The Business Stake in Workforce Housing: The Key to a Strong Workforce Karen Elzey Senior Director U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Workforce Preparation

U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Workforce Preparation Develops workforce and education strategies and leadership roles for businesses, chambers of commerce, and communities to hire, retain, and advance skilled workers in the 21st century.

Across the Country, More Workers are Unable to Afford to Live in the Communities They Serve Source: Copyright 2000-2006 Center for Housing Policy Data on the median-priced home are from the National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Opportunity Index for the third quarter (3Q) of 2005. Wage Data are as of August, 2005 and were obtained from a proprietary database of salary information by geographic location maintained by Salary.com

2004 Symposium with Employers, Chambers, and Housing Experts Are housing costs undermining the type of competitive business environment that is essential to strong, vibrant communities?

Employer Interest in Workforce Housing Recruitment Retention Worker Productivity

Why Chambers of Commerce? Local chambers of commerce: Serve as influential intermediaries Frame a collective employer response Provide greater visibility, and Engage local policy makers

Chamber of Commerce Emerging Models Local Policy Development/Advocacy (San Francisco, CA Chamber) Developing Housing Coalitions (Greater Keene, NH Chamber) Promoting Employer-Assisted Housing Programs (Greater Sarasota, FL Chamber) Conducting Public Awareness Campaigns (Frederick County, MD Chamber)

Next Steps Workforce Housing: Partnership between CWP and the National Association of Realtors Workforce Housing: Chambers and Realtors Building Retention Solutions for Business

Contact Information U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Workforce Preparation 1615 H Street NW Washington, DC 20062 Phone: 202-463-5525 Web Site: www.uschamber.com/cwp