Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1367404
13 Commit to reducing disparities and improving outcomes for all in Orange County. Equity and growth have traditionally been pursued separately but both are needed to secure Orange County's future. Economic growth must be linked to the economic well-being and mobility of those most at risk of being left behind. With shifting demographics and a strong economy, along with a strong network of civic leaders, philanthropic partners, and community-based organizations, Orange County is well-positioned to be a national example of how infusing strategies that promote regional equity can grow the economy. Use data for cross-sector dialogue. Data in this profile and from other Orange County indicator reports should be used to anchor dialogue and discussion among the growing, dynamic, and diverse network of leaders who have a stake in the future of Orange County. Recent research has shown that what more equitable regions have in common is a diverse "knowledge community" in which members have a shared understanding of the region and are moving towards a common action-oriented agenda. By coming together repeatedly over time, relationships are built and consensus becomes more possible. As a result, the group is rooted in collective strength, rather than division and in-fighting. Link inclusion with innovation. Changes in the economy have, and will, bring both job growth and job "disruption." Collaborations among workforce development programs, educational institutions, worker organizations, and employers are more critical now than ever before. As workplace changes and innovations reshape the labor market, workers will need new skills and supports to be able to navigate the future of work. The future of work will also largely be in the caring economy, so attention needs to be given to training, improved wages, and caregiver support programs for domestic workers, home-care workers, and those caring for aging family members. Invest in early childhood education and other early interventions. There are long-term benefits to ensuring a child is on a path to opportunity early in life. Targeted investments in high-quality, early childhood education in those neighborhoods with "very low" and "low" Child Opportunity Index scores will help increase school readiness among kindergarteners. Because a parent's resources greatly shape the development of a child, investing in the county's youngest residents also means investing in their parents. Ensure affordable housing for all. Equitable growth strategies need to ensure that all residents—renters, homeowners, and home-seekers— can afford to live in Orange County and contribute to the local economy. Santa Ana and Anaheim rank fifth and sixth, respectively, in rent-burdened households among the 100 largest cities in the country. Given the scale of homelessness and housing unaffordability, multiple tools are needed to address the problem—and specific tools are needed for renters, homeowners, potential home buyers, and people who are homeless. Possible policy and program solutions range from early interventions to prevent chronic homelessness to tenant protections, rent stabilization, affordable housing bonds, and community land trusts. Embed and operationalize a prevention- oriented approach to advance health equity. Emerging strategies intended to improve the collective health of Orange County's residents must include a more intentional focus on upstream prevention. This means explicitly tackling the social determinants of health and well-being, rather than primarily engaging in efforts that emphasize increased availability and coordination of clinical services and treatment. To eliminate health disparities and create a landscape that fosters health and wellness, Orange County should take a comprehensive approach with strategies that bridge social, physical, and economic factors through new policies, stronger systems, and improved organizational practices. Ten (plus one) steps to equity for Orange County 1 4 5 6 2 3