Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Human Geography
Persistent Low Wages In New Orleans’ Economic Resurgence: Policies For Improving Earnings For The Working Poor, Marla Nelson, Laura Wolf-Powers, Jessica Fisch
Persistent Low Wages In New Orleans’ Economic Resurgence: Policies For Improving Earnings For The Working Poor, Marla Nelson, Laura Wolf-Powers, Jessica Fisch
Marla Nelson
Despite New Orleans’ economic resurgence post-Katrina, many workers remain stuck in low-wage jobs. Nearly 60 percent of jobs in the region fail to pay high enough wages to cover the post-Katrina cost of living. In 40 census tracts in Orleans Parish, 80 percent or more of working residents are employed in low-wage jobs. Among the region’s low-earners, almost half commuted long distances to jobs outside of their home parish for work. This essay lays out specific policies to alleviate working poverty and lift the working poor into the middle class. Clearly, the task of improving outcomes for low-earning workers is …