Economic Development

30 articles

A vibrant historic street in Baltimore with well-preserved row houses and active community members, showcasing economic and social benefits.
Neighborhoods

Historic Preservation Districts: Economic Value & How They Work

Properties located within Baltimore's designated local historic districts currently hold an average value more than twice that of properties situated in other parts of the city.

Derek Molina·June 23, 2026
A lively street in Emeryville with diverse local shops, artisan workshops, and dining, demonstrating successful experience-driven retail growth.
Services

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.

Marco Alvarez·June 22, 2026
Diverse professionals observing a thriving Kenosha cityscape, symbolizing opportunity and growth facilitated by the KABA grant.
Business Spotlights

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...

Marco Alvarez·June 21, 2026
Springfield, Ohio cityscape featuring a new data center and affordable housing, symbolizing economic growth and opportunity.
Best in City

Springfield: Ohio's Rising Value City for 2026

A single data center investment in Springfield, Ohio, is bringing $1.

Hannah Pierce·June 17, 2026
Diverse group of Los Angeles entrepreneurs celebrating business growth and new opportunities amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
Business Spotlights

Los Angeles sees major business growth, new opportunities emerge

Seventy entrepreneurs in Los Angeles recently received $2,000 each from a $140,000 grant program, according to LA County Awards $140000 in Entrepreneurship Academy Grants to .

Marco Alvarez·June 17, 2026
A vibrant small town square with a bustling independent bookstore and local shops, showcasing community connection and resilience.
Community

Local businesses are building community resilience and identity

In a small Vermont town, a single independent bookstore hosts more community events annually than the local library and town hall combined.

Derek Molina·June 9, 2026
Officials break ground on the new $36 million Delaware County shared services building in Ohio, symbolizing a significant investment in local infrastructure.
Services

Ohio's Delaware County Breaks Ground on New $36M Shared Services Building

While Delaware County Commissioners Jeff Benton and Barb Lewis just broke ground on a $36 million shared services building in Ohio, a separate 'Delaware County' in Pennsylvania is planning a major ret

Marco Alvarez·May 19, 2026
Diverse small businesses on a lively neighborhood street, visually connected by a network symbolizing support from local business associations.
Business Spotlights

How Do Local Business Associations Support Businesses?

In Detroit, 313Strong provided customized coaching and expert connections to small neighborhood businesses struggling with COVID-19's impact, proving a lifeline for many.

Marco Alvarez·May 15, 2026
Marks Construction team celebrating their win as Louisiana's Small & Emerging Business of the Year at the Spotlight Louisiana Awards.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·May 11, 2026
A diverse and vibrant city street filled with thriving small businesses, symbolizing economic resilience and community strength.
Business Spotlights

Small Businesses Are Key to City Resilience in 2026, If Policy Lets Them.

Infrastructure work at the Port of Monroe, completed nearly a decade prior to 2020, proved vital during the global pandemic.

Marco Alvarez·May 6, 2026
Tourists and locals engaging in a vibrant historic town square, highlighting the positive economic and cultural exchange of heritage tourism.
Local Guides

Heritage Tourism: Benefits and Challenges for Local Communities

The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA) has leveraged federal funding for a return on investment exceeding 5 to 1, according to Nps .

Derek Molina·May 6, 2026
Professionals collaborating at a modern business park in Durham, symbolizing economic growth and community support fueled by council investment.
Business Spotlights

Council Investment Fuels Durham Local Growth and Community Support

A £50,000 contribution from Durham County Council's Towns and Villages Vulnerable Buildings Fund directly enabled the refurbishment of an unfinished unit, leading to the relocation of 30 full-time job

Marco Alvarez·May 5, 2026
Diverse entrepreneurs collaborating in a bright, modern co-working space, symbolizing innovation and growth within a business incubator program.
Business Spotlights

What Are the Benefits of Business Incubators and Accelerators?

Incubated businesses boast a remarkable 70% survival rate post-program, far exceeding the typical odds for new ventures.

Marco Alvarez·May 4, 2026
A restored historic building seamlessly integrated into a modern cityscape, showcasing the synergy between heritage and contemporary development.
Real Estate

How Historic Preservation Status Benefits Properties and Drives Economic Growth

By 1966, half of the historic places documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) had already been destroyed or damaged beyond repair, according to NPS .

Aaron Blake·April 30, 2026
New residents receiving a warm welcome and helpful resources from dedicated Chamber of Commerce staff in a bright, community-focused office.
Local Guides

Unlocking Local Support for New Residents

Many people working at your local Chamber of Commerce genuinely love their community and are eager to help new residents integrate, offering a level of dedication rarely found in online guides.

Derek Molina·April 30, 2026
A meticulously restored historic building facade, emphasizing its architectural beauty and the positive economic impact of preservation on property owners and local communities.
Real Estate

What Are The Benefits of Local Historic Preservation for Property Owners?

In fiscal year 2022, Connecticut projects utilizing the Federal Historic Tax Credit generated $150.

