Local Economy
30 articles
Local Makers Markets Drive Community Growth and Entrepreneurship
The Flint Farmers' Market saw its annual visitors more than double to 600,000 in its first year at a new location, a surge that reflects a broader trend of local markets becoming vital community ancho
Small businesses: Optimistic growth, vulnerable communities
In Charlotte, 93% of small business owners operate with less than six months of emergency savings, even as 89% project increased profits for the coming year.
What Are the Benefits of Local Community Gardens for Neighborhoods?
The establishment of a community garden has a statistically significant positive impact on residential properties situated within 1000 feet, an effect that grows stronger over time, according to nccom
Local Business Expos for Entrepreneurial Success
In Cutler Bay, Florida, local government is hosting a free 'Fats, Oils, and Grease Roundtable Workshop' for small businesses.
What Are The Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses?
For every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, $73 remains directly within the local economy, significantly boosting community wealth.
Breckenridge launches new event grants
Breckenridge's new Community or Destination Event and Animation Grant program launched with $250,000 to boost the town's year-round economy.
Nashville Mayor Launches Programs to Boost Local Small Businesses
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell just announced three new incentive programs for small businesses, including a 'Legacy Business Program' that could funnel over $300,000 into long-standing local estab
Gentrification's rapid spread erodes community character and local economies.
The number of U.S. neighborhoods showing signs of gentrification has exploded sevenfold since the 1970s, transforming hundreds of communities and displacing countless residents. This widespread shift
Fresno food businesses closing, temporary health shutdowns occur
Fresno's culinary scene faces a challenging summer, marked by the permanent closure of The Bakery by Indulge Right Foods' two locations, including the city's first exclusively gluten-free establishmen
Community Art Events Drive Economic Growth and Engagement
In Midtown, Detroit, the Art and Belonging Martkt opened in September, hosting a variety of events from a sneaker competition with Reebok to Black History Month exhibitions, demonstrating how communit
Why Supporting Local Farmers Markets Matters
For every $1 million in revenue, direct-market farms create almost 32 local jobs, a significant increase compared to the 10.
Why Shop Local Campaigns Offer Untapped Economic Potential
Aberdeen's new 'Aberdeen Summer...' initiative signals a growing understanding that 'shop local' campaigns offer economic benefits far beyond immediate sales.
Major Events Drive Local Spending, But Community Spirit Needs Nurturing
Airbnb reported that more people rented out their homes during the 2026 World Cup in Massachusetts than during the 2024 Paris Olympics, a surprising turn that underscores the immediate, grassroots eco
Local events are key to community cohesion and economic vitality.
A small town's annual pancake breakfast, costing just $500 to organize, generated an estimated $20,000 in local spending last year.
Innovative Local Startups Reshaping Our City's Economy
Calgary's tech workforce surged by over 61% between 2021 and 2024, while in New York City, a garment manufacturer pivoted to produce essential PPE, securing critical contracts.
Local Entrepreneurship: Job Growth Concentrated, Not Widespread
In one Midwestern city, 85% of all new jobs created by startups last year came from just three software companies.
Premier Pools Siouxland boosts local economy with business spotlight
Premier Pools Siouxland recently announced a $500,000 investment into local infrastructure projects, a sum that far exceeds typical business contributions and marks the largest single private donation
Small Business Struggle: Consumer Habits Clash with Economic Policy
Last year, consumers spent $14.
Kansas City small businesses thrive at Union Station World Cup marketplace
Union Station leaders report that 15,000 visitors flocked to the World Cup marketplace in its first five days, creating an immediate boom for Kansas City small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Tourism's Hidden Cost: How It's Erasing Your Town's Identity
Despite town officials' assurances that a surge in visitors ultimately supports local businesses, the 75-year-old 'Corner Bakery,' a cherished community staple, was replaced last month by a chain coff
Lehigh University boosts Lehigh Valley impact in 2026
In FY 2023–24, Lehigh University injected an astonishing $376.
What Are the Functions and Benefits of Local Chambers of Commerce?
A $500 investment in a local Chamber of Commerce membership could generate $5,000 in new business, a tenfold return many small businesses overlook.
Remote work's 'donut effect' empties city cores, boosting local growth
Even rural areas that shrank in population between 2010 and 2019 are now growing.
What Is the Role of Local Tour Guides in Culture and Tourism?
Tour guides are masters at presenting their 'glocalized' lives as a distinctive local experience, perfectly tailored for international visitors.
What Are the Benefits of Walkability in Urban Planning?
While a new park might seem like a simple amenity, it can quietly add millions to nearby commercial property values.
What is the role of local business associations in community development?
For every dollar spent at a local independent business, 48 cents is recirculated directly back into the local economy.
Local skill sharing networks are quietly surging in 2026
In one Seattle neighborhood, a tool library saved residents an estimated $50,000 in equipment purchases annually, according to the Seattle Times.
Midwest Main Streets: Thriving But Facing Challenges
In Galena, Illinois, a beloved family bakery, a Main Street fixture for 70 years, recently shut its doors.
Kosciusko County tourism generated $95.8M economic impact
In 2025, Kosciusko County, famous for its serene lakes, welcomed 2 million visitors.
San Diego's Arts Funding Cuts Threaten Community Fabric and Local Economy
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has proposed eliminating all city funding for local arts and culture organizations, reducing a $13.