All people of working age in North Carolina have equitable pathways to fulfilling employment throughout life.

Loss of income is linked to increased vulnerability to disease, unhealthy behaviors, and adverse health outcomes associated with poverty. Unemployment leads to disparities in health insurance coverage limiting access to medical attention and medication. HNC 2030, p. 38

The 5-year average for the unemployment rate for 2013- 2017 is at 7.2% for the state of North Carolina. Current unemployment rates among racial and ethnic groups are 11.7% for African Americans, 10.3% for American Indians, and 7.1% for the Hispanic population, compared to 5.7% for the white population. Unemployment is twice as prevalent in rural areas than in metropolitan areas (disproportionately affecting African Americans), and people who have been incarcerated have reduced access to employment opportunities that provide sufficient income. Unemployment and loss of income leads to loss of health insurance for 56% of the population. The 10- year goal is to decrease the unemployment disparity ratio found between the white population and other racial and ethnic groups. Current efforts are focused on initiating meaningful change at the state and county levels. HNC 2030 pp. 38-39

• Access to broadband internet
• Address collective impact of structural racism
• Expand transit options in rural and low-income communities
• Focus on investing in businesses owned by women and people of color
• Improve educational outcomes/increase participation in post-secondary education
• Improve personal finance credit scores and access to financial capital
• Increase access to affordable personal vehicles
• Increase access to affordable childcare
• Increase percentage of jobs that pay a living wage: look at health careers
• Increase workforce development efforts - target those who need it most
• Invest in the entrepreneurial population
• Recognize that opioid epidemic contributes to people not passing employer drug screens
• Seek a national health insurance/service program: An Economic Bill of Rights for the 21st Century
• Shift funding from industrial recruitment to support of small businesses and social enterprises
• Support “fair-chance” hiring policies
• Support economic opportunities that provide full-time employment and grow local businesses

American Community Survey (US Census)

• Availability Job Training Programs
• Minority Owned Businesses
• Financial Counseling/Wealth Building for Minorities
• Child Care Subsidy Assistance
• Post-secondary education support
• Distribution of broad-band internet