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Blog
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Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute April 9, 2026
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The Federal Statistical System is at a Crossroads. So Are We
A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) reinforces what C2ER and LMI Institute members already know: the U.S. federal statistical system remains indispensable. The problem is that the system as it currently exists is increasingly misaligned with today’s economic realities. We strongly encourage you to read A Federal Statistical System for the Age of Economic Security (Borges, Girishankar, & Reamer, March 2026).
The report suggests that the statistical system we rely on was built for a different era and designed to track national employment, inflation, and growth. Today’s challenges look different. Supply chains. Technological competition. Regional industry dynamics. Economic statecraft. These require more granular, connected, and responsive data. As designed, the system cannot keep pace with this change.
This is not just a federal issue. As data users and stakeholders, it is our issue, too.
The Challenges are Real
The pressures described in the report will feel familiar. Response rates are falling. Budgets have declined in real terms. Eight of thirteen principal statistical agencies have lost at least 16 percent of their purchasing power since 2009, including nearly 19 percent at BLS. Staffing reductions have been severe. Trust in public data has weakened. At the same time, the structures that govern federal statistics make modernization slow, even when the path forward is clear.
The imbalance between value and investment is striking. The report notes that data-intensive industries generated $778 billion in revenue in 2022. That figure has nearly doubled over a decade. Federal investment in the system that underpins that activity has remained largely flat.
The report also reinforces what practitioners know: Federal statistics are foundational to regional economic development. State and local leaders depend on Census, BLS, and BEA data to plan, to allocate resources, and to manage programs tied to hundreds of billions in federal funding. Increasingly, private data plays a growing role, but it cannot replace official statistics. It cannot match their coverage, consistency, or accountability.
Where the Report Points Us
The report outlines priority areas that align directly with the work of C2ER and LMI Institute members. Everything from economic modeling to answering real-time questions from elected leaders or private businesses.
Measuring regional industrialization remains a core gap. For instance, we lack the data structure needed to understand how clusters form and how place-based investments perform over the long term. This is central to effective economic and workforce development strategies.
Workforce capacity within statistical agencies is another pressure point. The system needs new skills and stronger pipelines. This is where LMI leaders have a direct role to play.
The LMI Institute re-imagined itself some 15 years ago as a partnership between labor market information data producers and users. The Institute has been at the forefront of this topic calling for long-overdue user-centered design approaches. We need to better align data products with how they are used in practice. Our members are among the most advanced users of federal data. Our experience should shape what comes next.
Data sharing and interoperability remain persistent challenges. Progress requires alignment across legal frameworks, technical standards, and incentives. State LMI agencies already operate at the center of this ecosystem and are working on solving this issue, but we need more formal federal recognition and funding support for these activities.
What This Means for Our Networks
The report frames federal statistics as a strategic national asset. That framing creates clear expectations. Users of the system need to help shape what comes next.
Our members should not be passive users. You produce, interpret, and apply these data every day. You know where the system works. You know where it falls short. That insight is essential, and it needs to be visible in this policy moment.
The conversation is already underway, and our networks need to show up with evidence and a unified voice. Here is the call to action for C2ER and LMI Institute members:
Document how you use federal data in practice. Be specific. What decisions did it inform? What would have happened without it?
- Identify the gaps that limit your work. Focus on where better data would change outcomes for regions, industries, or workers.
- Share those examples with C2ER and the LMI Institute. We will aggregate and elevate them in federal discussions.
- Engage your own channels. Brief your organization’s intergovernmental affairs staff. Speak directly with Congressional offices when opportunities arise.
- Make the case in practical terms. Tie federal statistics to funding decisions, program design, and measurable economic outcomes.
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Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute March 26, 2026
March 26, 2026
<!–Features
<!–<!–Memphis Moment #3:
Early Bird Rates are About to Become History
<!–<!–<!–<!–This is a friendly reminder that Early Bird pricing for the 66th C2ER + LMI Institute Conference will end on April 1. After that, the regular rate will apply, so register today!
