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The above is a radio package concerning the economy in Syracuse, in particular what is being done to help the 30% poverty level in the city. The main themes throughout this wrap and the interviews are what is being done to help the poverty level, if poverty is the biggest problem in Syracuse and how attracting wealthier people to Syracuse will actually help the poor. Most interviewees focused more on the gorwing business in Syracuse rather than the depressing poverty level of 30% and per capita income of $15,000. This made me realize the economic picture is not best portrayed by only the poverty rate, even though this is the most alarming statistic. The number of jobs had increased over the past year according the to Chamber of Commerce and the unemployment rate was 3.8% in October. The unemployment rate is near a record low and Roger Evans of the New York State Department of labor expects Syracuse to reach the full employment level of 3% within the year. This led me to realize another problem facing Syracuse is the lack of workers. Kevin Schwab, the Director of Communications at the Metropolitan Development Association (MDA), said this was actually the biggest problem within the Syracuse economy. The MDA actually has steps in place to help this problem, as stated in the blog. The final theme through the interviews was how the lack of workers and poverty level are tied together and is there a solution for both of them. This came through the increased tax base that wealthier residents would bring to the city of Syracuse. If there is more tax revenue, the city will have more money to spend on helping the poor.
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