Regional Childcare Impact Study – Gateway Area Development District, Kentucky

Background

TPMA partnered with the Gateway Area Development District (GADD) to analyze the potential impact of expanding accessible, affordable childcare throughout five counties in rural east-central Kentucky: Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan.

Our Approach

This study included a research phase, a collection of best practices, and a final impact study. The project team utilized a rigorous, data-driven approach to estimate the ideal childcare environment where every “work-willing” parent finds the care they need to work full-time.

Extensive data collection laid the foundation for recommendations that provided avenues for discussion at local, regional, and state levels to prepare GADD stakeholders for a path forward in addressing childcare impact challenges for working parents.

Key Results

  • The childcare impact analysis identified 538 work-willing parents that could contribute to the local and regional economy if they had suitable, accessible, and affordable childcare.
  • Based on the recommended investment scenario, our financial modeling projected the Gateway Area Development District could generate between $61 million and $73 million in employment impact, labor income, and tax revenue by work-willing parents returning to the workforce through expanded childcare access.

“Childcare is now a core piece of regional economic infrastructure. When parents can’t access affordable, dependable care, every industry feels the strain—through lost productivity, workforce shortages, and stalled career advancement. The chance to strengthen childcare systems is both urgent and achievable, and the return on investment for employers, families, and governments is clearer than ever.”

– Alex Taylor, TPMA Consultant

Final Deliverables

TPMA’s final deliverable included nationwide best practices as well as recommendations specific to the childcare concerns faced in the GADD’s five counties. Read the final deliverable here.

Learn more about TPMA’s childcare impact analysis work here.