Report to be presented on Thursday upbeat

Without giving away any secrets, Teri Ooms wants you to know that, despite problems nationwide, economic conditions are holding firm in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.

That’s one of the observations Ooms, executive director of the Joint Urban Studies Center, will present Thursday when the regional think tank releases its third annual indicators report.

“Our economy is more resilient than we thought,” she said, with no housing crisis, few mortgage defaults and incomes rising modestly, although still trailing state and national levels.

This year’s edition of the report contains some new data, with an emphasis on education. “We actually looked at proficiencies” in math and science in each school district in the two counties, Ooms said, and compared performance to students across the state and nation.

“Education is a little bit of a roller coaster ride,” said Ooms, a Scranton native who returned to the region in 2004 to take the reins at the new research center. She believes the report shows there should be more emphasis on K-12 schooling as a basis for future economic development.

The indicators presentation will be followed by breakouts from the leaders of four task forces that look more closely at the areas of education and work force development, jobs and the economy, housing, and land use, infrastructure and transportation.

Finally, a roundtable discussion with commissioners from both counties will wrap up the morning event. Ooms said five of the six commissioners have committed to participate in the session, which will include questions from the audience.

The indicators report is developed from data that are compiled by the center’s three full-time staffers, assisted by students from seven area colleges and universities.

“It’s all gathered from existing sources” at the local, state and federal levels, Ooms said. Task forces then commission some original research in their focus areas.

Ooms said few local governments or businesses have the time or money to conduct this kind of research. She hopes that officials in the public sector, health care, education and business will take a close look at the indicators and use them to align their goals with the region’s needs and opportunities.

Reservations are not necessary but will help planning for space and food needs. The cost of $50 in advance or $55 on the day of the event includes breakfast and a copy of the report.