Forsyth & Wayne Counties A study finds 44% of U.S. workers are employed in low-wage jobs that pay median annual wages of $18,000, well below what’s considered the living wage for many communities. Most of the 53 million Americans … Read more

    Cumberland & Mecklenburg Counties The veteran unemployment rate has steadily dropped since its all-time high of nearly 12% in April 2020, but as of March 2021, the veteran unemployment rate is still at 4.6%. Veteran advocates say it … Read more

  Wake County Increased demand, limited supply, and the COVID-19 pandemic have created a perfect storm in the real estate market. This has shut many would-be homeowners out. There are few signs this hot housing boom will cool down anytime … Read more

Triangle & Triad regions Communities across the country are trying to attract companies to invest and create jobs. Economic development is a critical component that drives growth in our economy, creating high wage jobs and improved quality of life. ncIMPACT … Read more

As the state recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economy remains at the forefront of many minds. From supply chain issues to staffing shortages currently facing many businesses, the pandemic has been challenging for small businesses. After the 2008 economic … Read more

Early on in the pandemic, the City of Fayetteville recognized the impact that COVID related conditions would have on small businesses. Many would have to close their doors without income or employees. To combat these challenges, the City’s economic and community development department partnered with local organizations to set up a microloan program targeting small businesses.

Coming off a busy holiday season, it’s probably clearer to many of us just how strained the American labor market is right now. Maybe you had to wait in a long line to check out while doing your Christmas shopping, or some of the ingredients for your Thanksgiving meal weren’t available on the shelf at the local grocery store. Maybe a friend wasn’t able to attend a holiday party due to a flight cancellation because of limited crew, or some packages were late to arrive on your doorstep. In each case, we can point to a tight labor market that’s yielded fewer workers where we need them, and disrupted the normal flow of goods and services to which we have become accustomed.

Finding safe and affordable housing is a challenge that faces many in our nation. Those who lack the resources to afford safe housing are forced to reside in substandard housing, which creates one or more safety hazards for its occupants. … Read more