Happy almost Halloween!

As I hope you’ve seen, this month my colleagues at the Center for Research and Data released the State of the Region 2025 Report, a data-based look at key metrics in our region and comparisons to peer cities. This year, our region welcomed more than 20,000 new residents, marking our strongest population growth in a decade and highlighting our appeal as a great place to live and work.

On the workforce front, our region’s fastest growing industry is transportation and warehousing, with over 26,000 jobs added in this sector over the past 10 years. Health care and social assistance remains the largest industry in the region with nearly 166,000 jobs and a 6% growth rate over the past five years. This industry’s robust impact on the region’s economy comes as no surprise, with employers like Cincinnati Children’s and TriHealth showing up as the region’s two largest employers.

In the educational realm, the Cincinnati region performs strongly in higher education enrollment though institutions such as Xavier University, Northern Kentucky University, and the University of Cincinnati, which touted a record enrollment of 54,000 students in the Fall of 2025. The region ranks fifth against our peers for bachelor’s degree completions with 7.1 completions per 1000 population, signifying that Greater Cincinnati is a destination for those seeking higher education. 

The report also highlights some areas for improvement. Only 38.0% of our population falls into the prime working-age bracket (25–54 years), ranking us below many peer regions, and job growth has been modest in key sectors compared with high-growth metros. These gaps suggest we must double down on talent pipelines and job creation efforts.

Our region is in a strong position, and the data remind us that unlocking our full potential requires focused, collaborative efforts on talent attraction, employer growth, and upward mobility. We look forward to working together with our business, civic, and nonprofit partners to build talent pipelines that power inclusion and prosperity for all.

Here’s to continuing the momentum and doing the hard work where it counts.

FEATURED EVENT

There’s still time to register for our upcoming Leadership Sprint in Louisville, KY from November 17–19. This immersive retreat is designed for leaders who want to drive meaningful change, no matter their role.

Facilitated by Dr. Kevin Sansberry II, Lead Consultant for the Workforce Innovation Center, this experience offers a change to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build actionable strategies for leading change.  

Across three focused days, participants will identify a meaningful opportunity for change within their organization, practice strategic action planning though collaborative exercises, and develop a tested plan for change that they can implement within their organizations as soon as they get back.

If you feel ready to make a positive impact on your organization as a change agent, this is your opportunity to gain the tools, confidence, and support you need. Spots are limited, so claim yours today to start shaping meaningful change from where you are.

EMPLOYER TOURS

We are recapping all Employer Tours on the Workforce Innovation Center blog, where we can share information about open roles and the employers that are looking to fill them with job seekers, educational institutions, and workforce partners across the region.

This program is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Hamilton County, Ohio by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. We are grateful to the support of the Hamilton County Commissioners in funding this program.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Easterseals Redwood’s workforce development programs empower people of all abilities to achieve meaningful employment and greater independence. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential—whether they are overcoming barriers to employment, entering the workforce for the first time, or seeking to advance their careers.

Our programs provide individualized support, hands-on training, and real-world experience that prepare participants for success in today’s job market. We partner with local employers to create inclusive workplaces and to match skilled, motivated candidates with career opportunities that fit their goals. From career exploration and job coaching to skills certification and on-the-job training, our team walks beside each participant every step of the way.

Through specialized services for people with disabilities, veterans, and individuals facing economic or social barriers, Easterseals Redwood helps people gain the confidence, credentials, and connections needed to thrive. We also offer employer training and consultation to strengthen workplace inclusion and accessibility.

By combining compassion with innovation, our workforce development programs create pathways to sustainable employment and economic equity—helping individuals, families, and communities grow stronger together. At Easterseals Redwood, we don’t just help people find jobs; we help them build futures filled with purpose and possibility.

FROM THE BLOG

When we think of parental leave, we often picture new parents, but raising teenagers can be just as demanding. Our latest blog post explores the idea of “Teenternity Leave,” a growing trend that recognizes the need for flexibility at work during the teenage years.

Through a personal experience, we look at how thoughtful leave policies can help parents stay present for their families while helping employers retain loyal, engaged talent.

The Workforce Innovation Center offers a wealth of services and resources to help companies improve their business practices, create a more connected regional workforce ecosystem, and strengthen the economic prosperity of the Greater Cincinnati Region. From customized consulting services to tours of quality local employers, our services and resources are designed to assist you in addressing your workforce and talent needs, whatever they may be. Click a section below to learn more!

NEWS OF INTEREST

Ohio Valley Goodwill expands services with new 20,000-square foot center – Cincinnati Business Courier

Walmart CEO wants to prepare 2.1 million employees of America’s largest retail chain as AI changes every job

The blue-collar revolution isn’t just for Gen Z. Six in 10 white-collar professionals say they’d switch for the right trades job - Fortune

Why mothers are leaving the workforce - Axios

US worker burnout hits six-year high– which demographic is most affected? - InsuranceBusiness

Giving Career Advice to Kids Has Never Been Harder - The Wall Street Journal

GE Aerospace announce $30M 'flagship' workforce development program - Cincinnati Business Courier

How mental-health concerns are changing workers' career paths - Cincinnati Business Courier

These high-paying jobs are growing— and they don't require a college degree - Cincinnati Business Courier

11,000 seasonal jobs in Ohio part of Amazon's holiday hiring spree - Cincinnati Enquirer

4 Organizational Red Flags That Turn Off Job Candidates - Harvard Business Review