Fourth Economy

To close out 2024, Sally J. G. reflected on a year of client travel to share five inspiring cities and regions that demonstrate why creative #placemaking is essential to fostering meaningful connection and vibrant, resilient communities. Read the blog post here: https://lnkd.in/geYvbMPN

Travel to the Hallmark Cinematic Universe for eight surprising lessons in economic development. Hallmark holiday movies may be fictional, but their emphasis on community spirit, identity, and resourcefulness offers valuable guidance for economic developers aiming to create thriving economies. Read the blog by Justin Wheeler to learn more. ☃️ ✨

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world around us. While it offers incredible potential for innovation and progress, it also raises important questions about the future of work and impact on our communities. https://lnkd.in/gdJBxspd #FourthEconomy #FutureFocused #AITakeover #EconDev

The housing 'crisis' has become a focal point in our client discussions and projects in 2024. The challenge of ensuring affordable, safe, and consistent housing for all is multifaceted. Key issues we are tackling with clients include the lack of new housing construction over the past two decades, the need for upgrades in existing housing stock, and the resulting price surges due to limited quality housing options. These issues, combined with the mismatch of job center locations and transportation approaches, are holding almost all communities back. To address these challenges, the housing ecosystem must adopt a new collaborative operating model. Without significant changes, individuals and families will continue to face difficulties in finding suitable housing, hindering their economic mobility and impeding community economic growth. As we look towards 2025, I will be sharing additional ideas for this new ecosystem model. For more insights, I recommend reading a report by Elena Patel and the team from the Brookings Institute. The report highlights a staggering statistic - the U.S. currently faces a shortage of 4.9 million housing units. Stay informed about this critical issue as we work towards a more sustainable housing future.

To ensure our communities are inclusive and age-friendly, we must address housing, healthcare, employment, transportation, and social engagement. By valuing the wisdom and experience of older adults, we can create vibrant, intergenerational communities that benefit everyone. In the second installment of our #FutureFocused series, Sally J. G. shares key elements of age-friendly communities, promising practices in action, and resources for further insight. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/ghziGySa #FourthEconomy #FutureFocused #ChangingDemographics #AgingPopulations

Can e-commerce drive down emissions in the US cities and suburbs? The rise of e-commerce in recent years, boosted exponentially by the pandemic, has seen many US consumers getting groceries, clothes, toys and any other goods you can think of delivered via their devices, but could this convenience culture be having an unexpected impact on US carbon emissions? This year Steer and Fourth Economy co-authored a white paper that aimed to understand how last-mile deliveries replacing individual car trips could bring down greenhouse gases in cities and suburbs across the US. Read more via the link in the comments below. #sustainablelogistics #ecommerce #lastmiledelivery #climateaction #wearesteer

Chris Worley, Director at Fourth Economy, along with Marisa Walker from the Arizona Commerce Authority, recently presented findings from Fourth Economy and Steer's recent report, “Opportunity AV: How Many and What Types of Jobs Will Be Created by Autonomous Vehicles?” https://lnkd.in/gz-7eBSm The visit to Phoenix included an opportunity to ride in self-driving vehicles, a tour of an autonomous vehicle facility, and a meeting with local leaders instrumental in autonomous vehicle deployment. Read Chris' blog for the full recap!

Does your organization have a specific project on the horizon or a thorny challenge that requires outside help to solve? Crafting strong communications around your project needs is critical for finding the best possible client-consultant fit and setting the groundwork for successful project outcomes. Check out our recommendations to garner more interest and higher quality responses from all prospective vendors (not just us!).

We're excited to announce the launch of some of our newest projects. Check out the selection of work below and stay tuned for updates. https://lnkd.in/eds8jARK 🎨 CreativeTech Cluster Strategy for Lansing Economic Area Partnership | LEAP https://lnkd.in/gsTtfntk 🏢 Business Retention and Expansion Strategy for the Converse EDC (Economic Development Corporation) https://lnkd.in/g-qJBAeW 👥 L.E.A.D. Institute Needs Assessment and Feasibility Study for Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GGSEM) https://lnkd.in/gZvRjQEH 🚧 Business Interruption Fund Assessment for Los Angeles Metro https://lnkd.in/garC53Fn

This week, the Chamber of Progress brought together U.S. legislators and AV experts at the Waymo Factory in Phoenix, AZ, to discuss the future of autonomous vehicles. Chris Worley, Director at Fourth Economy, along with Marisa Walker from the Arizona Commerce, presented findings from Fourth Economy and Steer's recent report, “Opportunity AV: How Many and What Types of Jobs Will Be Created by Autonomous Vehicles?” https://lnkd.in/gz-7eBSm Chris also participated in a panel discussion focused on how AV technology can expand to states around the country. Learn more about our growing portfolio of Emerging Industry work here: https://lnkd.in/gJ8EEtAD #Waymo #AVs #workforce #emergingindustries Group photo courtesy of Kouri Marshall, Chamber of Progress.