Economic Impact

30 articles

A lively street filled with diverse, independent local businesses and happy shoppers, illustrating the positive economic and community impact of supporting local.
Local Guides

What Are The Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses?

For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $73 remains directly within the local economy, significantly boosting community wealth.

Hannah Pierce·August 23, 2026
A lively street scene during Black Restaurant Week in Buffalo, showcasing diverse people enjoying food from Black-owned businesses under celebratory banners.
Business Spotlights

Black Restaurant Week Western New York Showcases Over 30 Businesses

This year, 33 Black-owned restaurants and food businesses in Buffalo are participating in Black Restaurant Week, a significant increase underscoring a growing community effort to support local culinar

Marco Alvarez·August 14, 2026
A lively street filled with diverse local businesses and happy community members, symbolizing strong local economies and resilience.
Community

What are the benefits of supporting local businesses for community resilience?

During the pandemic, the sudden collapse of global supply chains left countless communities facing empty store shelves and economic instability, a stark reminder of their inherent fragility.

Sophie Nguyen·August 11, 2026
A lively street filled with diverse local businesses and happy customers, symbolizing community economic strength and connection.
Business Spotlights

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.

Marco Alvarez·August 4, 2026
A cracked clock tower in a town square, symbolizing the uncertain future of local funding for community events and public services.
Community

Local funding for community events and public services faces an uncertain 2026 future.

Over the past year, Iola's Bowlus Fine Arts Center hosted 40 major events, drawing visitors from 11 states and serving over 10,000 patrons.

Sophie Nguyen·July 31, 2026
A lively street scene in Massachusetts during a major event, showing economic activity and community engagement with people celebrating and local businesses thriving.
Events

Major Events Drive Local Spending, But Community Spirit Needs Nurturing

Airbnb reported that more people rented out their homes during the 2026 World Cup in Massachusetts than during the 2024 Paris Olympics, a surprising turn that underscores the immediate, grassroots eco

Sophie Nguyen·July 19, 2026
A thriving community garden in an urban area, symbolizing access to fresh food, with a backdrop hinting at past food access limitations.
Community

What Are Food Deserts and Why Do They Matter for Health and Economy?

In the United States, average life expectancy at birth is nearly five years lower in low-income communities with limited access to healthy food compared to high-income areas with abundant access.

Derek Molina·July 16, 2026
A split image showing a modern house in a serene natural setting juxtaposed with a dense, busy city skyline, symbolizing the impact of remote work on housing.
Real Estate

Remote Work's Housing Market Impact: New Hotspots, Old Problems Emerge

The median price for a single-family home in New Hampshire soared to $535,000 in 2025, a staggering 78% increase from 2019, as remote workers sought refuge from major cities.

Aaron Blake·July 2, 2026
Former Muller Insurance employees standing outside a closed branch, symbolizing the negative community impact of the company's digital shift.
Business Spotlights

Muller Insurance's digital shift negatively impacts local community

After 75 years as a community fixture, Muller Insurance announced the closure of its main local branch, laying off 50 employees despite reporting record profits last quarter.

Marco Alvarez·July 1, 2026
A beautifully preserved historic building stands prominently in a lively city square, showcasing intricate architecture and community activity.
Local Guides

What Is the Historical Significance of Local Landmarks?

Rehabilitation projects create 186 jobs elsewhere in the economy for every 100 jobs generated by new construction, according to the Preservation Society.

Derek Molina·June 28, 2026
Hollywood sign at dusk with financial overlays, symbolizing the impact of the proposed property tax on local businesses and the film industry.
Real Estate

Hollywood's 2026 property tax proposal to fund essential services

A small, independent film studio on Sunset Boulevard, already grappling with rising production costs, estimates an additional $50,000 annual property tax burden under the new proposal, forcing it to c

Aaron Blake·June 25, 2026
A lively city street during the World Cup, showcasing increased foot traffic and economic activity at local businesses and restaurants.
Business Spotlights

World Cup 2026 Promises Huge Economic Impact for Local Businesses

Atlanta has already recorded more than 200,000 hotel room nights booked for the FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament, indicating a significant influx of visitors.

Marco Alvarez·June 7, 2026
Lehigh University campus and Lehigh Valley skyline at dusk, symbolizing economic growth and community integration.
Business Spotlights

Lehigh University boosts Lehigh Valley impact in 2026

In FY 2023–24, Lehigh University injected an astonishing $376.

Marco Alvarez·May 29, 2026
Diverse citizens engaged in a productive town hall meeting discussing local government issues and community development.
Community

Local Government Operations and Citizen Participation

Community opposition to local projects, often driven by a vocal few, has cost America over $1 trillion annually in the past decade.

Derek Molina·May 29, 2026
Santa Monica pier at sunset, symbolizing the vibrant tourism industry and its impact on local neighborhoods.
Community

Santa Monica's Tourism Boom Threatens Neighborhoods, But a Solution Exists.

Despite generating an estimated $917 million in annual spending for its local economy, Santa Monica faces a projected structural General Fund operating deficit of $29.

