Creating Occupation Projections Using Input-Output Analysis
by Brian Fikkert and David Shideler

Abstract:
Building upon the methodology put forth by Carlson and Theodore (1998), we construct a methodology using input-output analysis to generate occupation projections for a local community. After describing the methodology, we present two case studies to demonstrate how the methodology can be used by local economic development officials and labor market intermediaries. The first case study is an evaluation of the Chattanooga Regional Growth Initiative, an economic development strategy being implemented in Chattanooga, TN. The second case study provides guidance in choosing between two potential manufacturers for an industrial site based on the manufacturers' impact on the poor. We find that both case studies generate accessible, economically empowering opportunities for the poor and unskilled labor force, and that labor market intermediaries should consider serving this labor force through job readiness training.