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 Economic growth in the United States Virgin Islands (“USVI” and “Territory”) suffered due to the 2012 closure of the HOVENSA oil refinery, US Treasury regulations contained in the 2004 Jobs Act, and the ongoing sluggishness in the global economy following the Great Recession. In addition, the Territory faced ongoing
Challenge Faced with the closure of the Charleston Naval Complex in the early 1990s and the loss of some 22,000 jobs, Charleston County leaders responded decisively, establishing an economic development function with broad deal-making authority and dedicated funding. The decision proved to be a game-changer when Charleston was selected as
Challenge The Columbus Partnership (Partnership) is a CEO group comprised of 80 leaders from the region’s largest companies and institutions. The organization is charged with aligning business leadership behind the vision of Columbus, Ohio, becoming the most prosperous metropolitan area in the country in terms of both economic and social
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 Comprised of three cities in two countries (El Paso, Texas; Las Cruces, New Mexico; and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua), the Borderplex region offers a number of advantages for business and talent. To promote these advantages—which include a young and diverse population, a multi-modal transportation network, six international ports of entry,
Challenge Mississippi ranks at or near the bottom of national standings for critical health metrics like diabetes and heart disease that tie directly to insufficient healthy food access, affordability, and nutrition. Along with food security, the state also faces challenges related to social equity and climate, particularly in the Gulf
Challenge Since 1980, Texas has suffered more billion-dollar natural disasters than any other state in the nation. Many quantitative analyses estimate the state’s overall economic loss due to natural disasters. Weather-related damage to homes, roads, buildings, and infrastructure clearly exact both a financial and personal toll on individuals, neighborhoods, businesses,
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 While issues related to racism and equity have been present for generations, several pivotal events in 2020 shone a bright light on the scale and pervasive nature of racial disparities. In the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated economic downturn drew attention to the importance
