Labor Supply in Iowa
Policies for Economic Growth

Thomas Pogue
George Neumann
David Forkenbrock

March 1991

In April, 1990, the Public Policy Center of the University of Iowa was commissioned by the Iowa Business Council to study the dynamics of Iowa's labor market, consider whether a labor shortage is likely in the future, and identify private and public sector actions for increasing labor supply to the state's employers. Members of the Iowa Business Council are concerned that appropriate strategies be formulated now to avert labor shortages in coming years.

To carry out a thorough study of this complex issue, close collaboration was needed between faculty researchers and various professionals with practical insights into labor needs and supply. A Project Advisory Committee comprised of public and private sector leaders was formed by the Iowa Business Council to work with the research team throughout the project. This committee, in turn, organized six subcommittees to examine in detail key factors that affect the supply of labor to Iowa employers. The collective insights gained by the university research team, the Project Advisory Committee, and its subcommittees form the basis for what is presented in this report.

A Northwest Area Foundation grant to the Public Policy Center supported most of the direct costs of the project. This four-year grant is intended to facilitate the establishment of a continuing partnership between faculty at the University of Iowa and leaders in the state from the private and public sectors in addressing important policy topics.

$4.95, 142 pp., 13 figures, perfect binding