-
Dec 27, 2007 10:21 pm US/Eastern
-
Digg |
Facebook |
E-mail
|
Print
Massachusetts Struggles To Hold Population Steady
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
New census figures show Massachusetts with a slight increase in population over last year.
The state has an estimated 15,000 new residents, a meager gain of two-tenths of one percent.
And while that's an improvement over the population losses we've suffered in the recent past, we're headed for trouble if this keeps up.
We are struggling to hold our population steady, but there's something that can be done about it.
It's not rocket science. Once upon a time Massachusetts was one of the few places in America that combined beautiful scenery with economic opportunity. Nowadays, plenty of places have more of the latter at a much more affordable cost.
Start with the bread and butter: jobs.
A recent study by the think-tank MassINC placed Massachusetts next to last in the nation in job creation. Especially alarming: the loss of jobs in key areas like technology and manufacturing.
Current residents won't stay here if they can't find good-paying jobs, and outsiders won't move here for the same reason.
But what about the local biotech boom touted by Gov. Deval Patrick and other state leaders?
Those are good jobs, but they account for just two percent of the state payroll, and most residents don't have the skills needed to snag those biotech plums.
Another key cause of population loss: the price of housing. According to the Citizens Housing and Planning Association, we struggle to afford the nation's third highest monthly homeowners costs and the fourth highest median gross rents.
The state's been trying to encourage more affordable housing construction, with limited success. Too many restrictive zoning laws, say some critics.
And a third reason for our nearly-static population numbers: our eroding competitive standing.
We still have universities and research clusters that are the envy of others. But states like North Carolina and Texas have that and more, including better weather and business climates that are attracting the capital and entrepreneurial talent that once flocked here.
The MassINC study urges state leaders to encourage more industries that export products overseas, provide better workforce training, and improve the business climate with smarter tax policies and more aggressive marketing. Those ideas are nothing new. Maybe it's the leadership, not the game plan, that needs an overhaul.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)