Speaking of history, Memphis doesn’t just tell its history; it lets you walk right through it. Outside The Peabody, you’ll find some of the most iconic and consequential places in American history. These aren’t generic museums; they’re sites where stories unfolded, movements ignited, and culture was shaped.
See the National Civil Rights Museum, built into the Lorraine Motel, where the legacy of the movement is preserved with extraordinary care. Or Beale Street, once the epicenter of Black entrepreneurship, music, and community life; a National Historic Landmark where every block carries a century of stories.
<!–<!–Explore Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, where Elvis, B.B. King, and Johnny Cash cut tracks that changed music forever. Wander through Stax Museum of American Soul Music, standing on the original site of Stax Records, where soul legends recorded the soundtrack of a generation.
It’s become a tradition at our conference to get attendees out of the hotel and into the city; to learn, connect, and experience the places that make Memphis unforgettable. Ready to experience Memphis in a way that stays with you long after the sessions end? Register now and join us at The Peabody for the C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference.
<!–<!–Hurry! Early Bird Registration Ends Next Week, April 1!!
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–📢 Now Accepting Applications: Regional Data Connections Cohort 📢
<!–<!–<!–<!–The Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC), in partnership with the Labor Market Information Institute (LMI Institute), invites applications for the Regional Data Connections Cohort—a six-month initiative designed to help states and regions strengthen how workforce and economic data are used to inform policy and practice.
<!–<!–This cohort brings together state agencies, workforce boards, and regional partners to tackle real-world data challenges and improve how information is shared, aligned, and applied across systems.
<!–<!–Participants will strengthen coordination between state and regional data partners, improve LMI and workforce data, and create practical models that can be scaled across regions. Selected teams will receive hands-on technical assistance, including an on-site facilitator visit, a two-day convening in Washington, DC, and access to expert-led sessions—all focused on turning data into actionable insights.
<!–<!–Applications are due April 10 and should outline your team and the data challenge you aim to address.
Learn more and apply below!
For questions or to discuss fit, contact Sarah Edwards at sedwards@crec.net.
Supported by Ascendium Education Group
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–News & Reports
<!–<!–Headlines
- Area Development – Advanced Manufacturing Isn’t a Buzzword It’s a Different Location Strategy
- Area Development – Economic Developer Role Shifting from Deal-Making to Systems Stewardship
- W.E. Upjohn Institute For Employment Research – New Hires Quality Index Starts Year With a Dip; Goods Sector Faces Headwinds From Tariff Policy New Hires Quality Index Starts Year With a Dip; Goods Sector Faces Headwinds From Tariff Policy
Reports – From Our Members
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership – Summary: “Preparation, Pandemic Helped Virginia Land Big Pharma Deals”
Reports – Non-members
- Brookings – Metro Monitor 2026: The Relationship Between Immigration and Regional Economic Performance Over the Past Decade
- Excelencia in Education – Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM)
- National Low Income Housing Coalition – The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes
<!–<!–Have a report you’d like to share?
<!–<!–ICYMI
<!–<!–<!–<!–Data Visualization
<!–<!–<!–<!–Careers
<!–<!–Have an open position that might be of interest to C2ER members?
Let us post your job listing!
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–Our Events
<!–<!–C2ER Webinar
Metro Atlanta Chamber’s MACROview
April 23, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
<!–<!–<!–<!–C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class
Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI-assisted Python Coding
June 16, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–<!–<!–C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class
Proving and Sharing Your Impact: Practical Training for Practitioners
June 16, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference
June 17 – 19, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–eLearning Courses
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research I: Introduction to Data Sources
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research II: Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Basic LMI Analyst eLearning
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Industry Events
<!–<!–2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 3 – 6, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–Local Employment Dynamics (LED) Partnership Hybrid Workshop
May 12 – 13, 2026
<!–<!–Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference
May 19 – 21, 2026
Portland, OR
<!–<!–<!–<!–Follow us on social media!
