Marco Alvarez
Business Reporter
Marco Alvarez is a Business Reporter for City & Local, dedicated to showcasing the vibrant tapestry of local commerce. He focuses on business spotlights, entrepreneur profiles, and community development to uncover the stories behind the services that define our neighborhoods. By analyzing market trends, business strategy, and economic impact, Marco provides readers with a trusted guide to the local businesses driving our community forward.
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Latest Articles
Henderson Hospital maternity NICU closure impacts thousands of families
Henderson Hospital, which supported over 2,400 deliveries and cared for 290 critically ill newborns in 2024, will cease all maternity and neonatal intensive care services by the end of September 2026,
Aug 12, 2026 · 6 min read
What Is the DOJ's New Digital Accessibility Rule and How Does It Affect You?
Starting April 24, 2024, every state and local government in the U.
Aug 12, 2026 · 6 min read
What are local government small business initiatives for economic growth?
In Ohio, a small business seeking a GrowNOW loan must operate with fewer than 150 employees, maintain Ohio offices, and commit to creating or saving one full-time job for every $50,000 borrowed.
Aug 12, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Find and Choose Local Healthcare Providers for 2026
Many patients assume their health plan covers necessary care, but a single out-of-network visit can lead to "balance billing" for everything their insurance doesn't pay, resulting in thousands of doll
Aug 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Public Sector Pay Lags Private Sector Despite Rising US Labor Costs
In Austin, Texas, the average starting salary for a city planner increased by 3% over the last five years.
Aug 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Local Businesses Boost Community Growth
In San Marcos, Texas, city officials are advising local businesses to increase supplies, offer game-day specials, and update online presences.
Aug 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Mesa SEO firms offer digital marketing services for Arizona businesses
Some Arizona businesses are seeing organic traffic jump by over 600% and online leads increase by 800% through digital marketing, but achieving these results demands a significant investment.
Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Jeff's Pizza thrives in Ames with unique menu and community focus
At Jeff's Pizza in Ames, customers can grab a coffee at 8 AM, tackle a 30-inch pizza challenge in the afternoon, or order a Cordon Chicken specialty pie at 2 AM on a Saturday.
Aug 10, 2026 · 2 min read
How Local Businesses Engage Their Communities
Rentec Direct, a local business, reinvests a staggering 100% of its revenue directly back into its community.
Aug 9, 2026 · 4 min read
Small Business Job Growth Trends Show Rising Wages Amidst Labor Quality Woes
Despite rising optimism, 36% of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in July, the highest reading since June 2025.
Aug 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Teamsters Local 512 Reaches Deal, Averting Strike for Durham School Services
Just hours before 275 Jacksonville school bus workers were set to strike, Teamsters Local 512 announced a deal with Durham School Services late Friday night, averting a major disruption for thousands
Aug 8, 2026 · 2 min read
How to Get Small Business Permits and Licenses in Charlotte
In Charlotte, there is no single, catch-all city business license application for ordinary businesses, forcing entrepreneurs to navigate a labyrinth of individual permits, according to Business Licens
Aug 8, 2026 · 6 min read
HUD Suspends LAHSA Funds, Accelerating Services Restructuring
On June 11, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) immediately suspended all federal funds to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), citing a $2 million conflict of int
Aug 7, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Boost Local Business Social Media Engagement
A small bakery in Ohio saw a 30% increase in foot traffic after its owner started personally responding to every Instagram comment, turning casual followers into regulars.
Aug 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Catalyst Fund Invests $9.8M in 271 Businesses
Korea Taqueria, a Korean and Mexican fusion restaurant, expanded from a single food cart to three full restaurant locations with support from a local grant, demonstrating the significant impact of tar
Aug 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Columbia voters approve 1% sales tax for police and fire services
By a razor-thin margin of just 85 votes, Columbia residents approved a new 1% sales tax, committing an estimated $38 million annually to police and fire services for the next decade.
Aug 5, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Apply for Property Tax Exemptions
In Texas, simply owning your primary home can reduce its taxable value for school districts by at least $140,000, a significant saving many homeowners don't realize they qualify for.
Aug 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Hamilton County commissioners approve levy for 2026 ballot
The annual cost of care for children in Hamilton County custody has surged by 70% in just three years, from $105.
Aug 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Local Business Collaboration Boosts Inclusive Employment
On a $380 million project at Los Angeles International Airport, construction giant Skanska quadrupled its goals for local small business participation.
Aug 4, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Supporting Local Businesses?
For every $100 spent at a local independent business, nearly half — 48% — is recirculated directly back into the local economy.
Aug 4, 2026 · 3 min read