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Mountain bike outdoor recreation innovation image by Kyle Bolen Photo

Outdoor Recreation as a Catalyst for Place-Based Innovation

by Jenn Todd-Goynes, CNU-A

Outdoor recreation is fueling a new wave of entrepreneurship and place-based economic growth. TIP’s recent work in Colorado and Michigan shows how aligning natural assets with higher education, startup support, and industry innovation can build resilient local economies. Communities that treat outdoor recreation as an economic engine—not just tourism—are better positioned to compete for business, talent, and investment.

Outdoor Recreation as a Catalyst for Place-Based Innovation Read More

a group of people waiting for a job interview. and interview is taking place in a glass walled office in the background.

State of Workforce

by Tom Stellman

TIP has spent 30 years at the intersection of economic and workforce development. Our early adoption of a holistic approach that acknowledged the important role of talent in economic vitality anticipated a shift in the profession. TIP CEO and founder Tom Stellman looks back at company milestones in this practice area and considers future trends.

State of Workforce Read More

Diverse students on stairs at university campus chatting.

How International Students Strengthen the Workforce

by Ajay Kasturirangan

International students help strengthen economies through their contributions to local industries, culture, and workforce. The US benefits from the steady influx of global talent, particularly in STEM fields, through the F1 visa program. Cities that align academic programs with industry needs and embrace remote work trends are becoming hubs for retaining skilled graduates, fostering long-term economic growth.

How International Students Strengthen the Workforce Read More

A technician installing broadband fiber optic on a house

Building a Broadband Workforce Through Regional Collaboration

by Alexis Angelo

Many remote and rural communities struggle to build broadband infrastructure due to their limited resources and capacity. TIP’s examination of the broadband workforce in 32 high-needs counties on behalf of the Texas Broadband Development Office highlights gaps in this critical workforce and the value of a regional approach in bridging this digital divide.

Building a Broadband Workforce Through Regional Collaboration Read More

Climate Jobs - Workers repairing a wind turbine

Bridging the Climate Workforce Gap

by Mishka Parkins

Expanding green industries, rising energy demands, and climate challenges have made growing the climate workforce an economic priority. While policy shifts create uncertainty, employer demand continues to outstrip the supply of skilled workers. Programs like those in Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Detroit are demonstrating how targeted training, strong partnerships, and community-driven initiatives can build a skilled workforce while expanding economic opportunity and resilience.

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Workers maintaining railroad tracks

Workforce Strategies to Drive Mobility and Infrastructure Talent Growth

by Jess Myers

The mobility and infrastructure (M+I) industries will face massive workforce shortages nationwide due to large, federally funded capital projects. From transit apprenticeships to safe workplace practices, industry-specific initiatives can act as scaffolding while the foundation of workforce training is built. Efforts to expand the M+I talent pipeline in California’s Santa Clara Valley; Denver, Colorado; and Portland, Oregon are examples.

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A Female mentor training a young female intern at office workplace

Quality and Access: The Blueprint for Effective Internships

by Jess Myers

Internships offer students a way to explore potential career paths, develop early professional skills, and contribute to real-world projects. To be most effective for students and employers, two key components must be in place: access and quality. In this blog post, our 2024 summer intern, Jess Myers, examines both concepts and reflects on her experience at TIP.

Quality and Access: The Blueprint for Effective Internships Read More

Scientist in a lab working with test tubes. A tube with red liquid is being lifted out of the test tube holder.

Building an Innovation Economy: Lessons from Texas and Mississippi

by John Karras

Higher education plays an essential role in strong innovation economies. TIP’s Talent, Innovation, and Place framework encompasses the idea that aligning universities with economic development efforts is central to community success. Recent plans for Texas and Mississippi illustrate how states and regions can build an innovation economy through academic and industry partnerships.

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Measuring Job Quality and Access

by Evan Johnston

Connecting workers to job opportunities and long-term career paths is a critical component of sustainable economic growth that is often hampered by a lack of information sharing and coordination among organizations. TIP’s proprietary Job Quality and Access tool, developed in collaboration with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, provides multi-dimensional data that helps identify higher quality and more accessible jobs across geographies.

Measuring Job Quality and Access Read More

Female Engineer

Supporting Shorter, More Affordable Pathways to Quality Jobs

by Luke Shuffield

Students often feel pressured to pursue four-year degrees despite skyrocketing education costs. However, the value of affordable, shorter educational pathways, such as associate’s degrees and technical certificates, is increasingly evident. Institutions like Texas State Technical College and San Jacinto College demonstrate the benefits of skill-specific training, supported by philanthropic and industry investments, offering promising alternatives to traditional college routes.

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