Series Overview: In this new series, we explore the latest research from organizations such as the American Economics Association (AEA) and other commentary and challenge ourselves to explore the relevance to the real world of hands-dirty economic development. While the AEA’s research offers valuable insights, true economic development does not happen in the pages of academic journals but in the streets of our communities—especially in small towns and cities across America.

Each post in this series will dive into specific studies that we encounter, dissecting the findings and contrasting them with the practical realities of economic development that we see daily. By moving beyond theoretical models, we’ll focus on community-driven solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. This series challenges the academic perspective and reaffirms our commitment to actionable, on-the-ground economic development that benefits real people and places.

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