On this International Day of Friendship, we explore the quiet power of social infrastructure — the human connections that hold communities together. From empathy to economic mobility, friendship forms the foundation of resilient, inclusive civic life. At Fourth Economy, we believe relationships aren’t a byproduct of progress—they’re a prerequisite.

Fair housing isn’t just a civil rights issue; in 2025, it’s becoming one of the most important drivers of local economic strategy.

Fourth Economy learned about the federal funding outlook for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small businesses in light of the current federal funding disruptions at ICBI39, the 39th International Conference on Business Incubation, hosted by the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA).

America’s labor force participation rate continues to decline. Since the late 1990s the labor force participation rate (LFPR) has fallen...

Last year, more than 510 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in state legislatures across the U.S. – more than the previous three years...