Regional Economic Development

Prison construction is flourishing under the assumption that it boosts rural economies, but as Eric Lotke points out, investing in other types of building would yield greater returns to society.

As the current economic downturn deepens, there is talk of another major public-works project for the Northwest, one that would deliver green wind power to the Interstate 5 corridor, which connects Seattle and Portland, and by some estimates would help create 50,000 jobs.

Myth No. 1: Towns that are "too small" have
no future.

Climate change is the mantra for scientists, environmentalists and conservationists in the forthcoming Obama administration, and through that huge portal some of the Pacific Northwest’s big-picture environmental leaders hope to also advance a progressive agenda for regional forests and streams.

Tourism marketing departments of America: Are you working with bloggers, vloggers and podcasters to help promote your state, county, city, park or campground?

More than 5,000 road and bridge projects are "ready to go". They still need funding, but could provide nearly 2 million jobs if Congress approves infrastructure spending.

The fastest-growing mid-sized county is in South Dakota. Not exactly what we’ve come to expect!

Each year, the Harvesting Clean Energy Conference is held in a different state around the region –Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana – giving each state a chance to showcase successes in rural clean energy. This year, I’m proud to say, the 9th annual conference is coming back to Big Sky Country.

WSC has learned over the past decade — in its work with community colleges, the business community and workforce and economic development agencies in over 20 states — how to align employer demands with education and training policies and practices both effectively and cost-efficiently.

Senator Snowe: First, I hope that one of the incoming Administration’s initial actions is to elevate the SBA Administrator to Cabinet-level status.