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| Institute: Preliminary COVID-19 impacts on hiring, unemployment, commercial space |
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Joint Venture’s Institute for Regional Studies has provided five new data releases since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the data is preliminary but reveals early impacts as a direct result of the shelter-in-place orders from mid-March. “There isn't any doubt that the pandemic will have an effect on every segment of our economy,” said Rachel Massaro, Director of Research at the Institute.
Bay Area hiring falls 4.8 percent since COVID-19 onset
Between February and March of 2020, the Bay Area experienced a 4.8% decline in seasonally-adjusted hiring compared to a 1.2% decline the month before the shelter-in-place orders.
What now? Insights from our Institute
The Institute’s research team, including Distinguished Fellow Margaret O’Mara, shine some light on the current crisis and ramifications of COVID-19.
Silicon Valley unemployment increased to 3.1% in earliest response to COVID-19
Preliminary analysis shows an uptick in the unemployment rate to 3.1% - a slight increase from the previous month’s 2.4% and still significantly lower than the recession peak of 10.5%.
Q1 2020 Commercial Space report: COVID-19 causes delays
The Institute’s first quarterly report on Silicon Valley commercial space since the onset of the pandemic shows a significant amount of new space is under construction, despite some pandemic-related delays.
Consumer Spending report
The Institute released an analysis of the region’s consumer spending trends and how they have changed during the pandemic. |
| Talent Partnership matches skilled volunteers to front lines on COVID-19 |
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Joint Venture’s Silicon Valley Talent Partnership (SVTP) has shifted its focus to matchmaking in the battle against COVID-19. Since lockdown orders were implemented, SVTP has matched 24 skilled volunteers to eleven nonprofits working on the front lines of the pandemic. Volunteers have stepped up to provide communications, translations, tutoring, fundraising support, volunteer management, IT, strategic planning, and more.
Thanks to SVTP’s collaboration with Silicon Valley Strong and the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits SVTP has a database of 600 skilled volunteers who are eager to support community organizations, in person or remotely. Interested volunteers can sign up through the Silicon Valley Strong website and nonprofits in need of skilled volunteers may contact with requests for particular skills.
SVTP will host a webinar on May 1
Engaging Volunteers Virtually During Covid-19 and Beyond
Explore how to creatively engage remote volunteers during Covid-19 with best practices. Think outside the box with a strong network of volunteer support. Co-hosted by Project Giving Kids. |
The webinar takes place Friday, May 1 at 1:00 p.m.
Register |
| Civic Technology Initiative takes action on distance learning |
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Many students and families are in desperate need of computers and internet access for distance learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Joint Venture’s Civic Technology Program has published Wireless Networks for Rural Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and Digital Inclusion, a concept paper that evaluates existing wireless technologies and offers recommendations for effective implementation.
The paper suggests creative solutions to solve connectivity challenges: retrofitting school buses and “bookmobiles” with Wi-Fi equipment; waiving FCC E-Rate Rules that would open networks; enhancement of the 4G LTE infrastructure to provide additional coverage to a broader range of locations by building temporary wireless sites. |
| We’ve got something to share |
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| While there’s nothing new about a blog per se, blogging is new to Joint Venture. With everyone working from home and feeling a bit isolated from one another despite regular Zoom meetings, the blog has become an outlet for conversation and occasional rants, and it offers a glimpse behind the scenes with a dynamic group of people. What’s it like to oversee food recovery while coaching kids on a science project? Who is actually a gifted pianist? Plus, take a tour of Joint Venture’s future home. |
| Visit the blog |
| Food Recovery Initiative honored with Acterra Award |
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Joint Venture’s Food Recovery Initiative, in partnership with Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, will be honored on May 28 with the Acterra Environmental Innovation Green Business Award for 2020. The partnership with Loaves & Fishes will be recognized for enlisting university and corporate food resources and delivering prepared meals directly to families. A La Carte has delivered over 450,000 meals and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 400 metric tons.
During the COVID-19 crisis the initiative is ensuring that people have access to nourishing food through the Silicon Valley Food Recovery Council, convened by Joint Venture. |
For more information, contact Robin Franz Martin: .
Learn more about the Food Recovery Council |
| May 5, 2020: |
| Joint Venture boosts local work via #GivingTuesdayNow |
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Joint Venture will participate in the #GivingTuesdayNow campaign, a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020. An emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, the campaign is intended to spark an increase in grassroots generosity, citizen engagement, and philanthropy.
Joint Venture’s participation will support local efforts and address the needs of the community, including matching volunteers to nonprofits, food distribution, providing e-learning tools to students, and conducting research on the ever-changing economic effects of the crisis. |
| Learn more |
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