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Orange RPU PY 2025-2028 Regional Plan <br />6 | Page <br /> <br />recovery efforts have bolstered the economy, the LFPR remains below pre-pandemic <br />levels, reaching 62.07% as of October 20247. This lingering gap reflects the challenges <br />of re-engaging specific population segments, including those who retired early, face skill <br />mismatches, or encounter caregiving responsibilities. Housing affordability and the high <br />cost of living have also driven some workers to relocate to more affordable areas, further <br />impacting labor participation8. <br /> <br />Community feedback from the Jobs First Regional Plan survey highlights several barriers <br />to workforce engagement. Affordable childcare remains a significant challenge, especially <br />for working mothers balancing caregiving with professional responsibilities. <br />Transportation limitations, particularly for youth, restrict access to job opportunities, while <br />language barriers prevent many non-English speakers from fully integrating into the <br />workforce. Skills gaps and a misalignment between training programs and employer <br />needs further hinder labor force engagement.9 <br /> <br />The rise of the gig economy adds another layer of complexity to labor force trends. While <br />gig work offers flexibility and income opportunities, it can obscure traditional labor <br />participation metrics, as many gig workers do not classify themselves as part of the <br />conventional workforce. This dual effect highlights the intricate interplay between <br />caregiving, transportation, skills gaps, and other factors shaping labor force participation <br />rates. <br /> <br />To address these challenges, policymakers and community leaders must prioritize <br />initiatives that enhance workforce engagement. Expanding access to affordable <br />childcare, reliable transportation, language support, and training programs aligned with <br />employer needs will be critical to fostering an inclusive and resilient labor market. <br /> <br />Demographic Shifts <br /> <br />Demographic changes are <br />reshaping Orange County’s <br />workforce and economic <br />demands. Between 2023 and <br />2030, the county's population <br />is projected to decline by 3%, decreasing from 3,135,755 to 3,051,98110. This contraction <br />reflects broader state-level trends but contrasts with national growth during the same <br />period. <br /> <br />7 Lightcast. Economy Overview. January 2025.https://analyst.lightcast.io/ <br />8 Orange County Business Council. CERF OC Regional Plan Part 1. Irvine, CA: Orange County Business Council, 2024. https://ocbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CERF-OC- <br />Regional-Plan-Part-1.pdf <br />9 Orange County Business Council, CERF OC Regional Plan Part 1. <br />10 Lightcast. Populations Demographic Report. January 2025.https://analyst.lightcast.io/ <br />!"#A %C%’()*+,-A./*0 %C’C()*+,-A./*0 NOA0P#4(NOA0P# <br />5"A0P#(N*,0.6 ’78’97:99 ’7C987;<8 (=<’7::>?(=’4? <br />NA-/@*"0/A ’<7;A978;’’<7C9’7%%>(=;887;A;?(=%4? <br />BA./*0 ’’>7;8>7<;9 ’>97:<<78’8 8C7<:’7%’A ’4 <br />Data source: Lightcast <br />EXHIBIT 1