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<!–<!–<!–<!–<!– -
Problem-Finding: The Key to Applied Economic Research Leadership in the Age of AI
Executive Summary
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the practice of applied economic and labor market research by automating routine analytical tasks such as data cleaning, literature synthesis, descriptive statistics, and standardized reporting. As these activities become faster and easier to perform, the profession must reconsider where its greatest value lies. The role of applied researchers will increasingly shift away from technical problem-solving and toward helping leaders identify the right problems, interpreting evidence in context, and guiding collaborative efforts to address the economic challenges that matter most to communities.
This transition elevates the importance of curiosity, judgment, creativity, and leadership in applied research. It also highlights a critical role for the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) in helping researchers adapt by ensuring our professional network members learn from one another, identifying critical emerging economic issues, and developing insight and leadership skills that members need to succeed.
Two historical comparisons help frame the transition underway. First, the spread of the internet in the 1990s and early 2000s transformed applied research by dramatically reducing the time required to acquire data, shifting researchers’ work from data collection toward analysis and interpretation. Artificial intelligence may extend this shift by automating routine analytical tasks and allowing researchers to focus more on synthesis, judgment, and strategic insight. Second, the restructuring of manufacturing during that period illustrates how technological change can reduce demand for routine work while increasing productivity. The transformation of applied economic research may follow a similar pattern, meaning that fewer opportunities are available for researchers or that certain research skills become integral capabilities for organizational and program leaders.
As a result, applied researchers must evolve from technical problem-solvers into problem-finders who identify the most important economic challenges facing their communities and guide leaders in finding the best evidence-based solutions to act on them. Researchers’ value will lie in combining multiple data sources, interpreting evidence within local context, and translating analysis into practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners.
In this environment, C2ER must be more than a provider of tools or training. It must be the place where applied researchers turn for inspiration, motivation, and professional growth and where they sharpen curiosity, creativity, leadership, and critical thinking while learning from peers. By strengthening this professional network, C2ER can help researchers lead efforts to make their communities better places to live, work, play, and do business.
Background
As AI advances, routine analytical tasks in applied economic development research are increasingly automated, elevating the importance of interpretation, integration, and strategic insight. Applied researchers must adapt both their methods and their professional roles. Younger researchers, in particular, will need to develop technical fluency more quickly so they can serve as “quality agents,” ensuring that AI outputs are valid and reflect the nuance of real-world economic conditions.
Research on the evolution of knowledge work points to a similar shift. Jones finds that as knowledge becomes more accessible, researchers spend less time gathering information and more time interpreting and applying it (Jones, 2009). The diffusion of the internet illustrates this transformation. Online data sources and digital archives did not eliminate applied research jobs, but they fundamentally changed them by shifting effort from data acquisition toward analysis and insight. AI represents the next stage of this transition. As organizations integrate automated systems into their workflows, demand for routine analytical tasks declines while demand for oversight, evaluation, and higher-level thinking increases (Microsoft, 2024).
Economists describe the internet as a “general purpose technology” (or GPT) that reshaped how work is organized across industries. Its most important effect was to reduce the cost of acquiring and transmitting information (Goldfarb, 2019). As access to data expanded, the value of professional work shifted toward interpreting larger volumes of information, integrating multiple sources, and applying insights into decision-making. Today, the scale and complexity of available data exceed what individuals can manage without assistance, making AI an essential tool for analysis. As a result, AI is likely to drive a similar shift across white-collar occupations, including applied economic development research. Early evidence suggests that entry-level roles (often centered on routine analytical tasks) may be the most affected (ADP Research Institute, 2024).
A parallel can be seen in the restructuring of manufacturing in the late twentieth century. Automation and globalization reduced demand for routine production work, and manufacturing employment fell from roughly 19 percent to 10 percent of the workforce during the 1980s and 1990s (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Between 2000 and 2020, automation eliminated 1.7 million additional manufacturing jobs, even as new roles emerged in other sectors (Hicks, 2015). Manufacturing did not disappear, but it became more productive and more technically demanding, requiring fewer workers with higher skill levels. Similar dynamics may emerge in applied research.
