How states can help the CHIPS Act succeed

In a recent Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) webinar, representatives from Arizona, New York, and Texas highlighted the role states play in fostering the growth of the semiconductor industry. According to the state economic development leaders, longstanding state efforts to attract and expand semiconductor facilities are an important enabler for the federal CHIPS Act, which […]

Building From a Strong Foundation

Much like in a building, a strong foundation serves as an important base for structural change. Indeed, a sturdy foundation provides the support necessary to withstand powerful challenges and allow for process transformation and organizational growth.

SSBCI – Rebuilding Manufacturing Through Access to Capital

Manufacturing has long been a staple of America’s economic engine even with recent employment declines. Today, the sector is seeing a strong resurgence due to private investment in new industries and products, public investment in R&D and business development assistance, and credit support through such programs as the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). A […]

And…We’re Off! The Policy Academy to Strengthen State and Local Strategic Alignment Kicks Off

In every project there are opportunities for research and education. Both are useful and provide a fundamental baseline for understanding an issue and sharing information. But nothing beats one-on-one technical assistance where you work closely with organizations as they strive to improve service to customers and stakeholders. The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) Policy […]

Showing Impact: Reporting on Federal Funds for Community Development

by Ellen D. Harpel | Dec 4, 2022 | Funding associated with federal recovery and investment initiatives has provided unprecedented resources to states and communities. These initiatives are expected to create benefits for people and places across the country. How will these benefits be measured? What metrics will state and local governments use to determine program effectiveness? The Center […]

Compliance Data Drives Smart Incentive Programs

by Ellen D. Harpel Incentives are part of a process, not just a point in time transaction. We can use data and analytical techniques throughout the process to make sure we are using incentives effectively and responsibly. Compliance is one of the four key elements of the incentive process in our 4×4 framework. It is an […]

Strengthening Partnerships: Improving the Alignment Between States and Economic Development Districts

The 2022 National Association of Development Organization’s (NADO) Annual Training Conference held in Pittsburgh offered more than 400 attendees a strong training agenda including sessions to help economic development districts (EDDs) enhance their relationship and collaboration with state economic development partners.   The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) convened a Technical Assistance (TA) Learning […]

SIDO Promotes International Engagement and Integration to County Leaders

On July 21, Andy Karellas, the Executive Director of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), moderated a panel on how county leaders can engage in international economic development at the 2022 National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference in Denver, Colorado.  The annual conference is the largest meeting of county officials from across the country, […]

State Incentive Program General Trends

This article was written by John Ponder White, Economic Development Research Intern, Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness. It first appeared on the Council for Community and Economic Research blog. With the conclusion of the State Business Incentives Database summer update, the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) will be publishing a series of blog posts. These […]

EDA’s $1 Million Statewide Planning Grants: How Did the States Use It?

Through the American Rescue Plan (ARPA), the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is supporting states in economic planning efforts by allocating $59 million in grants through the Statewide Planning, Research & Networks program. To better understand how states are using these funds, the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC), in partnership with the State Economic Development […]