Employment
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Promise, anxiety, and change: What the Fed is learning about AI’s impact on work
Artificial intelligence is impacting the way we work, and the workforce development ecosystem is changing as a result. The Federal Reserve’s Community Development function is among those tracking AI’s effects so far and what important questions remain.
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![[Watch] When Every Dollar Counts: Worker Perspectives on the Economy](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sept-3-2026-CC-WP-1920x1280-1.jpg?w=1232)
[Watch] When Every Dollar Counts: Worker Perspectives on the Economy
In this recent Connection Communities webinar, discover how low- to moderate-income workers adapt to rising costs and limited opportunities. Hear firsthand stories, research highlights, and Federal Reserve leaders’ insights on how financial pressures shape choices, resilience, and the future of our economy. Watch or listen on demand.
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Soft skills, strong futures: Preparing young workers for today’s labor market
Exploring youth workforce development programs at Federal Reserve Banks and their important emphasis on soft skills.
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“Not one story, but many”: Fed policymakers enhance their understanding of rural economies through outreach
Fed Reserve leaders continue to deepen their knowledge about challenges and opportunities in rural parts of the country.
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![[Watch] Understanding Benefits Cliffs: Evidence, Insights, and Open Questions](https://fedcommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/benefits-cliff-connecting-communities.jpg?w=1232)
[Watch] Understanding Benefits Cliffs: Evidence, Insights, and Open Questions
Benefits cliffs can hinder economic mobility when career advancement results in the loss of public benefits. In this Connecting Communities webinar, explore research, innovative pilot programs, and community-driven strategies to help workers, employers, and policy makers navigate these challenges. Watch or listen on demand.
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Beyond the household budget: A conversation on the affordability and economics of child care
Child care availability has significant implications for the nation’s economic health. An economist, policy experts, and a Fed researcher share perspectives and considerations related to thinking about child care affordability and how it impacts accessibility.
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The Quarterly Catch-up, Q2 2026
Check out the latest community development-related research, analyses, and articles from all 12 Federal Reserve Banks and the Board of Governors. This post captures content published between April 1 and June 2026, on topics affecting communities.
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Worker Perspectives: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes
For many lower and moderate income workers and job seekers, survival is replacing economic mobility. This research explores how individuals navigate tight budgets and a challenging job market. Despite these obstacles, many spoke of their perseverance in the face of challenges and remained confident in their ability to navigate uncertainty.
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2026 Worker Perspectives Report: When every dollar counts: Inside the economic struggles of workers who earn low to moderate incomes
The Worker Perspectives Report explores how workers are navigating rising costs, limited opportunities, and a challenging job market. To navigate these obstacles they are adapting finances and career plans, while also speaking hopefully about their personal ability to manage uncertainty. In their employment, they prioritize flexibility, work-life balance, and fair pay. Here’s what workers are…
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Worker Perspectives: Key Themes
The 2026 Worker Perspectives Report shows workers face financial instability from rising costs and inadequate wages. This instability limits their economic mobility. They struggle to find quality jobs amid new barriers, yet maintain personal confidence in their ability to persevere in the face of economic challenge despite low faith in the broader economy.