AI is already automating many of the routine tasks that consume a large share of research time, including data collection and cleaning, literature reviews, descriptive analysis, and standardized reporting. The efficiency gains are significant. AI-assisted systematic reviews can dramatically reduce workload, and organizations report measurable time savings and faster productivity growth where AI is widely adopted (Zhihong Xu, 2025; IBM Institute for Business Value, 2023).
At the same time, many core elements of applied research remain difficult to automate. Human researchers retain clear advantages in stakeholder engagement, trust-building, and interpreting economic data within local context. They translate analysis into policy-relevant insights that reflect political, institutional, and community realities. Qualitative research, community engagement, and ethical oversight of AI-generated outputs all require human judgment.
In this environment, applied researchers must reposition themselves from data producers to insight interpreters. Their value will lie less in assembling datasets and more in identifying the right questions, synthesizing diverse information, and translating analysis into decisions that help communities respond to economic change. This shift places a premium on capabilities that machines cannot replicate, including problem identification, contextual interpretation, and stakeholder engagement.
From Problem-Solvers to Problem-Finders
Historically, applied economic researchers have been valued for their ability to solve analytical problems. Researchers received a question, assembled the necessary data, conducted analysis, and produced an answer. Artificial intelligence changes this equation. AI systems can increasingly perform many forms of technical analysis once the problem is defined. What AI cannot do effectively is identify which problems matter most to humans. The comparative advantage of applied researchers will increasingly lie in identifying the most important questions facing their communities, engaging with stakeholders, and framing issues in ways that lead to meaningful solutions. In this sense the profession is shifting from problem solving to problem finding.
That means the successful researchers must acquire a transforming set of skills that rely less on technical competence in key analytic tools and more on understanding context, nuance, and importance to the leaders who are asking questions. Core skills will include:
- Integration of multiple data sources. Economic development decisions increasingly require combining traditional public datasets with real-time and administrative sources such as job postings, supply chain signals, workforce program outcomes, and firm-level data. AI tools can merge these sources, but they cannot accurately weight their value. Human researchers can better evaluate their reliability and build more credible analytical frameworks that connect them.
- Forward-looking interpretations. Research must expand beyond backward-looking analysis. Traditional time-series analysis explains what happened in the past. AI enables forecasting, scenario testing, and short-term projections that practitioners increasingly require to guide real-world decisions about workforce demand, industry shifts, and regional growth.
- Evidence validation. It is widely known and understood that AI systems often produce hallucinated sources, faulty correlations, or misleading interpretations. Applied researchers must serve as quality control actors who test assumptions, verify sources, and explain uncertainty.
- Local knowledge and nuance. The value of place-based expertise is the contextual advantage it provides. AI systems rely primarily on electronic data and cannot replicate lived experience or deep local knowledge. Researchers who understand the institutional structures, industry networks, and workforce dynamics of particular regions remain indispensable.
- Communication and policy translation. Decision makers need analysis that connects data to practical action. Researchers who clearly explain economic trends and their policy implications will remain highly valuable.
Beyond these core skills, adapting to this environment will require new technical and professional capabilities. Researchers should develop fluency with AI-assisted analytics tools, including large language models for exploratory analysis and prompt engineering. Data engineering skills will grow in importance as researchers work with APIs and multiple data pipelines. Programming literacy in languages such as Python or R will help researchers integrate AI tools into reproducible workflows. The key skill will be to understand what AI can do and what it fails to do effectively.
At the same time, complementary skills will become more valuable. These include qualitative research methods, participatory engagement with communities, narrative analysis, and expertise in data governance and algorithmic fairness. Economic decisions are shaped by human behavior, assumptions, and institutional context. AI models cannot fully capture these conditions. Applied researchers will increasingly advise clients on responsible data use, privacy, and ethical evaluation of AI-generated analysis.
How C2ER Can Help
The Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) must step forward to help the members of our field prepare for these changes and ensure that both new and mid-career researchers remain at the forefront of this transition.
