The SRDC is pleased to announce the release its 2008 Annual Report. Titled “From Blueprint to Action,” the document showcases the key activities launched by the Center over the past year that align with its three strategic priorities -- Fostering Civic-Minded Communities; Building Economically Vibrant Communities; and Expanding Opportunities for Distressed and Low-Wealth Communities.

View the full 2008 Annual Report (PDF - 33.3MB)

A small but significant decline has occurred during the current recession in the share of Latino immigrants active in the U.S. labor force, according to a new analysis of Census Bureau data by the Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center. Workers who are employed or looking for work are said to be active in the labor market. The proportion of working-age Latino immigrants active in the labor force has fallen, at least through the third quarter of 2008, while the proportion of all non-Hispanics as well as of native-born Hispanics has held steady. Among Hispanic immigrants, the decrease is sharpest among those from Mexico and those who arrived in the U.S. since 2000. To learn more, view the report “Latino Workers in the Ongoing Recession: 2007 to 2008.”

Low-income families in rural communities face unique challenges as they work to achieve financial security. Yet there is still significant debate over the causes of rural poverty and the role that geographical location plays in perpetuating these hardships. The latest U.S. Census Bureau figures show that 15.4 percent of rural Americans are living in poverty – a rate higher than the national average, which stands at 12.5 percent. Effectively addressing this issue therefore remains a critical component to the overall fight against poverty. The Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity has unveiled a new section of their Web site to gather key research, news and opinion on rural poverty by experts on the issue, policy-makers and the media. Visit this new poverty resource at http://spotlightonpoverty.org/rural_poverty.aspx.