Ways San Antonio Is Adapting to the New U.S. Economy

National Journal’s Next Economy project asks a key question: How are Americans adapting to the new economy? Examined within the prism of diversifying America, the question has equally important relevance.

This week, the Next Economy embarks on its first in-depth exploration of change occurring within a city, starting with San Antonio.

It’s a young city, with a large minority population with low incomes. Below is a demographic comparison of Texas's second largest city (behind Houston) to the overall U.S. population.

One story chronicles 24-year-old Frank Pena, now happily employed unlike many of his high school pals because of a novel program concocted by city hall, the community college, and Lockheed Martin, the aerospace giant girding for a lack of experienced technicians as its workforce ages.

Read “How Did These Kids Score Good Jobs Right Out of High School?”