economic development
The potential impact of nationwide broadband today has been likened to the effects of railroads in the 1800s and the similarities are clear: both require substantial infrastructure investment, both provide important connections otherwise not possible, and both improve and sustain new and emerging economic ecosystems.[1] Despite the significant benefits of broadband connectivity, estimates suggest that […]
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Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, or RAISE Transportation Discretionary Grant program (formerly known as BUILD), provides a unique opportunity for the U.S. Department of Transportation to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve critical national objectives. Determining the costs, benefits, and positive impacts of large infrastructure projects requires […]
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Millions of Americans across the country began to receive $1,400 stimulus payments included in the American Rescue Plan as early as March 17th. An estimated 1.1 million Philadelphians are expected to receive these payments. While not replacing lost earned income—the purpose of expanded unemployment and business safety-net programs like PPP—this payment program represents a very […]
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Whether one lives in a metropolitan, suburban, or rural area, they are aware of the current state of their community in a major or minor capacity. Over many decades, residents will notice the improvements or deteriorations that impacted their community. The distinctness of community development, as well as economic development, remains apparent, but it is […]
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As we look forward to a “better normal” in a post-pandemic world, how can cities and economic development professionals ensure that incentives and programs targeted at business growth are equitably distributed? Diversifying how state and local governments support economic recovery and growth across our communities is more important now than ever. ESI Principal Gina Lavery […]
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Will museums be the same after the pandemic has passed? Before closing their doors due to the pandemic, museums and galleries were slow to adopt digitalization. The ways we explore the arts have not changed much since the early 20th century, with visitors crowding into a room to look at one or two works at […]
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