As we develop our 2026 work program, C2ER is committed to developing more training programs focused on AI in applied economic research. Workshops will address topics such as AI-assisted labor market analysis, integration of real-time data sources, and machine learning approaches to forecasting regional economic trends. These programs will emphasize practical applications relevant to economic development practitioners.
This role is important because access to AI training remains uneven. Surveys show that while roughly 44 percent of employers report offering AI upskilling programs, only about one-third of workers say they have access to them (Boston Consulting Group, 2025).
C2ER’s more important role may be to continue its efforts to strengthen the professional network as we adapt to these changes. In an AI-enabled research environment the most valuable capability may be identifying emerging problems early. C2ER’s network of state, regional, and local researchers provides a platform where members can compare experiences, identify emerging economic challenges, and share insights about which issues deserve attention in their communities.
C2ER also can support better problem identification and prioritization. Through conferences, working groups, and collaborative research, C2ER helps researchers surface the most important economic questions facing their regions. These conversations help researchers move beyond technical analysis toward deeper engagement in shaping economic solutions.
C2ER also seeks to work with leaders in our field to assess existing standards for responsible AI use in research and offer our own interpretation of these tools. Shared guidance on transparency, methodological disclosure, and validation of AI-generated results will help maintain credibility with policymakers and clients.
Another important role for C2ER is facilitating shared tools, methods, and infrastructure. AI tools and analytical infrastructure can accelerate research workflows. C2ER can help members experiment with these tools, evaluate their usefulness, and share best practices across the network. Many state and regional research offices lack the resources to develop advanced AI tools independently. C2ER will collaborate through its membership to coordinate shared data pipelines, analytic templates, benchmarking tools, and prompt libraries.
Peer learning will remain central to this effort. Research on workforce upskilling shows that employees adopt new technologies most effectively through experiential learning and peer exchange rather than formal instruction alone (McKinsey Global Institute, 2023).
Finally, C2ER has an invaluable role in helping to maintain standards and improve data infrastructure. C2ER plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of applied research by promoting responsible AI use and advocating for strong federal statistical data systems. C2ER will continue advocating for strong public data infrastructure. AI systems rely on high-quality underlying data. Federal statistical agencies such as the BLS and BEA provide essential state and regional datasets that make applied research possible. Protecting and strengthening this infrastructure remains critical.
The history of industrial automation offers an important lesson. Technological change rarely eliminates entire fields of work. Instead, it reshapes them. Manufacturing did not disappear when automation arrived. It evolved into a more technologically sophisticated sector requiring different skills. Likewise, the internet transformed our access to data; AI now transforms our ability to manage and manipulate it in ways that are often well beyond our individual capabilities.
Applied economic development research is likely to undergo a similar transformation. Researchers who treat AI as a tool that expands their analytical capacity will become more productive and more valuable. Those who remain focused primarily on routine analytical tasks will face greater pressure.
The opportunity for the field is to combine AI-enabled analysis with contextual judgment, stakeholder relationships, and ethical oversight. Only human researchers can provide these, and C2ER can help ensure that applied researchers make the transition to these new roles successfully.
References
ADP Research Institute. (2024). Labor Market Trends in AI-Exposed Occupations.
Boston Consulting Group. (2025). AI at Work Global Survey.
Goldfarb, A. a. (2019). “Digital Economics”. Journal of Economic Literature, 57(1), 3-43.
Hicks, M. J. (2015). The Myth and Reality of Manufacturing in America. Ball State University Center for Business and Economic Research.
IBM Institute for Business Value. (2023). Global AI Adoption Index. 2023.
Jones, B. F. (2009). “The Burden of Knowledge and the ‘Death of the Renaissance Man’: Is Innovation Getting Harder?”. Review of Economic Studies, 76(1), pp. 283-317.
McKinsey Global Institute. (2023). Generative AI and the Future of Work.
Microsoft. (2024). The New Future of Work Report.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Employment by major industry sector, 1980–2000.
