Challenge Rancho Cordova, California, is well-positioned as a dynamic economic hub in the Sacramento region. The community’s geographic location, diverse workforce, and business-friendly environment have already attracted significant employers in healthcare, insurance, and manufacturing. However, economic and social shifts following the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a more resilient […]
Challenge Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP) benefits from a high quality of life with an abundance of natural resources. Yet despite its many assets, the 15-county region has experienced a steady decline in population for more than four decades, a trend that is expected to continue for the next 20 years.
Challenge Fragmentation of services is a common challenge among state-level workforce development systems, often resulting in inconsistencies in service delivery and a lack of clarity in priorities and vision. Delaware’s publicly funded workforce system encompasses more than a dozen organizations including county- and state-level entities. While its three counties function
Challenge Northwest Indiana (comprised of Lake, Porter, and La Porte Counties) faces both old and new obstacles on its path to sustainable economic growth. Some, such as the decline of the steel industry, have been impacting the region for years. Others, like the region’s housing and workforce shortages, are nationwide
Challenge Bounded by the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage is situated in one of the world’s most beautiful settings. Its scenic parks and trails, upscale ski resort, top-tier restaurants, and unique cultural and arts amenities make the city a popular destination for visitors and adventure seekers from around
Challenge Despite a long-term decline in manufacturing employment at the national level, Buncombe County has captured top tier advanced manufacturing companies. The region is also home to the National Centers for Environmental Information and a dynamic community of entrepreneurs and innovative startups. Building on this success is a challenge for
Challenge Charged with linking transportation and land use planning in a 7-county region of northeastern Illinois, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and its partners have a strong history of collaboration. Long-range planning efforts such as ON TO 2050, the region’s current comprehensive plan that identified economically disconnected and
Challenge California’s Central Coast holds many advantages including a broad industry base, dynamic employers, diverse populations, and scenic landscapes. Its growing tech and innovation ecosystem is supported by two leading universities—California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara)—along with
Challenge Centrally located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the City of North Miami enjoys the benefits of both cities, including international airports, major seaports, and vibrant downtowns. Aside from its enviable location in one of the most dynamic regions in the US, North Miami boasts several distinct features. These include
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
