Indicators Forum focuses on housing crisis, educational collaboration

Yahoo

21-05-2025

PITTSTON TWP. — As officials from The Institute gathered with local business and nonprofit leaders at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Tuesday for the 20th Indicators Forum, they shared signs of hope but also discussed numerous challenges facing the community — including a housing crisis and inequities in education — and ways to remedy the issues.
Charlie Kasko, chair of the board of directors for The Institute — a regional data analytics and research organization — stressed the group remains focused on providing cutting-edge information to help the region grow and thrive.
'We deliver customized solutions and strategies that help leaders make informed decisions, accelerate growth and ensure long-term sustainability,' Kasko said. 'Our mission remains clear: to support the vitality of our region by equipping decision makers with the purest form of knowledge and data. The forum is more than just an event, it's a milestone in a two-decade journey of insights and impacts. The indicators have served as a critical lens through which we view our region — tracking trends in education, health care, infrastructure, housing, energy and the economy. These insights don't just tell us where we are, they illuminate the path forward. As we look ahead, we do so with clarity, purpose and a renewed commitment to data-driven decision making that builds a more vibrant, equitable and sustainable future for northeastern Pennsylvania.'
Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for the Wright Center, added The Institute proves valuable information used by the organization all year.
'We use the data every single day to determine where we're going to place a clinic and where we're going to (focus) our efforts in order to address social and community needs,' he said.
Johnson College President and CEO Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., chair of The Institute's advisory board — which features 14 institutions focused on regional issues impacting organizations and students — said she believes the collaboration between the different schools and groups helps move the area forward.
'Together, we make the region stronger by examining the issues and opportunities that impact us collectively,' she said. 'We've seen an increase in our college-educated and skilled workforce, which is critical for economic growth and innovation. The diversification of our economy has also contributed to our resilience, helped by thriving sectors such as health care, manufacturing and technology. There are still challenges ahead — particularly in ensuring equitable access to education and job opportunities for all residents — however we are moving in the right direction. We're working to create a brighter future, and the continued focus on strategic initiatives and community engagement will be vital as we strive to enhance the quality of life for all residents of our region.'
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Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for The Wright Center, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Nathan Barrett, superintendent of the Hanover Area School District, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for The Wright Center, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, noted while wages have increased over the past four years in the region, they haven't increased at the same rate as the climbing cost of living.
'One in five households in the region continue to report incomes under $25,000 a year, so there is a significant share of our households living in poverty,' she said.
To earn a livable wage, a single adult needs to make about $43,000 per year to be able to afford housing, transportation, medical care and food, Avery-Stoss added. When you add in child care, a single adult with three children in day care must earn more than $128,000 to maintain that honest, dignified wage, she said.
'We have to continue to elevate the ecosystem here in NEPA to make it as inviting as possible,' Avery-Stoss said. 'We don't want to lose our graduates and we desperately need to reengage with the sizable share of the population — aged 16 to 24 years old — who are disconnected from education and the workforce. We have great labor force participation, but we also have many jobs that need to be filled. It's particularly important to focus on educating students about the diverse opportunities out there.'
Nathan Barrett, superintendent of the Hanover Area School District, noted there has been a glaring drop in the number of people becoming teachers in the state over the past decade.
'In 2016, there were 18,000 teaching licenses issued by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,' he said. 'For the last two years, we've had 6,000. There is a growing need for teachers due to the lack of support — so to speak — throughout the commonwealth. But that's not what I'm seeing. I'm very optimistic about the resources and opportunities that are provided to us.'
In terms of the housing situation, Avery-Stoss indicated several factors, including employment growth, population growth, pandemic impacts and limited development, have led to higher costs of living.
'We've historically been known as a region with an affordable cost of living, but those factors … have put a strain on our housing stock which has added upward pressure to costs for renters and homeowners,' she said. 'We're looking at something of a housing crisis. Since 2019, the typical home values have nearly doubled, especially in Luzerne County where they've grown about 91%.'
Avery-Stoss added the home values are up 81% in Wayne County and 71% in Lackawanna County — which are also significantly higher than the statewide and national numbers of 54% and 57%, respectively.
Typical market rent has followed a similar trend since 2019 as rental costs have grown 42% in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton metro area compared to 35% at the national level, Avery-Stoss said.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo praised officials from The Institute for developing a 'comprehensive road map' to address housing needs.
The analysis encompasses community profiles, insights into housing development, interviews with housing professionals and community leaders as well as a rigorous examination of secondary data and analysis of existing zoning and planning codes, she said.
'This initiative is not just a plan, it's a vision for a brighter future — one that recognizes that housing is a fundamental pillar of economic development and community well-being,' Crocamo said. 'It's data, but it's also the faces of the people we live with. In my role as the county manager, I've gained a deep understanding of the multifaceted barriers and challenges related to housing in our region, and the significant impact these issues have on individuals and families. These challenges not only affect where people live, but they also have far-reaching consequences on their health, employment opportunities and educational performance.
'We all know stable and affordable housing is essential for fostering a thriving economy. When residents have access to safe and secure homes, they can contribute to their communities, pursue education and job opportunities. By addressing our housing needs, we are not only providing shelter, but also creating a foundation for growth, stability and prosperity for all the residents of Luzerne County and the region.'