Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute December 18, 2025

Research Matters - Bi-Weekly Update
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December 18, 2025
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Feature
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Cheers to Progress: 2025 Achievements from C2ER & LMI Institute
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As 2025 comes to a close, both C2ER and the LMI Institute mark a year defined by stronger data tools, deeper analytical capabilities, and expanded support for the nation’s labor market and economic research community.
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C2ER advanced its mission by equipping data users with practical, modern analytic skills and richer datasets. C2ER delivered instructor-led courses in Power BI, R, and workforce/economic research leadership and awarded seven new Certified Economic Research Professionals (CERPs) that strengthen analytic capacity across states and regions. C2ER continues to enhance our core data infrastructure by modernizing the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and expanding access to related data products. Members also benefited from insights generated through research on automation exposure, sub-state projections, improved science and engineering workforce, and analysis of workforce pipelines available to the defense industrial base. C2ER further supported applied data use through a robust research and technical assistance portfolio, record attendance at the Sacramento annual meeting, major increases in webinar participation, and the continued strengthening of its member network
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The LMI Institute sharpened its role as the national hub for workforce and labor market information by deepening its support for LMI agencies, analysts, and applied data users. In 2025, the Institute delivered a comprehensive set of high-impact data products, including a nationally comparable dataset on certifications and licenses; cost-of-living adjusted occupational wage tools; updated labor force projections; and an expanded LMI Data Source Inventory. These tools directly help analysts produce more accurate and policy-relevant insights. The Institute also advanced data-user engagement with LMI through the Data User Insights Academy initiative, a project designed to help state LMI agencies collaborate with their stakeholders to build more accessible and actionable data. Its national advocacy efforts tied to federally chartered committees as well as with informal networks like the Friends of BLS and the Census Project. These advocacy efforts help elevate the needs of the LMI system and increase visibility for a modernized well-funded federal and state data infrastructure. The LMI Institute expanded its analyst training and offered several specialized R, Tableau, and economic impact courses to strengthen the capabilities of hundreds of data practitioners across the country.
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Together, C2ER and the LMI Institute have delivered a year of measurable progress for the nation’s data community, providing state and regional analysts, workforce strategists, and economic developers with the tools, training, partnerships, and advocacy needed to drive more evidence-based decisions for employers, workers, and communities.

Together, the organizations continue to empower members with cutting-edge research and collaboration to drive evidence-based decision-making across communities.

Learn more about their accomplishments:
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Not a member yet? Start 2026 off right with a membership to C2ER or the LMI Institute!
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2025 C2ER Member Survey Results
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The 2025 C2ER Member Survey indicates a strong and stable value proposition for the organization, with an overall satisfaction rate of 85 percent, an improvement over both 2023 and 2024. Members most frequently cited the Annual Conference, Cost of Living Index, and bi weekly updates as the most valuable benefits, reinforcing the importance of convenings, trusted benchmark data, and regular communications. Usage patterns show that members rely heavily on core public data sources such as BLS, Census, and BEA, supplemented by private tools like Lightcast and ESRI. Email remains by far the primary channel for staying informed, underscoring the continued importance of clear, consistent member communications.

The survey also highlights clear opportunities for growth and refinement. Members expressed strong interest in expanded technical and applied training, particularly in AI, economic impact analysis, GIS, Power BI, and communicating impact to stakeholders. While flagship tools like COLI and the Incentives Database are widely used for research and location promotion, other products such as the Talent and Industry Mix Index show lower adoption, suggesting a need for clearer use cases, training, or integration into member workflows. Qualitative feedback emphasizes that C2ER is performing well in community building, customer service, and content quality, while improvements are needed in hands on training options, data modernization, clearer brand distinction between related organizations, and more innovative and practical conference programming.

Ready to be part of a network that blends trusted data, innovative training, and a vibrant professional community? Join C2ER today and gain access to the tools, insights, and connections that will elevate your work and amplify your impact. Join here
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New Counting Credentials 2025 Report Offers Unprecedented

Clarity in the Credential Landscape
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Credential Engine has released its Counting Credentials 2025 report, the nation’s only comprehensive count of every type of credential in the U.S. This is the 5th edition of the report, following a fourth edition in 2022[AF1] . The report identifies 1,850,034 unique credentials across seven categories from 134,491 providers, representing $2.34 trillion in annual education and training investment. This year’s companion piece, Counting Credentials, In Context, provides full context on how the credential ecosystem is shifting as digital credentialing becomes the norm.

For LMI professionals, this report offers a clearer baseline for understanding credential supply, emerging trends, and the growing demand for skills transparency. The findings help illuminate where new opportunities exist to connect workers and employers through verified competencies, improving alignment between labor market data, training, and real-world hiring needs.
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Cue the Holiday Lights!!
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This is our final update of 2025.

We’ll return January 15, 2026, ready to kick off the new year together.

Wishing you peace, laughter, and plenty of good cheer.

Happy Holidays!
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News & Reports
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Headlines

Reports – From Our Members

Reports – Non-members
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Have a report you’d like to share?
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ICYMI
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Data Visualization
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Careers
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Have an open position that might be of interest to C2ER members?

Let us post your job listing!
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Send the position title, description, and any other relevant information to Jennifer Gual.

Jobs are typically posted within 1 business day and postings remain active for 45 days if no closing date is specified.
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Our Events
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2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Conference

June 17 – 19, 2026

Memphis, TN
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eLearning Courses
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Foundations of Economic Development Research I: Introduction to Data Sources

Any Place, Any Time
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Foundations of Economic Development Research II: Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods

Any Place, Any Time
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Basic LMI Analyst eLearning

Any Place, Any Time
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Industry Events
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ASSA 2026 Annual Meeting

January 3 – 5, 2026

Philadelphia, PA
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National Skills Coalition

Skills Summit

February 5 – 6, 2026

Washington, DC
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NASWA 2026 Winter Policy Forum

February 25, 2026

National Harbor, MD
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2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference

March 8 – 11, 2026

Arlington, VA
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2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit

May 3 – 6, 2026

National Harbor, MD
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Local Employment Dynamics (LED) Partnership Hybrid Workshop

May 12 – 13, 2026

Save The Date

If you have any questions,

please contact ces.local.employment.

dynamics@census.gov or call 301-763-INFO (4636)

or 800-923-8282
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