We equip change agents with the tools to build better communities and stronger economies.
In 2010, Fourth Economy was formed with the wild idea that we could help ensure that the economy serves the people.
Thank you to those who have been part of our journey thus far! Here’s to 10 more years of building better communities and stronger economies, together.
OUR FOOTPRINT
ABOUT FOURTH ECONOMY
Fourth Economy
Fourth Economy
is a national community and economic development consulting firm that focuses on fostering action to create great communities, impactful organizations, and strong economies.
Our VISION is a world where people are empowered to be co-creators of a sustainable economy and community.
Our PURPOSE is to ensure that the economy serves the people.
OUR VALUES
CURIOSITY
CREATIVITY
COLLABORATION
EMPATHY
FUN
OUR FIRM'S CAPABILITIES
Our Work
Fourth Economy takes a unique approach to working with our clients as partners. We effectively blend both quantitative and qualitative inputs at every point in the process. Most importantly, our focus is on developing realistic recommendations that can be easily understood and readily implemented.
Get the Equity Toolkit
Learn more about the Equitable Community Planning Toolkit: supporting equitable economic growth and systemic change.
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How does your
community rank?
The Community Index measures US counties in investment, talent, sustainability, place, and diversity. We know these indicators are signs that communities and economies are growing stronger.
What our clients are saying
Mark Howell, CEO
Conexus
Fourth Economy struck a very effective balance between aspiration and practicality. Fourth Economy understood our vision but also recognized resource and timing constraints.
John Sampson, President & CEO
Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
From my direct interaction with Rich and his team, we derived significant benefit from their broad experience, research capabilities and adept interaction with our diverse base of stakeholders. Their past experiences and depth of knowledge have distinguished their clients in unique and beneficial ways. Candidly, in our case, there were two or three distinguishing advantages of our region which enabled a successful outcome. Fourth Economy’s contribution was one of those difference-makers in our successful grant request.
Sherry Capello, Mayor
Lebanon, Pennsylvania
The Fourth Economy team was actively engaged with me and my Senior Staff. ...Based on both the process of working with Fourth Economy, as well as their ability to produce actionable analysis and recommendations, I would highly recommend them.
Latest Insights
Register for our next webinar.
Fair & Affordable Housing: Lessons and Challenges at the County, City, and Neighborhood Scale
Thursday, May 27 at 12 PM ET
We'll explore case studies from:
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Ramsey County, MN - Addressing affordable housing and equity at a county scale
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Hazelwood in Pittsburgh, PA - Managing affordable housing on a neighborhood scale while facing significant development pressure
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Harrisonburg, VA - Addressing affordable housing in a college town with a large population of student renters
Get in Touch
Many of our most interesting projects stem from conversations with communities about where they are and where they want to be. Our specialty is in developing strategies that help communities achieve their goals. If you’d like to delve deeper, reach out! We'd love to connect with you.
