The well-being of cities rests largely on the actions of its citizens.

Alexandria, United States – June 17, 2019 / Center for Human Capital Innovation

As communities look to the future, they often are faced with a critical need to develop the skill sets and professional credentials of current residents to meet the demand for talent … to develop their resident “human capital.”

There is also a strong business case to be made for primary school education, where successful investments pay long-term rewards in two ways. One, by providing the fundamental skills required for future professional training and college-level education. Two, by providing future job opportunities to employers who have employees who value great education for their children. These two contribute directly to the well-being and health of cities.

Starting with children’s primary education and carrying through to collegiate education and professional training, the impact of successful human capital investments on cities is undeniable.

Education and Skills Have Long-term Effects on Cities’ Economic Well-being

The results of a recent annual survey conducted by ETC Institute were published in the South Florida Sun Sentinel. This article referenced a recent confab on the issue between the City Commission and Education Board of Fort Lauderdale. Broward County Superintendent Robert Runcie praised the efforts of the City and the Board. Dr. Allen Zeman, President of the Center for Human Capital Innovation (CHCI) and Chairman of Education Board, articulated the human capital investment perspective when he said, “To be a great city, you’ve got to have a great public education system. It’s fundamental.”

A Crisis Seen Across the Nation

As Ft. Lauderdale and other cities look to the future, Dr. Zeman contends that a core component of success for the City of Fort Lauderdale will hinge on the ability of its educational systems to better develop complex reasoning, mental agility, creativity and other skill sets among the young minds it is designed to shape and mold. In other words, a focus on the development of human capital in traits which are essential for the future of work.

Many cities across this great nation are quickly approaching a point at which they may be forced to address the causes and consequences of socio-economic challenges ranging from aging populations, to income inequality, lack of a skilled workforce and more.

Combined and synergistic investments in core literacy, mathematics, sciences, IT skills, technical training and ongoing adult learning opportunities will be vital to tackling the challenges faced both today and those in the future.

A Well-Educated Workforce Is Key to State Prosperity

Both local and state governments are now beginning to realize that economic policy goes far beyond budgeting, fiscal planning and taxation. Income, wage and productivity per capita can and is positively impacted by investments made into human capital intensive sectors like education. Yet, for some, shortsightedness still rules the land, with funding often allocated to infrastructure and commercial expansion, luring human capital and talent from other states without actually increasing the talent, production and value of their current workforce.

About Dr. Allen Zeman

As President of the Center for Human Capital Innovation, Dr. Allen Zeman leads the charge in the development and implementation of innovative solutions in executive coaching, human capital consulting, leadership development and human capital analytics for clients in both the public and private sector.

Center for Human Capital Analytics (CHCI)

As a strategic consulting firm CHCI is dedicated to enhancing organizational performance across both the private and federal government sector. Their core focus is on increasing the effectiveness of leaders and employees through:

• Training and education
• Strategic management consulting
• Executive coaching
• People analytics
• Leadership development
• Speaking engagements