Challenge While the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas fared better than much of the country during the Great Recession, it was not immune to the downturn. Across the four-county region, the construction, manufacturing, transportation, and farming industries were hardest hit, adding tens of thousands of workers to the unemployment […]
Challenge Traditionally dependent on heavy industry, Racine County sought to foster an environment where technology-based industries could develop and thrive. The county offered many of the elements that defined success under traditional economic development models: close proximity to two major metro areas, a significant manufacturing base comprised of an enviable
Challenge Richmond’s population gains since the 2000 Census marked a reversal from contractions led by white flight and urban disinvestment in prior decades. In addition to its robust population growth, the city began drawing attention for its amenities including an emerging arts, food, and craft beer scene; a vibrant African
Challenge Located on the Central Coast of California, the City of San Luis Obispo (City) functions as one of the region’s economic centers. It boasts a blend of industries, a strong visitor economy, a vibrant downtown, proximity to outdoor recreation amenities, and the presence of California Polytechnic State University and
Challenge The Baltimore Region has seen steady growth and development over the past 20 years, the result of both broad economic forces and localized strategies that leverage its strong foundation of assets including its strategic East Coast location, relative affordability, active waterfront, and diverse talent pool. The region is also
Challenge Located southwest of Houston, Fort Bend County is one of Texas’s largest and most diverse counties, encompassing communities from the historic county seat of Richmond to up-and-coming cities like Sugar Land and Fulshear. It is also one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, thanks to strategic advantages including transportation assets
Challenge Faced with more than three decades of stagnant population trends and lagging income and educational attainment, Muskogee, Oklahoma, was at a crossroads. Despite the area’s many assets, which included a strong base of private and public sector employers, desirable market access, and a committed group of leaders, Muskogee failed
Challenge Through their location in Southern Oregon, Jackson and Josephine Counties have a number of strategic advantages. The area’s natural beauty and unique cultural amenities make it a draw for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The region is home to a wide array of industries, including many niche and artisanal businesses.
Challenge The City of Irving, Texas, operates in a highly competitive environment. Despite its many advantages—ranging from its transportation network to available workforce to prime sites—the city is in a constant battle for projects within the fast-growing Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Irving occupies an enviable position in the region but
Challenge Located in the Phoenix area, Maricopa was one of the most rapidly growing communities in the country, increasing from 1,500 residents in 2000 to more than 43,000 by 2010. This dramatic growth reflected an unusually hot—and ultimately unsustainable—housing market. As a result, growth tapered off after the housing bubble
