OBJECTIVE: Economic wellbeing

About this objective

The Twin Cities region boasts numerous economic assets that contribute to its robust and dynamic economy. While our region boasts numerous assets, systemic racial disparities undermine our economic vitality and threaten community stability. Disparities in employment, poverty, income, and homeownership by race and ethnicity persist in the Twin Cities and – in some cases – are the largest nationwide. To ensure a thriving future for all residents, we must address these inequities and build a more resilient economy. Building economic resilience is a priority that transcends individual jurisdictions. Achieving resilience requires robust interagency partnerships that bring together governments, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to address the region's complex and interconnected challenges. 

Despite nationally low unemployment rates, the region is struggling to fill thousands of jobs. Existing racial disparities in educational attainment levels and unemployment rates continue to limit the growth of the local workforce. The region is dependent on immigrant labor, which is vulnerable to fluctuating federal policy. Immigrants also face additional challenges such as credential recognition, language barriers, and discrimination. Undocumented immigrants also fear deportation, limiting their job and education opportunities. Climate change harms the economy by disrupting agriculture and access to local food systems, damaging infrastructure, and impacting vulnerable communities and industries.  

The Met Council promotes reinvestment and innovation in underutilized areas, aiming to revitalize and maximize the potential of economies at all scales. We also strive to enhance the accessibility of jobs for the region's workforce, facilitating greater opportunities for employment and economic participation. With our commitment to inclusive growth, we focus on meeting the needs of industries and enhancing the earning potential of workers through education, training, and mentoring programs which can be accomplished through partnership and collaboration. We seek to eliminate income and wealth disparities by race, advocating for equity and justice in economic opportunities. We are dedicated to creating accessible economic pathways for immigrants, acknowledging their valuable contributions to our region's diversity. Through these multifaceted efforts, we strive to build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving economy that benefits all people.