COVID-19 and Supply Chains: A Year of Evolving Disruption

From product shortages to capacity constraints in the freight sector, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted supply chains continuously if inconsistently. As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the global economy, will supply chain disruptions continue, too? Read More  

Manufacturing under Pressure

The headwinds are fierce, but manufacturing is humming in the heartland. This three-part series explores the booms and busts; the opportunities available for workers, including those without four-year degrees; and the ways that people, companies, and communities are responding—and can respond—to changes and challenges. Read more  

Location, Location, Labor: What We’re Learning from Small and Midsize Urban Manufacturers in Ohio

While locating in an urban area helps, many small and midsize manufacturers still struggle to find suitable employees. What other barriers do they face, and how can local leaders and service providers help? Find out. Read More  

The State of Urban Manufacturing: Cincinnati City Snapshot

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and the Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) partnered for a study of the urban manufacturing sector in Cincinnati to learn more about the city’s manufacturing environment. The study included analysis of industry data and anecdotal data from more than 100 of the city’s manufacturing firms. Findings of the study revealed positive expectations, barriers to growth, and helpful recommendations for addressing challenges. Read More  

Columbus—A Still Low, but Rising, Unemployment Rate

The Columbus metro area’s unemployment rate has risen more than half a percentage point (to 4.3 percent) since April. Nevertheless, the metro area’s employment expanded by 2.0 percent, outpacing both the state and the nation. All major industries shared in this employment growth, with many sectors experiencing stronger gains in the metro area than in the nation. Home price gains remained robust, exceeding 5 percent on a year-over-year basis as of August, and the average number of permits issued per month for new housing units in the metro area has been substantially higher this year than in prior years. Per capita consumer debt levels remain stable, and credit card delinquency rates remain below both state and national averages. Finally, the Columbus metro area’s real per capita GDP grew 2.1 percent in 2016, a deceleration from the growth rate registered by the metro area in 2015. Read More