Economic Development
Key takeaways from the Explore Act, one of the largest outdoor recreation bills ever
The proposal will streamline the permitting process for outdoor recreation companies, study internet access at National Parks, identify potential long distance bike trails and paths, and support recreation and tourism economies and towns.
Cash isn’t the only thing guaranteed income programs can deliver
Data is starting to show that supplemental income programs can boost participants’ employment, housing stability and family well-being.
Pro teams aim to score nicer stadiums—and maybe more—from the public
Sports teams are asking for millions of dollars in public subsidies to build or refurbish their stadiums, and many want to create nearby fan districts to boost their bottom lines too.
Is the deal with the NBA Milwaukee Bucks a model for city development projects?
The community benefits agreement that the Bucks owners signed for $250 million in state aid to build the Fiserv Forum included provisions allowing arena workers to freely unionize. It has turned their low-wage, insecure work into sustainable jobs, according to a new report.
AI tools lack ‘expertise’ for site selection
A recent study found that generative AI doesn't produce the same results as humans when helping businesses pick a city or state for a new factory or headquarters. It also doesn't explain how it makes its choices—a troubling finding, researchers say.
Downtowns need a makeover. Resident, commercial engagement could help.
Cities are finding ways to attract residents and tourists back downtown, building small business support, community spirit and a local identity.
Corporate tax breaks are costing schools billions
A three-month investigation by The Conversation finds that tax abatements are coming at the expense of critical funding for school districts. But not all schools in a community are sharing the cash drain equally.
What makes a top performing city?
The tech and hospitality industries drive sustainable economic performance, but broadband access, affordability and resilience also play key roles, according to the Milken Institute.
Rural counties dependent on recreation industry show best recovery from pandemic employment loss
Rural recreation counties added to their pre-pandemic employment numbers, but other rural economies struggled to recover.
A huge EV factory is coming to west Tennessee. Here’s how locals are ensuring they benefit.
Communities are using an organizing tool intended for sports stadiums to bargain with energy transition projects for labor standards and affordable housing.
California wins big as Biden administration doubles down on high-speed rail
The Golden State will benefit from $6 billion in new grants to provide connections in the Central Valley and between the Los Angeles suburbs and Las Vegas. An East Coast route is getting big money too.
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.
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