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.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
What are non-police emergency services in NYC?
Nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers face the prospect of losing health insurance, a direct consequence projected from proposed federal legislation, making the city's existing free and low-cost emergency he
May 14, 2026 · 6 min read
Battle Creek police halt fingerprinting services due to equipment failure.
For Battle Creek residents needing fingerprints for jobs or licenses, the Battle Creek Police Department's sudden halt of services until July 9 due to equipment failure means an unexpected scramble fo
May 14, 2026 · 2 min read
How Local Government Funding Structures Impact Public Health
The way your county government is structured can literally determine how long you live, with centralized spending linked to less variation in midlife mortality across neighborhoods.
May 14, 2026 · 5 min read
What are Local Public Transportation Services and Their Accessibility Rules?
Starting Sunday, New York City subway and bus fares will jump to $3, a move that also increases costs for commuter rail and bridge tolls across the region, as reported by The New York Times .
May 14, 2026 · 4 min read
Green Commitments Waver, But Regulations Drive Sustainable Business Forward
Over the last two years, a quarter of companies have slashed their sustainability headcount and budgets, according to Trellis Group data.
May 13, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Small Business Zoning Laws and Why Do They Matter?
A seemingly perfect storefront can be an illegal dream for a small business owner if local zoning laws prohibit their specific type of operation.
May 12, 2026 · 4 min read
Steuben County Expands Mental Health and Substance Use Services
In 2025, Steuben County programs delivered over 24,000 mental health clinic visits and nearly 14,000 substance abuse treatment services, a massive effort to support community well-being, reports Finge
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Black Forest Inn Faces Economic Headwinds, Community Efforts Fall Short
After 50 years as a cornerstone of the community, the Black Forest Inn announced its immediate closure, leaving 15 employees jobless and a gaping hole in the town's cultural heart.
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Green Certification: Local Businesses Embrace Sustainability
Businesses participating in green certification programs have collectively mitigated over 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, a significant environmental achievement.
May 11, 2026 · 8 min read
Marks Construction Wins Small and Emerging Business of the Year Award
A Donaldsonville-based company, founded just nine years ago, has been crowned Louisiana's Small & Emerging Business of the Year, signaling a new, data-driven era for state economic recognition.
May 11, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Plan and Launch a Pop-Up Shop in 2026: A Complete Guide
In 2026, a successful pop-up shop is expected to achieve an Average Order Value (AOV) starting at $5060 and convert 80% of its visitors into buyers, according to financialmodelslab .
May 11, 2026 · 5 min read
Lorain County JFS Strike Disrupts Vital Services for Residents
For 11 weeks, roughly 120 frontline workers at Lorain County Job and Family Services have been on strike, leaving residents without full access to critical social support.
May 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Coachella, Stagecoach generate $1B, boosting economy.
The Coachella and Stagecoach festivals inject a staggering $1 billion annually into the local economy, dwarfing many traditional industries.
May 10, 2026 · 3 min read
San Jose Restaurant Moves Due to Shelter Conversion Parking Loss
Los Garcias Restaurant, a North San Jose staple, saw its sales plummet by 50% last summer after the city began converting a nearby inn into a homeless shelter, ultimately forcing the restaurant to rel
May 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Kincardine's 6 Eco-Friendly Sustainable Practices
On June 18, the Kincardine Theatre Guild will host a 'Relove Runway' circular fashion show, an initiative by the Kincardine Environmental Action Network (KEAN) to promote sustainable clothing practice
May 10, 2026 · 4 min read
OCES to Oversee South Shore Elder Services Area Ahead of 2026
Starting July 1, 2026, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will oversee elder support for 33 communities across Greater Plymouth County and the South Shore.
May 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Local businesses share Mother's Day community contributions
At Holtschlag Florist, owner Michael Ericson sometimes gives flowers to children who can only afford them with a quarter, embodying a profound, non-transactional commitment to community.
May 8, 2026 · 3 min read
Co-working Spaces: Fueling Startups, Displacing Local Businesses
In Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood, a new co-working space now charges $450 a month for a desk, while just two blocks away, a family-run hardware store that operated for 50 years closed its doors las
May 8, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Start a Small Business in [City Name]: A Complete Guide
In Allentown, starting a business in 2026 isn't just about one permit; it's a multi-departmental gauntlet.
May 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Rural emergency services struggle with rising fuel and vehicle costs
A single new fire engine can now cost more than a million dollars, a price tag crippling rural emergency services already struggling to keep ambulances fueled and staffed.
May 8, 2026 · 3 min read