Local Economies

Using Federal Relief Funds to Ensure Equitable Recovery for Small Businesses

Governments can leverage American Rescue Plan dollars to help local companies impacted by the pandemic, including those owned by women and minorities.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

As Tourists Flock to Hawaii, One Mayor Asks Airlines for a ‘Pause’

Residents in Maui County have complained about congestion, illegal parking and overcrowding as tourists have resumed travel to the area.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Greater Disparities to Emerge in Texas as Unemployment Benefits, Protections Against Evictions and Utility Shutoffs End

The financial safety net for the pandemic will vanish this summer, and there are two very different economic realities for Texans returning to “normal.”

  • By Erin Douglas, The Texas Tribune

Wish You Were Here: States to Use Federal Funds to Boost Tourism

Governments can appropriate American Rescue Plan dollars to help the travel and hospitality industries rebound from economic devastation brought by the pandemic.

  • By Andrea Noble

Governors Promise Return to Normalcy Once States Hit Target Vaccination Rates

The announcements come as vaccination rates continue to decline nationwide.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

SBA’s Navigator Program Offering Grants up to $5M for Governments

The Small Business Administration will provide a total of $100 million to eligible organizations, including state and local governments, to assist underserved businesses.

  • By Andrea Noble

Multiple States Offer Bonuses to Entice Residents Back to Work

The payments, largely funded by federal coronavirus relief money, are designed to address a labor shortage that some economists say is due to slow wage growth.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

As States Ease Covid-19 Mandates, (Some) Legislative Buildings Reopen

State capitols and legislative chambers are beginning to reopen their doors to the public amid increasing vaccination rates and shifting health guidelines.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Not All Jobs Are Coming Back Post Covid: How States Can Help Retrain Workers

Rhode Island’s Back to Work program focuses reskilling workers through partnerships with local industries for in-demand jobs.

  • By Andrea Noble

Analysis: How Governments Can Effectively Spend American Rescue Plan Funds

If they spend wisely, states and localities can put their budgets and economies in a better position—now and in the future, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts.

  • By Brent Woodie

The Tax Landscape is Changing. Here’s How States and Localities Can Keep Up With a Moving Target

COMMENTARY | As businesses adjust the way they operate in a post-Covid era, state and local governments must re-evaluate how to collect taxes and maximize revenue streams.

  • By Kennon Walthall

Nevada Plan to Let Tech Firms Form Local Governments is Scaled Back

Gov. Steve Sisolak’s revised proposal would create a bipartisan committee to study the controversial "innovation zone" concept.

  • By Andrea Noble
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It’s Time to Reject Fines and Fees as a Solution to Budget Problems

COMMENTARY | State and local governments must dramatically reduce their reliance on this hidden regressive system of taxation that worsens racial and economic inequities.

  • By Lisa Foster and Cortney Sanders

States are About to See a Historic Infusion of Funding to Help Entrepreneurs

COMMENTARY | The federal stimulus package provides $10 billion for states to boost the capital available to new businesses. If they don’t invest the money carefully, it will be a missed opportunity.

  • By Victor Hwang

Covid Relief Bill Will Infuse Billions into Local Economies

From $1,400 stimulus payments to $300-a-week unemployment benefits, the $1.9 trillion aid package gets cash to residents that can translate to stronger state and local tax revenues.

  • By Andrea Noble

Smallest Businesses Will Get Special Window to Apply for Federal Relief Funds

The Biden administration announced the change to the Paycheck Protection Program on Monday, along with other measures to improve access to funding for minority-owned businesses.

  • By Andrea Noble

Carefully Targeted Cuts Can Help With Managing Covid-19’s Hit to Budgets

COMMENTARY | Cities, counties and states are in some cases making broad spending reductions to manage the financial impacts of the pandemic. That might not be the best approach.

  • By Hughey Newsome

One State is Poised to Shield Businesses from Covid-19 Lawsuits

Indiana legislators approved the measure on Monday, sending it to Gov. Eric Holcomb. Lawmakers in a number of states are weighing proposals to protect businesses from liability related to Covid-19.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Corporate Concentration in the U.S. Food System Makes Food More Expensive and Less Accessible for Many Americans

COMMENTARY | Consolidation has placed key decisions about the nation’s food system in the hands of a few large companies, giving them outsized influence.

  • By Philip H. Howard and Mary Hendrickson, The Conversation

Toward a More Inclusive and Resilient Economic Development Paradigm

COMMENTARY | As economic development leaders look for ways to stimulate growth in the wake of Covid-19, they should embrace strategies centered on resilience and inclusivity.

  • By Steven Pedigo

Going to the Super Bowl? Grab a Face Mask to Avoid a Penalty

Masks will be required at the Feb. 7 game and in various outdoor venues and districts around Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, per an executive order issued by the city's mayor.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram