Result 3.2 All Waco residents will have a livable income

Indicator 3.2.1 Median income for full-time, year-round civilian employees

$31,839 2017

Definition

Line Bar

Story Behind the Curve

The median income for full-time workers in Waco, Texas is lower than the surrounding county, McLennan County, at $37,062.00 and Texas at $42,269.00 (ACS 2016). There are several factors at play that influence our median income.

Positive Influences

Negative Influences

Shift in focus to workforce preparation (Greater Waco Healthcare Academy & Manufacturing Academy)
New businesses being attracted to Waco, Texas because of newly acclaimed "Fixer Upper" fame
New talent retention initiative- CampusTown Waco
Multiple Colleges and Universities- Baylor University, Texas State Technical College, McLennan Community College, University Center (Texas Tech & Tarleton State University)

Low unemployment rates -> Businesses that are hiring, hire/fire based on soft skills
Stagnant labor force participation rates
Presence of the county jail and an unwillingness of the community to hire those released
Available work is located on the opposite side of town from the need

Mapped Information

Partners

Educational Institutions:

McLennan Community College

Baylor University

TSTC

Local employers/businesses:

Waco ISD

Aramark

Lowe's of Waco

Cargill

Domtar

Ratliff Ready Mix

City of Waco

Center for Occupational Research and Development

Non-profits/Service providers:

Heart of Texas Goodwill

Caritas of Waco

Salvation Army

McLennan County Adult Probation and Parole

Esther's Closet

MHMR

Mission Waco

Christian Women's Job Corp

Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce

Strategy

1) Create a system to coordinate outreach between service providers and businesses to help those employed stay employed.

2) Develop an unified training certificate geared towards teaching "soft skills."

3) Develop a better relationship between the County Jail and local businesses.