AI has the potential to help communities large and small across North Carolina. Communities have the chance to pilot and use AI technologies to increase productivity and save money. Examples include traffic signal management, property appraisal, and gunshot detection.

The National Endowment for the Arts and the Bureau of Economic Analysis recently released data and analysis of the economic impact of the US arts and cultural sectors for the year 2021 on the country’s overall gross domestic product (GDP). The report notes that these sectors comprised 4.4% of the nation’s GDP with just over $1 trillion, and art industries employed nearly 4.9 million workers in 2021.

How is Your Community Using ARPA Funds to Support Workforce Development? We Want to Hear From You   Take the survey: Community Use of ARPA Funds    The American Rescue Plan Act One of the largest investments from the federal … Read more

Small business owners need a strong ecosystem to thrive. That ecosystem provides technical assistance, connections to space, and other resources and capital to launch and grow. Indeed, minority entrepreneurs sometimes struggle to find and gain access to the small amount of capital they need to launch or expand their businesses.

Youth sports can require a significant financial investment for travel to out-of-town tournaments. The expenses for food and lodging quickly add up, and communities in North Carolina are capitalizing on the increased interest in amateur sports by integrating them into their local economy.

…and what employers are providing in terms of attracting and retaining young workers.     “Where Are The Workers?” Webinar Series This American Work Life – Challenges and Opportunities in…

There is a growing trend among communities to build what is called a creative economy, with the goal of building awareness about a town’s cultural assets and leveraging them to spur economic development. Learn how Stokes and Montgomery counties are … Read more

  A young adult not connected to school or work may experience long-lasting adverse life effects. Learn how communities in Columbus, Bladen, Brunswick, and Person counties are helping turn opportunities into careers. Counties featured in this episode: Columbus, Bladen, Brunswick, and … Read more