Challenge Michigan’s Central Upper Peninsula (Central UP) has long been defined by its natural resources, pristine landscapes, and deep-rooted outdoor heritage. Job losses and economic shifts resulting from the closure of the Presque Isle Power Plant in Marquette highlighted the importance of industry diversification. As one of the region’s major […]
Challenge Faced with more than three decades of stagnant population trends and lagging income and educational attainment, Muskogee, Oklahoma, was at a crossroads. Despite the area’s many assets, which included a strong base of private and public sector employers, desirable market access, and a committed group of leaders, Muskogee failed
Challenge Through their location in Southern Oregon, Jackson and Josephine Counties have a number of strategic advantages. The area’s natural beauty and unique cultural amenities make it a draw for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The region is home to a wide array of industries, including many niche and artisanal businesses.
Challenge Located along South Carolina’s northern border, with access to the I-77 corridor, Rock Hill is well positioned to capture expansion from nearby Charlotte. While Rock Hill’s robust population growth has failed to match the rapid pace set by the metropolitan area, employment gains in the city have outpaced the
Challenge As one of the earliest communities settled by the Old Three Hundred under the direction of Stephen F. Austin, Richmond holds a pivotal place in Texas history. Located in Fort Bend County, one of the state’s fastest growing and most diverse counties, Richmond is also well positioned for the
Challenge West Virginia’s Kanawha Valley region, anchored by the Charleston metropolitan area, faces long-standing economic challenges including troubling population loss, below-average employment growth, lagging unemployment rates, and low levels of workforce participation. At the same time, new leadership and promising opportunities sparked a renewed sense of agency, urgency, and optimism
Challenge Copperas Cove’s development has been closely tied to the establishment and growth of Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) since the post’s inception in 1942. While the post remains a major asset, the city’s location in a large and growing transportation corridor, with easy access to the state’s largest metro
Challenge Located in west-central Colorado, the City of Gunnison serves as a gateway to the Gunnison Valley and nearby towns like Crested Butte. Known for its remote setting, cold climate, and strong sense of community, Gunnison combines natural beauty, recreation, and economic stability. It stands out among Colorado mountain towns
Challenge The City of Irving, Texas, operates in a highly competitive environment. Despite its many advantages—ranging from its transportation network to available workforce to prime sites—the city is in a constant battle for projects within the fast-growing Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Irving occupies an enviable position in the region but
Challenge Incorporated in 1914 in what is now the heart of the Dallas metroplex, Irving, Texas, has experienced remarkable growth over the last five decades. From Las Colinas, which pioneered the master-planned community model, to the bustling Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Irving’s forward-thinking development and successful attraction of global
