This report focuses on how to identify opportunity occupations for working-class people and what locations are well suited to grow and support these occupations. Can the American Dream be saved? The U.S. middle-class, which epitomizes American values such as hard work, commitment to family and the expectation that a relatively secure future is achievable for almost all, is less easily obtained today than… Continue reading Heartland of Opportunity
Filter: Research
Arkansas Economic Recovery Strategy
Commissioned By The Governor’s Taskforce For Economic Recovery COVID-19 has caused substantial economic dislocations in Arkansas and across the nation. It has accelerated changes that were already underway, such as the ability to work remotely on a large scale and the necessity for high-speed internet access to conduct commerce, obtain educational and workforce training and… Continue reading Arkansas Economic Recovery Strategy
The Emergence of the Global Heartland
A major shift in the demographic evolution of America is occurring, largely out of sight in the national media, but profoundly affecting communities throughout the Heartland. The 20 state region,i which extends between the Appalachians and the Rockies, has for generations been largely unaffected by the massive movement of people from abroad that has so… Continue reading The Emergence of the Global Heartland
Is Racial Economic Inequality Worse in Rural Areas? Spoiler Alert: It Ain’t
An analysis of the success gap between Black and white individuals, not only how it varies by region and ruralness of the childhood community, but also how the relationship between the success gap and ruralness varies by region. It is well-established that, in the United States, the likelihood of a Black individual being economically successful… Continue reading Is Racial Economic Inequality Worse in Rural Areas? Spoiler Alert: It Ain’t
Heartland Forward Unemployment Insurance Monitor
The monitor tracks weekly unemployment insurance data to understand how economies across different states are responding to the COVID-19 induced recession.
RESHORING AMERICA: CAN THE HEARTLAND LEAD THE WAY?
Reshoring is the relocation of production facilities to, or the creation of new ones in, the United States. Many domestic and foreign companies are recognizing the strategic advantages of locating in the United States, such as protecting intellectual property, shortening supply chains and shrinking wage differentials between the United States, China and other overseas locations.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS ECONOMIC RECOVERY STRATEGY
COVID-19 presents great challenges to Northwest Arkansas (NWA) as it does to every other community, but the region is in strong standing to weather this global pandemic.
Most Dynamic Micropolitans 2019
The Most Dynamic Micropolitan Index, which ranks the 531 micropolitan areas across the U.S., analyzes the economic performance and indicators that impact the social and economic fabric of America. As American as baseball, hot dogs and apple pie, Main Street America – and its small towns – is a central component to understanding the economic… Continue reading Most Dynamic Micropolitans 2019
Most Dynamic Metropolitans 2020
Our Most Dynamic Metropolitan Index and the analysis in this report provide objective insight into the communities providing economic opportunity for their residents, separating high performers from the low.
Most Dynamic Micropolitans 2020
The newest installment of the annual report, “Most Dynamic Micropolitan Regions,” that ranks 515 micropolitans–regions by their economic performance. Out of the micropolitans that Heartland Forward analyzed, Pecos, Texas; Jackson, Wyoming-Idaho; and Summit Park, Utah ranked as the first, second, and third most dynamic micropolitans. Tourism, energy, and robust entrepreneurship were the most common strengths among the top 30 places.