Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute January 29, 2026

Research Matters - Bi-Weekly Update
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January 29, 2026
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Build the Conference Experience That Fits Your Work
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This June, the 66th C2ER + LMI Institute Conference in Memphis is built for practitioners who want a conference that fits their real‑world . Our learning tracks make it easy to customize your experience, giving you the ability to dive deeper into the skills, tools, and insights that matter most to your work.
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2026 Learning Tracks
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Economic Development Strategy

Tools and approaches for shaping resilient, data-informed regional growth.
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Workforce & Talent Development

Insights on skills, training, and talent pipelines that meet evolving employer needs.
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Community Resilience

 Frameworks for preparing communities to adapt to economic and demographic change.
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Labor Market Information Access

Improving how practitioners, partners, and the public use LMI effectively.
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Data Tools & Methodology

Techniques, platforms, and analytical methods for stronger evidence-based decisions
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Storytelling & Dissemination

Turning complex data into compelling narratives that drive action.
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Sector & Occupation Analysis

Deep dives into industry and occupational trends shaping local economies.
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You’ll also find sessions exploring the expanding role of AI in economic and workforce research, hands-on workshops, conversations with federal partners, and structured networking to help you connect with peers across the country. Explore the full conference experience and register now.
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Why Defense Manufacturing Priorities Matter to Your Region
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As defense manufacturing priorities and technologies evolve, regions face growing challenges in translating national signals into local workforce and economic development action. The Manufacturing Momentum Summit report and website offer C2ER members practical insight into emerging skill needs, implementation challenges, and regional responses. Read the latest C2ER post below, download the report, and share your feedback on what data, guidance, or examples would be most useful in your region.
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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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C2ER Webinar

Learn to Leverage the Cost of Living Index (COLI)

February 5, 2026

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
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Census Bureau/Local Employment Dynamics (LED) Partnership with C2ER + LMI Institute

Unlocking NAICS 5- and 6-Digit Details in the Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI) Data Set

February 18, 2026

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM ET
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C2ER Webinar

Understanding Opportunity Zones

February 19, 2026

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
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C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class

Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI-assisted Python Coding

June 16, 2026

Memphis, TN
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C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class

Proving and Sharing Your Impact: Practical Training for Practitioners

June 16, 2026

Memphis, TN
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2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Annual 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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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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LinkedIn
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