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 Despite its position as the central city of one of the most dynamic regions in the country, Dallas faces fierce competition for investment, jobs, and talent. Many of the city’s regional competitors boast well-funded economic development organizations, enabling them to offer generous financial incentives in the form of land,
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 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 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
Challenge Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) play a key role in expanding access to financial products and services in low-income and moderate-income communities. A range of institutions can be designated as CDFIs including banks, credit unions, loan funds, and venture capital funds. An August 2023 analysis by the Federal Reserve
Challenge With more than 5,000 members, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the largest membership organization of its kind. IEDC represents economic development professionals across a range of communities, organizational settings, and practice areas as they work to promote economic well-being and quality of life. Faced with the impending
Challenge With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the labor market experienced a whirlwind of changes. Texas witnessed a record high unemployment rate, a higher rate of workers retiring due to health concerns, and some workers leaving the labor force altogether. To address these challenges and strengthen the regional talent
