Oregon Demographics Continue To Shift, Poses Economic/Business Challenges
As a part of July's Public Policy Session at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, consultant Richard Bjelland shared factual data about how population and demographic data continues to evolve in the State of Oregon and in Marion County specifically.
"There are some significant changes that are taking place these days," said Bjelland.
Bjelland's powerpoint presentation provided a great deal of statistical information from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau to paint a picture for the Chamber's Public Policy Committee.
One of the most alarming realities is the position of the United States in comparison to other countries when testing educational attainment of our youth. The United States ranks 24th, 15th, and 20th in educating youth in the areas of Math, Reading, and Science respectively amongst 29 countries. Historically speaking, the United States' educational achievements have been tied directly to the country's ability to provide a leadership role in international economic leadership. As a result, countries surpassing the United States in educational achievements continues to pose significant challenges to the ability of the country to compete in a world economy.
Other notable points of Bjelland's presentation include the following:
- Racial/ethnic composition of public school students is changing rapidly in Oregon
- Minority populations are generally less educated with lower earnings capacity according to statistical data
- White educated Baby Boomers will begin retiring in 2010
- Work force growth will mostly come from minority populations - primarily Hispanic
- Federal and state revenue will be negatively impacted unless minority earnings increase
- Ratio of workers to retired persons is decreasing -putting pressure on retirement plan funding
- U.S./Oregon is rapidly changing from primarily a nation of white non-Hispanic persons to a racially and ethnically diverse population
- Hispanic/Latino and Asian populations are the fastest growing; 'white only' segment is growing the slowest
- Hispanic/Latino population increases now account for half of U.S. population growth
- Planning and policy decisions in education, housing, social services, etc. should reflect these patterns of growth
Bjelland's full Powerpoint presentation and statistical data can be viewed and downloaded through his website:
www.bjellandconsult.com
"There are some significant changes that are taking place these days," said Bjelland.
Bjelland's powerpoint presentation provided a great deal of statistical information from sources including the U.S. Census Bureau to paint a picture for the Chamber's Public Policy Committee.
One of the most alarming realities is the position of the United States in comparison to other countries when testing educational attainment of our youth. The United States ranks 24th, 15th, and 20th in educating youth in the areas of Math, Reading, and Science respectively amongst 29 countries. Historically speaking, the United States' educational achievements have been tied directly to the country's ability to provide a leadership role in international economic leadership. As a result, countries surpassing the United States in educational achievements continues to pose significant challenges to the ability of the country to compete in a world economy.
Other notable points of Bjelland's presentation include the following:
- Racial/ethnic composition of public school students is changing rapidly in Oregon
- Minority populations are generally less educated with lower earnings capacity according to statistical data
- White educated Baby Boomers will begin retiring in 2010
- Work force growth will mostly come from minority populations - primarily Hispanic
- Federal and state revenue will be negatively impacted unless minority earnings increase
- Ratio of workers to retired persons is decreasing -putting pressure on retirement plan funding
- U.S./Oregon is rapidly changing from primarily a nation of white non-Hispanic persons to a racially and ethnically diverse population
- Hispanic/Latino and Asian populations are the fastest growing; 'white only' segment is growing the slowest
- Hispanic/Latino population increases now account for half of U.S. population growth
- Planning and policy decisions in education, housing, social services, etc. should reflect these patterns of growth
Bjelland's full Powerpoint presentation and statistical data can be viewed and downloaded through his website:
www.bjellandconsult.com
Tags: bjelland, demographics, growth, oregon, population, powerpoint
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