Challenge The Tampa Bay metropolitan area has experienced unprecedented expansion on multiple fronts over the past five years. With population growth rates that outpace national trends, a resilient and expanding base of employers, and new avenues for economic diversification through emerging and niche industries, Tampa Bay has transformed from a […]
Challenge Home to Columbia, South Carolina’s state capital, Richland County boasts an impressive array of assets, including postsecondary institutions, transportation infrastructure, and the US Army’s Fort Jackson. Richland County also offers unique neighborhoods; historical landmarks and homes; a thriving riverfront; cultural, arts, and entertainment offerings; and outdoor recreation. This attractive
Challenge Comprised of 26 counties spanning 26,000 miles, the Texas Panhandle and its workforce development service area covers a geography larger than 10 US states. The Region 16 Education Service Center (ESC) serves school districts within the Texas Panhandle. In October 2023, Region 16 ESC was awarded the Tri-Agency Grant
Challenge Situated 20 miles north of Austin, the suburban community of Pflugerville, Texas, has a rich history of German roots and ample outdoor amenities. Pflugerville’s relative affordability and family-friendly atmosphere, combined with the regional expansion of manufacturing and technology, have led to massive growth; Pflugerville’s population size has surged in
Challenge The Red River Army Depot (RRAD) has long been the single largest employer and a critical economic engine in the bi-state Texarkana region. In response to cuts in federal defense spending and Army downsizing, regional officials sought to prepare for what they anticipated would be further workload reductions and
Challenge Central Texas is growing rapidly as a nationally recognized semiconductor and advanced manufacturing hub. Multiple firms, including NXP Semiconductor, Samsung, Applied Materials, AMD, and Tokyo Electron, have a significant presence in the region and additional investment is expected over the next decade. Along with the semiconductor industry’s expansion, the
Challenge Situated along Florida’s Atlantic coast, the Northeast Florida region spans seven counties which are home to diverse communities, extensive outdoor amenities, and an appealing mix of rural and urban living. This region plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy. Its strategic location, with coastal access and major highway
Challenge Long-standing efforts to create a more equitable workforce development system in Detroit and Southeast Michigan shifted drastically as national discussions about social justice and racial equity issues intensified in the late 2010s. The shift brought increased leadership, capacity, and support from the public and private sectors for transforming the
Challenge In 2016, the University of North Texas (UNT) began offering select classes in the city of Frisco. Formalizing a partnership with city officials and the Frisco Economic Development Corporation in 2018, UNT received 100 acres of land to establish a physical presence in the community. The Frisco Landing campus
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
