Insights 2024

Looking back and looking forward as we move into the new year!

In 2024, we supported

81

projects in 24 states

Including 3 national projects and statewide projects in Indiana, Iowa, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island

The community members who we engage are primary drivers of our human-centered, inclusive planning approach. For projects completed in 2024, we reached more than 16,700 individuals.

Our team directly engaged more than 8,500 people.

We heard from about 6,300 individuals through survey distribution.

We listened to the voice of more than 2,200 individuals through interviews, focus groups, workshops, and public meetings.

We reached an additional 8,200+ people through project-specific email newsletters and printed flyer distribution.

We fostered action and growth for diverse clients

From exploring ocean tech to building an economic strategy for the longest cave system in the world - we celebrate the range of clients that informed and inspired us in 2024.

Untangling Heirship Properties in Jacksonville, FL

Client: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Jacksonville

What we learned: In Jacksonville, there are approximately 10,000-15,000 heirs’ properties, accounting for more than 10% of BIPOC homes. Heirs’ properties are created when a homeowner dies without establishing a new rightful owner through a will or estate planning. While living heirs are the rightful owner, they are unable to use homeownership to build generational wealth or leverage home equity to pursue other wealth-building opportunities.

Assessing the Economic Impact of Beer, Wine, and Liquor in Iowa

Client: Iowa Economic Development Authority

What we learned: Iowa is home to 190 breweries, 138 wineries and 32 distilleries employing more than 11,000 Iowans. When we were commissioned to study the economic impact of Iowa's alcohol industries we discovered Iowa's alcohol producing industries stand out in a few unique ways: Iowa-grown grapes are innovating the wine industry; alcohol businesses are supporting rural economies in the state, and alcohol by-products are being shared back into their communities as sustainable raw materials.

Making the Case for Improving the Lives of People and Pets in Pittsburgh

Client: Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP)

What we learned: HARP is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most impactful non-profit organizations, dedicated to advancing the welfare of animals and providing vital support to pet owners across the region. HARP operates two state-of-the-art, low-cost veterinary medical centers, and is home to a premier Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. HARP engaged us to create a business plan in support of their vision of developing a humane health coalition and mobile vet clinic to deliver low to no cost veterinary health and animal support services, along with human-focused health and support services for the 30,000+ vulnerable pet-owners in Allegheny County.

Unpacking the Impacts of Online Delivery

Client: Chamber of Progress

What we learned: If you've had a mountain of packages piling up on your doorstep this holiday season - here's a reason to feel slightly less guilty: our analysis of the environmental impacts of various delivery services found online shopping to be between one and nearly three times more sustainable than traditional retail shopping. An average household in a suburban setting that replaces a portion of their individual car trips to the store with online delivery saves the annual equivalent of 133 miles not driven each year. When multiplied across neighborhoods and cities this can add up to significant greenhouse gas reduction!

Leveling-up Lansing's CreativeTech Sector

Client: Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)

What we learned: The CreativeTech sector is a fast-growing field blending art, design, and technology. We were engaged by LEAP to analyze and define Lansing’s CreativeTech sector and uncover strategies to position CreativeTech for competitive growth. We found the sector to be strong and growing, making significant contributions to the local economy with 10% projected employment growth projected by 2028. Moreover, this emerging sector complements existing industries by injecting new technologies and efficiencies such as UX design and rapid prototyping - helping the entire economy reach the next level!

Other 2024 Project Highlights

Autonomous Vehicle Jobs Analysis

Chamber of Progress

Opportunity Analysis & Fundraising Strategy

Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park

Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap

Maine Outdoor Brands

Shaping the Future of Central New York

CenterState CEO

Omaha Innovation Ecosystem Assessment

11th Street Enterprises

Rhode Island’s Blue Economy Strategy: Grow Blue

University of Rhode Island Research Foundation

Explore More Projects

We forged deeper connections through webinars

Use the links below to review the recordings of past events and sign up for our newsletter to be notified of upcoming events including our next webinar on February 20th!

Leveraging the Economic Potential of Arts, Cultural, and Outdoor Recreation Assets

Advancing Economic Mobility: LISC Jacksonville's Family Wealth Creation Program

Looking Ahead: Our Future Focused Series

Twice annually our team meets to map out where we are and where we’re headed. These moments allow us to dive deep into what’s exciting and necessary for our work—and prepare to tackle these challenges head-on.

We’ve identified four significant trends that will shape our communities in 2025 and beyond. We’re excited to explore these “Future Focused” scenarios for interesting work and share how understanding and preparing for these changes can create opportunities, resiliency, and growth in communities. Here are the first installments:

Introducing Future Focused: How Today’s Trends Will Drive Tomorrow’s Economic Success

We’ve identified four trends that will shape our communities in 2025 and beyond. We’re excited to explore these “Future Focused” scenarios..

Future Focused: Embracing the Silver Wave, Transforming Challenges into Opportunities in an Aging America

US population aged 65+ to double by 2060, requiring a comprehensive approach to housing, healthcare & community engagement.

Future Focused: The AI Takeover is Coming for Economic Developers

We discuss what the ‘AI Takeover’ is, how it will affect communities and economic developers, and what shifts to expect within our economies

View More Insights From Our Blog

We’d love to work with you this year as a partner in advancing more strategic, equitable, and resilient communities and organizations. Get in touch!

Here is some of the work we love to do. If you’re curious about how we can assist your organization or community in shaping its future - reach out at [email protected], we’d love to hear from you!