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 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 Despite its long history of collaboration, the 11-county Northeast Indiana region faces significant challenges. These include limited population growth outside of Allen County (Fort Wayne), postsecondary education and credential attainment that lags state and national benchmarks, and per capita personal income levels that have fallen substantially below the US
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
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 As the economic engine of the country’s fourth-largest metropolitan area, Dallas is a city of opportunity. Billions of dollars in investments have poured into the city in recent years as companies of all sizes have chosen to make major commitments to Dallas. However, the city’s prosperity has not been
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 During the preparation of the Vision 2020 plan in 2010, leaders in the 11-county Northeast Indiana region highlighted a critical drop in per capita personal income over a 15-year period as several major employers downsized or ceased operations. Concerns about the region’s economic decline were amplified by stagnating population
Challenge Nestled in the Texas Hill County, Kerr County offers an attractive quality of life and the City of Kerrville’s downtown amenities, making it a favorite among retirees. However, the county’s relatively low levels of educational attainment, high median age, lack of inventory for industrial or office users, and distance
