In almost all communities where good jobs was not a first priority, this outcome was a second or third priority. Citizens are clearly concerned about housing, health care, food, education, and other basics. With good jobs, they could meet these other needs. But the jobs that would make this possible do not exist. People in different types of communities said they need good jobs.
Good jobs are important to people in every state.
The Community Action Network is divided into 10 regions. In every region, some communities said that good jobs with benefits is their first priority. Twenty-five percent of participating communities thought that their first priority outcome is an increased percentage of citizens who have their basic needs met. And another six percent of participating communities thought that an increased percentage of housing units that are physically safe and affordable is their first priority. It is striking that so many communities chose meeting basic needs as a first priority.