Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute June 4, 2026

Research Matters - Bi-Weekly Update

June 4, 2026 | Diana Romero

June 4, 2026

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Features

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We look forward to seeing you in Memphis

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The countdown is on for the 66th C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference. If you haven’t registered yet, online registration remains open through June 6, with onsite registration available at an increased rate.

We’re excited to welcome you for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection.

To those already registered, safe travels and see you in Memphis!

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Conference Agenda

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Conference Registration

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How C2ER Members Are Using AI in Applied Research

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C2ER administered a survey to gauge member insights into how professionals are leveraging AI to grow their communities. More than 93% of respondents reported using AI tools either regularly or occasionally in their work, with nearly half using them daily. For C2ER members, that level of adoption signals something important: the conversation is no longer about whether AI will influence the field. It already is.

Read the blog post for more insights.

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The LMI Institute is on LinkedIn! 🎉

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Be sure to follow the new LMI Institute LinkedIn page for all news and updates related to labor market information.

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News & Reports

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Headlines

American Association of Community Colleges – For Community Colleges, the Opportunity Map Is Local
BioHealth Innovation Podcast – How Smart Incentives Shape BioHealth Growth: Ellen Harpel on Economic Development, Accountability, and Regional Competition on BioTalk
LMI Institute – Understanding How to Use Job Postings Better in Predicting Hiring Activity
Next City – How U.S. Cities Lost the Economic Development Plot
NPR – Remote Work – Not AI – Has Sidelined Recent College Graduates, Research Finds
Planetizen – New Kentucky Data Center Will Use as Much Power as 800,000 Homes
Reuters – US Senate to Hold Confirmation Hearing for BLS Commissioner Nominee Next Week

Reports – From Our Members

Census Bureau – Population Growth Holds Steady in Midsized Cities Amid Widespread Slowdown

Reports – Non-members

Bureau of Economic Analysis – Global Value Chains
Bureau of Labor Statistics – Productivity and Costs by Industry Wholesale Trade and Retail Trade Industries 2025
New America – What Parents of Young Kids Want: Insights from the 2026 National Parent Survey
Urban Institute – Setting the Stage for Scaling Apprenticeship Degrees
Victoria Transport Policy Institute – Live Long and Prosper Local Policies for Improving Children’s Health, Success and Happiness

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Have a report you’d like to share?

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ICYMI

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Agglomerations – How Students and Recent Grads are Responding to the Rise of AI
Agglomerations – Forget AI. The California Job Market Is Powered by Healthcare
National Association of State Chief Information Officers – Evolving Role of the State CIO as Change Leader

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Data Visualization

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USAFacts – What Do Americans Think of the Economy?

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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 Member Only Webinar

CERP Presentation: Transforming Labor Market Reports: From Static Analysis to Interactive Dashboards

June 10, 2026

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET

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C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class

Proving and Sharing Your Impact: Practical Tools and AI Techniques for Practitioners

June 16, 2026

Memphis, TN

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More Information

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Census Bureau/Local Employment Dynamics (LED) Partnership with C2ER + LMI Institute

Where Did the Workers Go? Using QWI-Based Employment to Population Ratios to Understand Post-Pandemic Employment Recovery

June 17, 2026

1:30 PM – 2:45 PM ET

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2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference

June 17 – 19, 2026

Memphis, TN

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More Information

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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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NLx Research Hub: Connect 2026

July 7 – 8, 2026

Washington, DC

More Information

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2026 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition

July 17 – 20, 2026

New Orleans, LA

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2026 UEDA Summit

December 2 – 4, 2026

Pensacola, FL

More Information

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Follow us on social media!

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