DI 2021 Annual Inclusion Procurement Report 5.2.22

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17 Economic Forecast: COVID-19 and the pandemic resulted in economic fallout that caused significant hardship. In the initial stages of the pandemic, people lost their jobs. Still, we witnessed an improvement in employment and financial resources taken by the federal government, states, and local government to help reduce the elevated levels of hardship seen in 2020. Nonetheless, considerable needs remained unmet in underprivileged communities. The City of South Bend will receive nearly $59 million in American Rescue Plan money on equitable recovery over the next three years. Mayor Mueller stated "equitable recovery" priorities worth over $47 million in broad areas that will include. • Safe, affordable housing includes home repair, lead remediation, new construction, homeownership assistance, and permanent supportive housing • Neighborhood infrastructure includes lighting, curbs, sidewalks, and traffic calming. • Public safety, including technology upgrades and "interventionists," such as anti-violence groups • Deferred maintenance, including commercial demolitions and athletic courts. • Pre-Kindergarten expansion and youth opportunities • Economic opportunities, such as workforce development, small business financing, and an "opportunity fund" to "help get businesses who don't have access to the financing they need to be successful, to build their business and grow." The United States Census Bureau of 2020 ranked the population of St. Joseph County residents as 272,912 residents. The City of South Bend saw its largest population growth in 50 years, reflecting gains in many urban areas in Michiana. South Bend grew 2.3% from 101,168 to 103,453, a difference of 2,285 residents. "This historic population increase clarifies that South Bend has turned the corner and is a growing city once again," said Mayor James Mueller in a prepared statement. "We are proud that people are choosing South Bend as their home, and we must continue to make our city a great place to live." -said, Mayor James Mueller Mishawaka saw a 5.8% increase, from 48,252 residents in 2010 to 51,063 in 2020. Elkhart gained 2,974 residents over the decade, and Goshen saw a rise of 8.8% in the population. The population growth in Elkhart County can attribute to the increased demand for jobs in the R.V. Industry. The R.V. Industry Association reported its quarterly forecast by ITR Economics expects the record shipment to continue through 2022. Note Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Census Bureau