Aaron Blake·April 29, 2026
Families enjoying a corn maze, U-pick berries, and a farm stay cottage, illustrating the diverse economic benefits of agritourism.
Business Spotlights

Agritourism's $1.26 Billion Boost to Farms: A Surprising Economic Driver

In 2022, U.S. farms and ranches generated $1.26 billion in income from agritourism services. This substantial revenue stream, derived from on-farm activities like corn mazes, U-pick operations, and fa

Marco Alvarez·April 28, 2026
A picturesque historic city neighborhood with beautiful architecture, showcasing community pride and economic prosperity.
Neighborhoods

What are the benefits of designating a local historic district?

The average current value of houses in Baltimore's local historic districts exceeds twice the average value found in the rest of the city.

Aaron Blake·April 26, 2026
Diverse entrepreneurs collaborating in a modern, sunlit co-working space, highlighting the impact of economic development on local business resilience.
Business Spotlights

Economic Development Shifts Support Local Business Resilience

In Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the city invested $4.5 million to open a 25,000-square-foot Small Business Center, a dedicated co-working space and incubator for local entrepreneurs.

Marco Alvarez·April 24, 2026
A diverse range of local businesses on a vibrant street, with subtle background elements representing regional challenges like wildfire risk.
Business Spotlights

Local Businesses: Targeted Support Meets Regional Challenges

Over 1,100 local businesses in Pasadena are participating in the new Open Rewards pilot program, with nearly 1,200 users downloading the app to support community commerce, according to Pasadena Now .

Marco Alvarez·April 22, 2026
A lively street in Hayward filled with diverse small businesses and engaged community members, showcasing economic vitality and consumer interaction.
Best in City

Hayward Amplified Grants Boost Local Businesses and Consumer Engagement

In Chattanooga, a single INCubator program helped generate nearly 60 jobs and contributed over $9 million in economic impact in 2025 alone, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press .

Hannah Pierce·April 19, 2026
A lively urban street filled with diverse, thriving hyper-local businesses, symbolizing economic growth and community engagement.
Business Spotlights

Hyper-local businesses are capturing market share and boosting urban economies

In Washington D.C., local business enterprises have secured over $1.5 billion in contracts since the DCAP program's inception, reports the National League of Cities . This substantial investment has d

Marco Alvarez·April 17, 2026
Small business owners collaborating around a table with financial documents, symbolizing access to local government grants and resources for growth in 2026.
Community

What are local government small business grants and resources in 2026?

Industrial Development Bonds offer tax-exempt financing up to $10 million for qualified manufacturing and processing companies, according to CalOSBA .

Sophie Nguyen·April 15, 2026
A lively street scene with people enjoying outdoor dining at various restaurants during a local Restaurant Week, showcasing community and economic vibrancy.
Food & Drink

Local Restaurant Weeks Boost Economies and Community Spirit

Fremont's fourth annual Restaurant Week recently featured an impressive 70 eateries, showcasing the widespread adoption and scale of these local dining initiatives.

Hannah Pierce·April 10, 2026
A vibrant neighborhood street with diverse local businesses, people interacting, reflecting community character and economic health.
Neighborhoods

Why Local Businesses Matter for Community Character and Economic Health

Local businesses are vital for community character and economic health, shaping neighborhoods into vibrant, interconnected places. They create jobs, foster social connections, and build a unique identity.

Marco Alvarez·April 10, 2026
Entrepreneurs networking at a lively small business expo, exchanging cards and discussing ideas, with various company booths visible in the background.
Business Spotlights

Bladen Community College Small Business Expo Set for April 29

Local entrepreneurs are invited to the Bladen Community College Small Business Expo on April 29. This event offers a vital platform for networking, collaboration, and strategic growth within Bladen County's business community.

Marco Alvarez·April 8, 2026
A bustling main street at golden hour, showcasing diverse people interacting happily outside independent shops, cafes, and a bookstore, symbolizing a vibrant local economy and strong community.
Community

Why Supporting Local Businesses Is the Only Way to Secure Our Community's Future

Supporting local businesses is more than a feel-good gesture; it's the most critical investment for a resilient local economy and a unique community identity.

Derek Molina·April 7, 2026
An inviting streetscape in Fairfield, Texas, showcasing newly renovated business facades along North Texas Street, with people enjoying the vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment, symbolizing urban revitalization and economic growth.
Business Spotlights

Fairfield Pursues Grant Funding for North Texas Street Revitalization

Fairfield is launching a new revitalization program for North Texas Street, offering significant grant funding to local business owners for property improvements.

Marco Alvarez·April 6, 2026
A modern city street at rush hour, showcasing a clear, red dedicated bus lane with multiple buses moving efficiently, contrasting with congested car traffic.
Business Spotlights

The Road Ahead: Why Expanding Dedicated Bus Lanes Is a Non-Negotiable Urban Investment

Dedicated bus lanes are a non-negotiable urban investment, fostering economic growth and improving traffic flow. Discover how prioritizing high-capacity public transit creates a more equitable and vibrant city.

Marco Alvarez·April 6, 2026
A vibrant scene showcasing a successful local business, integrating sustainable practices like fresh, locally sourced ingredients and community engagement, symbolizing economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Business Spotlights

Beyond Greenwashing: How Local Enterprises Are Finding Economic Success in Sustainability

A recent $1 million grant program is spotlighting the growing economic impact of sustainable business practices for local enterprises, signaling a shift where responsibility is becoming a key driver of financial viability.

Marco Alvarez·April 1, 2026