Marco Alvarez
Business Reporter
Marco Alvarez is a seasoned business reporter dedicated to showcasing the vibrant tapestry of local commerce. Before joining City & Local, Marco spent several years at the Regional Business Journal, where he earned accolades for his in-depth series on the revitalization of downtown districts. His commitment to uncovering the stories behind the businesses that define our neighborhoods makes him an invaluable asset to the community and a trusted voice for local entrepreneurs.
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Latest Articles
New public transit options and fares for 2026
For visually impaired riders, a new system called NaviLens allows detection of transit information from 100 feet away, even at a wide 160-degree angle.
Jun 28, 2026 · 5 min read
Chicago Pride Parade 2026 Route and Street Closures
Hundreds of thousands of attendees are expected to descend upon Lakeview this Sunday, June 28, 2026, for the 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade, transforming four miles of city streets.
Jun 28, 2026 · 3 min read
Premier Pools Siouxland boosts local economy with business spotlight
Premier Pools Siouxland recently announced a $500,000 investment into local infrastructure projects, a sum that far exceeds typical business contributions and marks the largest single private donation
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Supreme Court Allows TPS Termination for Haitians, Syrians
Hundreds of Haitian and Syrian families in Chicago now face an uncertain future after the U.
Jun 27, 2026 · 3 min read
Greeneville Driver Services Center announces temporary closure
Greeneville residents are being notified today that their local Driver Services Center will temporarily close, not next month, but in June 2026, for renovations.
Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read
Small Business Struggle: Consumer Habits Clash with Economic Policy
Last year, consumers spent $14.
Jun 27, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Get Local Business Permits and Licenses: A 2026 Guide
A business generating just $12,000 in gross income annually, or planning to hire its first employee, can immediately trigger a cascade of mandatory state and local registrations, often without clear i
Jun 26, 2026 · 4 min read
East Grand Forks proposes 33% transit fare hike
East Grand Forks residents face a 33% hike in daily public transit fares, from $1.
Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read
How to Choose a Reliable Local Eye Doctor
Despite the critical role of vision, many people choose an eye doctor with less scrutiny than they apply to selecting a new restaurant, often relying on convenience over qualifications.
Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read
East Cocalico businesses asked to fund local emergency services
East Cocalico Township supervisors formally approved sending a letter to local businesses, directly asking them to donate money to fund the township's fire companies.
Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read
Tampa Bay ferry service returns with two new vessels
With a unanimous vote in April, the PSTA Board of Directors authorized the $4.
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read
Hybrid work fuels coworking boom, defying commercial real estate fears
In just one year, the US coworking market added over 22.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Kansas City small businesses thrive at Union Station World Cup marketplace
Union Station leaders report that 15,000 visitors flocked to the World Cup marketplace in its first five days, creating an immediate boom for Kansas City small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read
June 2026 retail report shows Emeryville's surprising experience-driven growth
Despite a major national chain department store closing its doors in May, Emeryville's overall retail sales surged by 7.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Local Companies Earn Top Workplaces Honors Amid Scrutiny
A staggering 342 organizations in the Greater Washington D.
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Fairfield proposes delayed sales tax; service cuts expected
Fairfield City Council is considering a ballot measure for a 1 percent sales tax increase that, if passed, would generate $24 million annually but wouldn't take effect until April 2027.
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Hawaii Invests in Local Businesses for Economic Growth
In FY26 alone, the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) awarded over $865,000 to 26 companies through its Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP), according to Maui Now .
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation Awards $56,750
Seven children with disabilities in Summit County will now receive therapeutic riding scholarships, thanks to a $6,300 grant from the Tuscora Park Health & Wellness Foundation.
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Kenosha Area Business Alliance receives $240,000 grant for talent recruitment
The Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) offers a $5,000 bonus to workers in high-demand fields relocating to Kenosha County, an aggressive move to attract talent, according to The Business...
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Young entrepreneurs launch food businesses at farmers' markets
At the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market on June 13, recent high school graduates Ella Chang and Hailey Lim launched their matcha pop-up, Niko Matcha.
Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read