Challenge One of a handful of US cities recognized around the world for its vivid history and cultural richness, San Antonio combines relatively affordable housing with a variety of amenities and entertainment options, an array of postsecondary institutions, and diverse career opportunities. Yet despite its many advantages, San Antonio’s track […]
Challenge As the central county of one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas (Houston, Texas), Harris County provides an extensive array of services to a population the size of which rivals many states. Despite its numerous responsibilities, broad network, and substantial budget, the County lacked a clear role in economic
Challenge The COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic upheaval had a negative impact on business supply chains, workers, and communities in Texas and around the globe. This upheaval exacerbated existing business challenges, particularly for small- and minority-owned businesses. Along with its challenges, the downturn presented opportunities to build on trends that
Challenge Between 2000 and 2017, Fort Worth was one of the fastest-growing large cities in the US. Furthermore, the city has cultivated a unique identity and brand, combining rich cultural heritage with an economy driven by industry-leading employers. Fort Worth achieved this success without a comprehensive, citywide approach for economic
Challenge Cross-border trade plays an essential role in the economy of the ten states that fall along both sides of the US-Mexico border. As growing anti-trade sentiment in the US threatened long-standing global trade agreements, including NAFTA, The Mexicans and Americans Thinking Together (MATT) Foundation commissioned a study in 2017
Challenge Led by a resurgence in energy and petrochemicals, the greater Houston region experienced an extended period of unprecedented growth. With almost $20 billion in investment in new plants and facilities announced along the Gulf Coast, the region was in an enviable position. Employers, however, were concerned that the region
Challenge The sharp downturn in economic activity precipitated by the global COVID-19 pandemic brought the need for recovery and resiliency planning into sharp relief for communities, regions, and states in 2020. Faced with the immediate need of helping member communities deal with recovery planning from the current economic upheaval, and
Challenge The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership serving a 252-county/parish area encompassing portions of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Led by a Federal Co-Chairman and the governors of each participating state, the DRA is charged with improving the standard of living for the
Challenge The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma saw unprecedented growth and business success leading up to 2018. However, low educational attainment, aging infrastructure, and slow job growth continued to threaten many of the tribe’s surrounding communities in southeast Oklahoma. To channel the regional momentum and address specific challenges, the Choctaw Business
Challenge Boasting scenic landscapes and vibrant urban and rural communities, Montana had experienced a decade of unprecedented inbound migration and steady economic growth. During this time, the state performed well in several key economic indicators, including innovation funding and overall gross domestic product growth. However, heightened regional competition for private