Derek Molina·May 20, 2026
A beautifully restored historic building stands in contrast to modern city architecture, symbolizing the importance of preservation.
Neighborhoods

What are the benefits and challenges of historic preservation?

Only about 40 of the original 540 structures remain in Houston's Freedmen's Town district, a stark reminder of what proactive preservation prevents, according to Kinder .

Aaron Blake·May 15, 2026
Diverse community members engaging in supportive activities within a well-lit community center, symbolizing the positive impact of local health and human services.
Services

Role of Local Health and Human Services in Community Well-being?

Every dollar invested in local public health generates a $5.

Derek Molina·May 10, 2026
Diverse Indiana entrepreneurs in modern workshops and startups, symbolizing the state's economic growth driven by small businesses.
Business Spotlights

Indiana small businesses recognized for economic impact

Indiana companies in their first five years account for a staggering 74% of the state's net new job growth, demonstrating a robust economic engine fueled by nascent enterprises.

Marco Alvarez·May 6, 2026
A cityscape illustrating the impact of zoning on housing affordability, with modern buildings overshadowing older homes and signs indicating rising prices.
Real Estate

What Is Zoning and How Does It Affect Housing Affordability?

In 36 states, rising zoning regulations directly correlate with increasing real average home prices, making housing less accessible for millions.

Aaron Blake·May 6, 2026
Tourists exploring a historic town street, visiting artisan shops and ancient architecture, highlighting the economic and cultural benefits of heritage tourism.
Community

What is Heritage Tourism and Why Does it Matter for Local Societies?

$1.3 billion in taxes and over 105,000 jobs: that's the annual economic footprint of heritage tourism in Virginia alone, according to heritage tourism data. This sector, driven by visits to historical

Derek Molina·May 4, 2026
Diverse group of residents and tourists enjoying a sunny day in a lively town square, showcasing the positive economic and social impact of local tourism.
Local Guides

What Are the Benefits of Supporting Local Tourism for Residents?

In 2025 alone, travel spending in California soared to an incredible $158.

Hannah Pierce·May 3, 2026
A lively town square showcasing thriving local businesses and community members, with leaders collaborating to foster economic growth and development.
Business Spotlights

What is the role of local business associations in community development?

For every dollar spent at a local independent business, 48 cents is recirculated directly back into the local economy.

Marco Alvarez·May 3, 2026
Scenic view of Kosciusko County lakes with visitors enjoying activities, illustrating the significant economic impact of tourism.
Local Guides

Kosciusko County tourism generated $95.8M economic impact

In 2025, Kosciusko County, famous for its serene lakes, welcomed 2 million visitors.

Hannah Pierce·May 2, 2026
A darkened theater stage with an empty microphone, symbolizing the potential impact of arts funding cuts on San Diego's cultural community.
Community

San Diego's Arts Funding Cuts Threaten Community and Economy

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has proposed slashing arts funding from $13.

Sophie Nguyen·April 29, 2026
A city street with small businesses, highlighting the potential impact of large upcoming events on local commerce.
Community

City events in 2026 could cripple small businesses without better planning.

The 2006 German World Cup generated 2.

Derek Molina·April 28, 2026
A lively street view of Shelton Manor with a bakery celebrating its 'Best Artisan Bread' award, surrounded by happy customers and delicious baked goods.
Business Spotlights

Best of the Bay Awards Boost Shelton Manor Businesses

A tiny, family-run bakery in Shelton Manor, previously unknown outside its block, reported a 300% surge in sales within a week of winning 'Best Artisan Bread' at this year's Best of the Bay Community

Marco Alvarez·April 25, 2026
A lively street fair in Pittsburgh during the NFL Draft, highlighting numerous Black-owned businesses and a diverse, celebratory crowd.
Business Spotlights

Pittsburgh Groups Spotlight Black-Owned Businesses During NFL Draft Weekend

After a dispute over event permits, Pittsburgh's 'Draft Bash' — set to feature 43 Black- and minority-owned businesses — received city approval, ensuring a significant economic spotlight during the 20

Marco Alvarez·April 21, 2026
Empty storefronts and construction barriers line Silver City's National Avenue, illustrating the negative impact of ongoing revitalization projects on local businesses.
Neighborhoods

Silver City National Avenue construction impacts businesses in 2026

Three small retail shops on Silver City's National Avenue have permanently closed in the last month, citing construction impact, reports the Silver City Gazette .

Aaron Blake·April 20, 2026
Diverse crowd enjoying a lively outdoor event in Oklahoma City, showcasing community spirit and economic activity.
Events

OKC Events Drove $2.8 Billion to Businesses Last Year.

Direct visitor spending in Oklahoma City hit an impressive $2.

Sophie Nguyen·April 15, 2026
Golden hour sunlight illuminates lush Oregon vineyards with premium grapes, symbolizing the state's growing wine industry economic impact despite fewer wineries.
Food & Drink

Oregon Wine Industry's Economic Impact Grows Amid Shifts

While the number of Oregon wineries dropped 6% last year and total cases sold fell by 4%, the industry still generated an estimated $8.

Sophie Nguyen·April 14, 2026