Zhihong Xu, X. Z. (2025, November 4). Machine Learning-Assisted Systematic Review: A Case Study in Learning Analytics. Education Sciences, 15(11), 1488.
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Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute February 26, 2026
February 26, 2026
<!–Feature
<!–<!–Memphis Moment #1:
The Soundtrack of the City
<!–<!–<!–<!–Memphis doesn’t just have music, it is music. From the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll to the home of the blues, the city hums with rhythm day and night. Whether you wander down Beale Street or slip into a hidden club after sessions, you’ll find live performances that remind you why Memphis shaped American culture.
Ready to experience Memphis for yourself? Register now and join us at The Peabody for the C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference. Where we blend professional growth with the spirit of the city.
<!–<!–Early bird rates end April 1, 2026
(no foolin’)
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–Connecting Research to Practice: Why This Training Matters Now
<!–<!–<!–<!–Organizations across industries are grappling with how to keep employees engaged, confident, and productive as AI tools rapidly reshape daily work. This NJIT article, Strategies for Employee Engagement During AI Adoption, highlights a central truth: successful AI integration depends on early exposure, hands‑on learning, and clear communication that empowers employees rather than overwhelms them. The authors emphasize that teams need structured training, opportunities to experiment, and guidance on responsible use if they are to embrace AI with confidence instead of hesitation.
<!–<!–The Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI‑Assisted Python Coding training directly puts these recommendations into action. This workshop gives participants practical experience using AI tools to generate, refine, and evaluate Python code, skills that translate immediately into more efficient workflows, stronger analytical capacity, and greater comfort with emerging technologies. Participants learn not only how to use AI effectively, but also how to assess its limitations, avoid common pitfalls, and integrate it responsibly into their day‑to‑day work.
<!–<!–Employees thrive when they understand AI, have space to practice with it, and can see how it elevates rather than replaces their expertise. This workshop provides structured, supportive, and grounded in real-world applications that workforce and economic development professionals can bring back to their organizations.
<!–<!–Registration is now open for Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI‑Assisted Python Coding held June 16, 2026, in Memphis.
Seats are limited, and early bird pricing is available through April 1.
Secure your spot today and equip your team with the skills and confidence they need to lead in an AI‑enabled future.
<!–<!–<!–<!–News & Reports
<!–<!–Have a report you’d like to share?
<!–<!–ICYMI
<!–<!–- NPR – A Major Census Test Faces Cutbacks — With Postal Workers Tapped to Help Count
- The PolicyViz Newsletter – Media Habits Are Changing. Has That Made Dashboards Obsolete?
- Route Fifty – Localities Bemoan Apparent ‘Race to the Bottom’ on Data Centers
- University of Kentucky – UK Launches 4 Transfer Pathways to Strengthen Kentucky’s Manufacturing Workforce
<!–<!–Data Visualization
<!–<!–<!–<!–Careers
<!–<!–Have an open position that might be of interest to C2ER members?
Let us post your job listing!
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–Our Events
<!–<!–LMI Institute – Data User Roundtable: Modernizing State LMI
March 19, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
<!–<!–<!–<!–C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class
Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI-assisted Python Coding
June 16, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class
Proving and Sharing Your Impact: Practical Training for Practitioners
June 16, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference
June 17 – 19, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–eLearning Courses
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research I: Introduction to Data Sources
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research II: Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Basic LMI Analyst eLearning
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Industry Events
<!–<!–Brookings Webcast: Why Are Electricity Prices Rising in the US and What Can Be Done About It?
March 2, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM ET
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference
March 8 – 11, 2026
Arlington, VA
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 3 – 6, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–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
<!–<!–Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference
May 19 – 21, 2026
Portland, OR
<!–<!–<!–<!–Follow us on social media!
