In an update from Prosper Springfield Director Francine Pratt at its luncheon meeting recently, Springfield City Council heard that the city is making steady progress in its efforts to reduce poverty, and that efforts to boost post-secondary educational attainment are the key to further gains. 

Pratt shared a comparison between Springfield and 15 other cities selected as benchmark cities for their size and other factors when the Prosper Springfield initiative began. 

The city’s median income is closely linked to its poverty rate, Pratt noted, pointing out that diplomas, certificates and training can move the needle on those middle incomes. She said 59.9% of the total population of Springfield is composed of members of the civilian labor force, and the unemployment rate is well below the 5% level that is considered full employment. She said in December 2021, unemployment was 1.9%. 

Keep reading to learn more: https://sbj.net/stories/boosting-education-can-cut-poverty-rate-prosper-springfield-director-tells-council,85149