The future of work: the rise of the gig economy

How people live, work and spend their money has changed dramatically over the past decade, especially with the advent of smartphone technology. Being hyper-connected via social networks has increased communication and has opened new ways to make and spend money - online, picking up a 'gig' (or a temporary work engagement) is as easy as making plans for dinner or finding a date. The so-called 'gig economy' is altering the way that people view and perform work, and counties must be ready to respond with innovative policies and programs.

At [National Association of Counties] NACo's 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, the Counties Futures Lab hosted a workshop on the gig economy and how the rise of the freelance workforce is affecting counties across the country. Moderator Hon. Rich Fitzgerald, County Executive, Allegheny County, Pa., and presenters Dr. Trevor Brown, Dean of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University; and Molly Turner, Lecturer, Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley and the former Director of Public Policy for Airbnb - all shared their insights based on their experiences and interactions with the gig economy.

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