurisdiction of local governments, most of the well-known economic mobility initiatives are coming out of Washington and state capitols. This presents a critical, under-explored question: To what extent are local governments tackling the challenges of economic mobility?
To shed light on this question, we teamed up with Abt Global to survey local government leaders all over the United States. Our goal was to understand how different communities prioritize economic mobility in their strategic planning and what resources they draw upon to tackle this complex issue.
The survey results paint a nuanced picture. While economic mobility often ranks below other issues, it does seem to be more important to the local governments where the need is greatest. Our findings reveal that a community’s diversity, affluence, and educational attainment significantly influence whether improving economic mobility is a top priority.
Differing priorities, but perhaps a common goal
Where does economic mobility rank among local government strategic priorities? According to our survey respondents, economic mobility ranks somewhat low (18%) compared to other policy areas like economic development (77%) and affordable housing (55%).
However, it is important to recognize that other policy areas that receive greater prioritization may indirectly support economic mobility. For example, a substantial proportion (40%) prioritize workforce development and 39% cited transportation, which could improve access to jobs, as a top priority. Additionally, 14% of local governments directly prioritize health initiatives and 12% are focused on K-12 education – areas that have long-term impacts on economic trajectories of residents.
Some communities are more attuned to economic mobility
While economic mobility may not top the list of priorities for most localities, our findings reveal that its importance varies significantly based on community characteristics. Communities facing greater socioeconomic challenges tend to prioritize economic mobility more than others. This suggests these communities recognize the challenges their residents face in achieving upward mobility and are thus more likely to make it a strategic priority.
Less affluent communities are twice as likely to prioritize economic mobility compared to more affluent ones (24% vs. 12%). Communities with lower levels of educational attainment also prioritize mobility at a higher rate (25%) than those with a greater proportion of college-educated residents (14%).
Racial and ethnic diversity also correlates with economic mobility being a higher priority. Areas where minority individuals make up more than 15% of the community’s population prioritize economic mobility at 23%, compared to just 11% in communities with less than 5% minority residents.
What resources are out there for these communities?
Given the complex nature of improving economic mobility at the local level of government, we asked local officials where they turn for ideas and support in such an effort. The diversity of sources cited suggests local officials are open to a range of perspectives when evaluating potential strategies.
Established think tanks like the Urban Land Institute (20%) and Brookings Institution (15%) emerged as the most frequently cited resources of those we asked about, followed by the Urban Institute (11%) and the Economic Policy Institute (11%).
Community-based initiatives also play an important role in supporting economic mobility. Local non-profits, advocacy groups, and grassroots organizations often have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by their communities. These organizations can offer valuable insights and partnerships to local governments, helping to implement place-based solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the population.
By drawing on evidence-based insights and considering place-based solutions, local leaders can develop more informed strategies tailored to the unique challenges in their communities. As the landscape of economic opportunity continues to evolve, the proactive engagement of local governments in collaboration with think tanks, nonprofits, government programs at the state and federal level, and community initiatives will be crucial for fostering economic mobility and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to improve their economic status.
Survey Background
The research underlying this brief was built on data from a national random sample of 738 local government officials (e.g., Mayor, Council Member, Head of Economic Development) serving all local governments (i.e., township, municipality, and county governments) with a population of 1,000 or more. Below is the question wording for the survey items used.
Which of the following are your local government’s top strategic priorities? Select all that apply.
Affordable housing
Poverty reduction/economic mobility
Racial equity
Transportation
Environmental management and sustainability
Workforce development and employment
Social justice
Economic development
Education (K-12)
Education (Post-secondary and Opportunity Youth)
Health
Other
Which think tanks and policy research institutes do you look to for ideas or support about economic mobility?
Brookings Institution
Urban Institute
Aspen Institute
Manhattan Institute
Economic Policy Institute
Urban Land Institute
RAND Corporation
New America
American Enterprise Institute
Cato Institute
Other (please specify)
None of the above
Press Contact:
Victoria Starbuck
Research and Communications Associate