The hottest Local Economy Substack posts right now

Zoning now forces many cafes into scarce commercial space, crowding out other retailers that need larger storefronts; letting cafes operate in residential areas would free up commercial real estate for those businesses.
Small neighborhood cafes are low-impact and would provide walkable amenities and community gathering spots, cutting down on driving and helping people who work from home.
Allowing home-based or residential cafes would lower startup costs and barriers for small business owners and diversify local retail without creating major nuisances.

Remote work for federal employees is causing low office occupancy rates and potential negative impacts on regional economies and public services.
The idea of place-based workers and professionals being valuable for cities is highlighted, suggesting they are essential for urban civics and progress.
Transitioning to a new urban order requires downsizing or renovating real estate portfolios, empowering better talent in critical entities, and individual support for the desired urban future.

Street crime is causing significant economic damage in Oakland, California.
Local businesses are struggling and closing due to high crime rates.
The rise in crime is leading to a rise in robberies, vehicle thefts, and home invasions in Oakland.

In Nova Scotia, there are Community Economic Development Investment Funds (CEDIFs) that allow people to invest in community-focused projects.
FarmWorks, a CEDIF in Nova Scotia, has raised over $4.6 million and provided loans to local food businesses, with investors receiving a return on investment and tax credits.
Regional investment funds in the U.S. could learn from Nova Scotia's model by involving local grassroots investors and prioritizing community needs over outside investments.

Local housing markets in October showed the first year-over-year sales gain since August 2021. This is a positive sign for home sales.
The analysis includes over 40 local markets, comparing current data to October 2019. This helps understand how the market has changed over time.
Active listings, new listings, and closed sales are being tracked, giving a clearer picture of the housing market's performance.

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Investing in dollar stores can be more profitable than investing in middle and upper-class retailers.
Dollar stores thrive in areas where there is growing economic inequality, contributing to the problem.
Dollar stores' duopoly makes it challenging for local businesses to compete, affecting community welfare.