March 29, 2024

Laborshed study to be conducted in Newton

The Newton Development Corporation (NDC) is partnering with Iowa Workforce Development and Iowa Economic Development Authority to complete a Laborshed employment study for the Newton area.  This study will geographically define which communities contribute to Newton’s workforce, regardless of political boundaries. This defined area is called a Laborshed area and is based upon commuting patterns.

The purpose of this Laborshed study is to measure the availability and characteristics of Newton area workers. Laborshed studies are useful tools for economic development teams and existing or prospective employers to understand the local labor market, make informed expansion and site selection decisions, and maintain/recruit a high quality workforce.

For the success of this study, we will be sending letters to employers in Newton asking that they provide us with aggregate counts of their employees’ residential ZIP codes. This will allow us to determine what the scope and scale of Newton’s Laborshed area is and better understand where Newton’s workforce resides.

A confidential survey of residents will also be conducted beginning August 21st to collect workforce characteristic information specific to the area.  Residents will receive a letter directing them how to take the survey online. Survey questions will cover topics such as: employment status, current and desired wages, current and desired benefits, education level and type of occupation among other things. However, Iowa Workforce Development will not be asking survey takers identifiable information such as: name, social security number, or date of birth.

Every year Iowa Workforce Development conducts Laborshed studies across the State. The results of each analysis are publicly available online at iowalmi.gov/laborshed.  If you have any questions about the Laborshed project, contact Katie Lippold at 515-281-3035 or Frank Liebl at 641-787-8209 or Tanya Michener at 641-787-8210 at NDC.