Economic Development
State workers fear federal grants won’t reach many disadvantaged communities
Amid historic federal investment in climate and environmental initiatives, employees tasked with distributing federal grants say they are overwhelmed and don’t have the bandwidth to ensure underresourced communities get the help they need.
Former coal towns get money for clean energy projects
Coal, oil and gas communities are receiving an amount of investment that is far above their share of the population.
A solution for dying downtowns is popping up in major cities
As business districts look for ways to revive economies weakened by long-gone office workers, cities are testing pop-up shops to reduce vacant retail space and give small business owners a launch platform.
Democrats face a balancing act in advancing clean energy initiatives
Despite some skepticism, auto unions recently approved new labor agreements that invest big in the nation’s transition to clean energy. Three Democratic governors are calling it a win. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
What’s driving post-pandemic downtown recoveries?
Data shows that many of the country’s largest downtowns have more residents now than before the pandemic, but residents alone can’t revitalize downtowns.
How one innovation hub plans to diversify the tech industry
Colorado’s quantum innovation hub consortium will ensure minorities and workers in rural and low-income areas get a fair share of the millions of jobs they believe the hub will create.
31 communities tapped as innovation hub finalists
The Biden administration expects the innovation hubs to spur scientific and technological innovation in communities across the country, including small and rural areas and those with historically underserved populations.
Recharging the Rust Belt through climate innovation
The cross-sector Chicagoland Climate Investment Alliance aims to transform the Midwest into a leading hub for climate technologies, economic development and investment.
If jobs won’t bring people downtown to work, what will?
The economies of six big cities took a hit as workers went remote or moved to areas with lower costs of living. But by focusing on downtown housing and leaning into already strong local industries, municipal leaders may be able to reverse the trend.
CHIPS Act implementation at risk as November shutdown looms
The shutdown would be “massively disruptive” for ongoing efforts to boost semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S., Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said Wednesday.
Do opportunity zones work?
The jury is still out. But recent research has provided new insights into the tax incentive meant to lure investment to distressed areas.
Traditional downtowns are dead or dying in many US cities—what’s next for these zones?
COMMENTARY | Developers have overbuilt office and commercial space in US cities for decades. Now, in the wake of pandemic shutdowns, many downtowns face hard choices about the future.
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