JUSC .|. Research


	A partnership among Keystone College, King's College, Luzerne County Community College, Marywood University, Misericordia University, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, University of Scranton, and Wilkes University.

7 South Main Street, Suite 201 .\|. Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18701 .\|. 570.408.9850 \| email \| fax 570.408.9854 120 Wyoming Avenue, 3rd Floor .\|. Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503

JUSC Research Click on the links below for information on projects JUSC has completed.
Lackawanna & Luzerne County Business Patterns 1998-2006: November 2008: The report begins with a summary of U.S. Census Bureau data for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, and Pennsylvania as a whole. The report then breaks down county business patterns for 1998, 2002 and 2006. In its conclusion, the report evaluates county and state-wide data and identifies points of growth, decline, change, and stagnancy. JUSC hopes this report will prove informative in the prediction and management of northeastern Pennsylvania’s future business patterns.
The Rise of Luzerne County: An Examination of the Origin and Future Effects of Recent Population Shifts: November 2007: For years, and even decades, Luzerne County’s population has been on the decline. All demographic indicators highlighted in the Joint Urban Studies Center (JUSC) report “Why Aren’t We Average?” reveal that the county has continually fallen below national population growth averages. In June 2006, and again in June 2007, the county received fantastic data – the population estimate revealed a slight increase from 2004 to 2005 and from 2005 to 2006. This analysis demonstrates how this occurred and that we can expect population growth to be the new trend in our region for some time to come. Impacts and opportunities are revealed as well as evidence that Lackawanna County will experience the same growth.
University Community Partnerships, part 2: February 2007: University and community partnerships are essential components in creating a college town atmosphere. Many examples exist in the United States where Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and local communities have teamed up to advance opportunities for both entities and to address issues or collaborate for the good of both institutions. Such partnerships yield results, which benefit the IHEs as well as the local community. Phase II of this report examines the following: 1. Economic impact of six local IHEs on their communities 2. Current types of programs, including volunteerism, and partnerships between IHEs and the local community 3. Current outside funding used by each IHE in forming such partnerships 4. Potential state and federal funding available for community and school partnerships 5. Successful community university partnership case studies 6. Recommendations For additional information, part one of this report, completed June 2005, is located in this section of our website. Scroll down.
Best Practices of High Growth States: January 2007: A high growth state is one that displays a growing economy on a number of levels. The determinants of high growth in states include: overall population increases, percent change in real gross product, positive job growth, wage increases, and evidence of the majority of the citizenry going on to higher education - specifically those obtaining either primary degrees or terminal degrees. The top five states in each of the five categories have been identified through information obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Adjustment, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics data. A summary of each respective state’s attributes have been identified in regard to: quality of life; education [both K-12 and higher education]; cost of doing business and economic development policies; land use; transportation; cost of living; and housing affordability. The states with population growth, job growth, and greatest percentage change in real gross state product are primarily warmer in climate and west of the Mississippi, while states with wage increases and higher education attainment are primarily on the east coast (mostly in the mid-Atlantic region). After a cursory review, it appears that there are no consistent determinants among states. With the exception of Colorado, states with the most growth appear to have higher costs of living, more crime, and a weak Better Living Index. The difference is Colorado. Colorado’s Better Living Index is 100% — the highest in the nation. They are a leader in land use and transportation planning and development and have moderate costs and a lower crime rate.
Land Use Planning & Sprawl: January 2007: This project came as a result of the Land Use & Transportation Planning Workshop from the 2006 Indicators Forum. The paper identifies the history and types of land use planning, evolution of sprawl, transit-oriented development, traditional neighborhood development, and New Urbanism. Some case studies are presented.
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Education: December 2006: This project was the result of the Education & Workforce Development Task Force from the 2006 Indicators Forum identifying this as a primary goal for the region. The paper identifies where the region stands relative to programs, availability, and strength. It also discusses initiatives through the Rendell Administration, and highlights initiatives from other states to enhance pre-k and kindergarten education.
Ethnic Changes in Northeastern Pennsylvania: September 2006: The focus of this research is to summarize recent changes in the demography of northeastern Pennsylvania. An influx of the Hispanic community into specific urban areas has spurred not only population growth and new business opportunities, but also challenges in education, employment, and healthcare [to name a few areas]. The study identifies some opportunities for new initiatives and ways other small-mid-sized communities are working towards integration. This brief, by no means, takes the place of a complete regional needs assessment which should be the next step for our area.
The State of K-12 Education in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Best Practices for Improving Quality: August 2006: The focus of this research is aimed at taking an objective look at K-12 education in the region and identifying not only why quality of education in public schools needs to increase, but also best practices from around the world that will enhance K-12 education locally.
Poverty & Urbanization: February 2006: Poverty and urbanization are two economic patterns that demonstrate continuing trends. In this paper, we address the connection between the two and if urbanization directly affects poverty. We also, discuss the nexus, if there is one, between poverty and urbanizationin Pennsylvania’s Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.
Regional Implications of Bond Rating Methodology: June 2005: Bond raters and insurers evaluate the issuer's economic region when determining bond ratings. That cost of capital could increase or decrease based on the strength of surrounding communities. This should be a major reason municipalities and counties reach across jurisdictional lines to solve problems.
University/Community Partnerships: June 2005: Institutions of Higher Education make strong anchors for communities. Partnerships between institutions and their host cities can lead to job creation, beautification, enhanced housing, increased tourism, and more.
Regionalism: A Primer: June 2005: Partnerships across jurisdictional lines and that include public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders can contribute to the rebirth of northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Impact of Arts, Culture, Recreation, and Venue as a Community Revitalization Tool: June 2005: Arts, culture, recreation, and venue create wealth, pride, and image when incorporated into community revitalization and sustainability plans.
Why Aren't We Average?: April 2005: Why does Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County and the entire MSA continually fall below statewide averages on key census indicators? What would it mean if we did not - $700 million in additional revenue flowing through Luzerne County.
Brookings Follow Up: April 2005: A Competitive Agenda For Renewing The Cities Of Northeastern Pennsylvania -- Strategies And Recommendations to Implement The Brookings Institution Report: "Back To Prosperity: A Competitive Agenda For Renewing Pennsylvania

.\|.	Teri Ooms	.\|.	Sherry Murray Tracewski	.\|.	Marla Doddo	.\|.
	Executive Director		Research & Policy Analyst		Administrative & Outreach Coordinator