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
Netta Walker's Keerah Play Earns Solid Review at Definition Theatre
Actor Netta Walker, celebrated for her stage performances, has debuted as a playwright with 'Keerah,' a summer romance that just earned a 3-star review from the Chicago Tribune .
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read
Outdoor Recreation Accounts for 4.1% of Wyoming's GDP in 2023
In 2023, outdoor recreation accounted for 4.1% of Wyoming's state gross domestic product (GDP).
Jun 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Northeast Florida property tax reform threatens local services
A proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution could cost local governments $18.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
What Are Local SEO Services for Small Business Growth?
Google is rolling out AI-powered calling in Search, where the tech giant can contact local businesses on a customer's behalf, fundamentally changing how small businesses might interact with potential
Jun 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Google Maps Prompts Reviewers to Disclose Paid Reviews
A local restaurant owner recently encountered a new prompt on Google Maps asking if their glowing 5-star review was paid, signaling a significant shift in how online endorsements are policed.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Florida Tax Shift Proposal Could Strain Public Services in 2026
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a ballot amendment to raise the homestead exemption to $500,000, aiming to eliminate property taxes for 92% of Florida homeowners, according to Governing. This sweep
Jun 5, 2026 · 5 min read
Navigating Sports Streaming Services for Local Games
To watch a full season of local team games in 2026, a fan might need to subscribe to a live TV streaming service costing over $70 a month, plus potentially a separate league pass, just to avoid blacko
Jun 5, 2026 · 4 min read
Local officials warn of service cuts from property tax reforms
Florida's proposed constitutional amendment, set for a November 2026 vote, could exempt the first $250,000 of a homestead's value from property taxes.
Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Florida tax reform plan boosts homeowner relief, strains local budgets
By 2037, one Florida proposal aims to eliminate all non-school taxes for homestead properties, a move that could reshape local government funding for decades.
Jun 4, 2026 · 4 min read
1+1 Restaurant & Tea expands community impact with new 2026 offerings
Just last week, 1+1 Restaurant & Tea announced it will convert its back patio into a free weekly tutoring center, a move that surprised many long-time diners expecting only new menu items.
Jun 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Kansas City, Greenacres Face Cuts as Tax Overhaul Looms
If Missouri voters approve eliminating the state income tax, the state sales tax rate would need to increase from 4.
Jun 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Local Businesses Redefining Service in 2026
Buono Jewelers, a local establishment, didn't just sell jewelry; it was named Small Business Manufacturer of the Year by the SBA New York Metro District.
Jun 3, 2026 · 4 min read
Niche Marketing Agencies Lead Local Digital Transformation
A small bakery in Omaha, Nebraska, saw its online orders jump 300% in six months.
Jun 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Florida property tax cuts: Cities warn of service cuts, job losses
In St. Petersburg, city officials spent more than $300,000 on sustainability initiatives, including carbon reduction and electric vehicle promotion, while simultaneously overtaxing residents by $49 mi
Jun 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Daily horoscopes for June 1, 2026, offer emotional depth
At 7:55 am EDT on Monday, June 1, 2026, Mercury shifts into Cancer, immediately moving collective thoughts towards memory, home, and emotional subtext, according to YourTango .
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Illinois House Inaction Ends Bears Stadium Bill
As the clock struck midnight on the final day of the legislative session, the Illinois House adjourned without taking up a critical Senate bill, effectively ending legislative efforts to keep the Chic
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Ben Brown's Strikeouts Lead Cubs to Dominant Victory
In a decisive 6-1 victory, Cubs pitcher Ben Brown struck out Iván Herrera in the first inning, setting an early tone for the team's dominant performance against the St.
May 31, 2026 · 2 min read
Michigan City's C.12 Offers $65 Lebanese Tasting Menu
A new Lebanese restaurant in Michigan City, Indiana, C.
May 31, 2026 · 3 min read
JTA approves fare hikes and service cuts, impacting commuters
On February 26, 2026, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) Board approved a budget amendment leading to $14.
May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
Lehigh University boosts Lehigh Valley impact in 2026
In FY 2023–24, Lehigh University injected an astonishing $376.
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read