July 15, 2021

From relief to recovery: Using federal funds to spur a small business rebound

With the American Rescue Plan delivering flexible resources to localities and states, small business support remains a key priority for local leaders. A new report from Joseph Parilla and Sifan Liu provides a framework, including a small business typology, for an effective recovery strategy.

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Despite June’s positive jobs numbers, Black workers continue to face high unemployment

June jobs numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show a steady economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, but one that remains uneven across racial lines: Black workers had June’s highest unemployment rate, at 9.2%, In a new post, Kristen Broady and Carl Romer call for leaders to consider these Americans and the potential factors that are preventing them from returning to the workforce in higher numbers.

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What regional leaders want from Biden’s infrastructure bill

With congressional negotiations on infrastructure underway, federal leaders have a historic opportunity to support a modern infrastructure vision. In a new brief, Adie Tomer, Joseph W. Kane, and Caroline George surveyed 16 leaders from 10 metropolitan areas to identify their broader regional planning and investment challenges, and highlight where federal policies and funding could make a difference.

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More from Brookings Metro

To restore North Nashville’s Black middle class, local policymakers should pursue reparations. Restoring North Nashville’s Black middle class will require more than tax abatements and flashy development projects. State and local policymakers must pursue local reparations policies to revitalize these communities, Andre M. Perry and Anthony Barr argue.

How to include microbusinesses in economic growth strategies. Intentional strategies to uplift microbusinesses in underserved communities can benefit local economies. Pamela D. Lewis offers a framework that spans from resources allocation to a data-driven approach to move them from micro to small and beyond.

The American Rescue Plan can be a lifeline for business districts. Kelly Humrichouser and Patrice Frey argue that, to fully support small business recovery, municipal leaders should look beyond supporting businesses individually and consider holistic strategies that support local business district recovery.

How a diverse coalition in Portland, Ore. is centering racial equity in a large-scale development project. Meg Walker discusses, in a Placemaking Postcards blog post, how a new development can be an opportunity for the city to redress many of the injustices experienced by communities of color with long ties to the area.