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!– -
C2ER Quarterly – 2026 Winter Edition
<!–2026 – Winter Edition
<!–<!–In This Issue:
<!–<!–- A Personal Invitation from the C2ER Chair
- Build Your Breakthrough: Pre‑Conference Training for Practitioners
<!–<!–- Additional Events and Training
- Research and News from Our Members
- C2ER Welcomes New and Renewed Members
<!–<!–CONNECT
<!–<!–A Personal Invitation from the C2ER Chair
<!–Dear Fellow C2ER Members:
<!–<!–As your Board Chair this year, I would like to personally invite you to join us at the 66th C2ER + LMI Institute Conference. This meeting never fails to reward me not only professionally (where else can learn so much and bring home so many great ideas) but also personally, because C2ER and LMI Institute members are incredibly gifted and good people. I have made many true friends over the years who love data, food and fun. This is why this is my single favorite annual event.
<!–<!–Picture it: The historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis. It’s early summer with warm days and breezy nights. Music is all around, the Mallards are chiming in, and the Mississippi keeps rollin’ along. And this is where we can all be this June celebrating The Blues and the Breakthroughs. Not only is Memphis Home of the Blues, but it has had its fair share of breakthroughs, from John Lee Hooker to Johnny Cash to Elvis Presley. We also plan on having major breakthroughs for our regions, with pre-conference training, robust breakouts, and inspiring keynotes.
<!–<!–Think of it: The work we do will come together for 3 sweet days with the magic of Memphis. What more inspiration could we have to focus on the breakthroughs we are all making to bring data and research alive for our communities across the nation. We will be together, sharing our stories and skills with one another in a place that hums with inspiration.
<!–<!–Do it: The C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference, from June 17 – 19, is a must-attend event for our members and aspirational members (invite your colleagues to join in). We’ll learn, we’ll laugh, and enjoy a communal experience like no other, with people who do what we do in their varied worlds where they are relied on to turn economic and workforce data into action. Who wouldn’t want to do that?
<!–<!–Memphis, here we come!
<!–Yours always,
Carol O. Rogers
Chair, C2ER Board of Directors
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–LEARN
<!–<!–Build Your Breakthrough:
Pre‑Conference Training for Practitioners
<!–The C2ER + LMI Institute Conference is held from June 17-19, but the real fun starts on June 16 with pre-conference training!
These courses were built for practitioners who want real, usable skills and concrete outputs they can apply immediately. Choose between one of the following high-impact training classes:
<!–<!–<!–<!–Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI-Assisted Python Coding
Learn how to integrate AI-assisted Python workflows into real-world talent and workforce analysis. This training focuses on practical coding applications that help you work faster, analyze more deeply, and expand what your team can deliver.
<!–<!–Proving and Sharing Your Impact: Practical Training for Practitioners
Strengthen your ability to demonstrate outcomes, communicate value to stakeholders, and align your work with organizational priorities. This course equips you with frameworks, examples, and tools you can immediately apply to reporting, storytelling, and decision support.
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–Events
<!–<!–Understanding Opportunity Zones
February 19, 2025
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Conference
June 17 – 19, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–<!–<!–eLearning Courses
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research I:
Introduction to Data Sources
This three-hour self-paced eLearning course prepares novice economic development researchers to successfully guide regional development decisions through high-quality data. Completing this course will lay the groundwork for developing a regional economic profile, performing labor market analysis, conducting competitive market intelligence research, applying Census data to researching local employment, and presenting research findings.
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research II:
Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods
This three-hour, video-based course, the second of the Foundations of Economic Development Research eLearning program, provides novice economic developers and researchers with a practical introduction to research methods, models, and tools to support state and regional economic development strategies. Course exercises demonstrate and reinforce the basic analytical skills needed to address real-world questions that policymakers and practitioners encounter.
<!–<!–RESEARCH
<!–<!–Research/News From Our Members
<!–<!–Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance – Space Infrastructure Startup Mantis Space Selects Albuquerque for Headquarters and Manufacturing Hub
Allegheny Conference on Community Development – Eos Energy Relocates HQ + Expands Manufacturing Operations in Marshall Township (Allegheny County) — $352.9M Investment & 1,000 Jobs
Ann Arbor SPARK – Ann Arbor Among Six Michigan Communities Awarded Placemaking Grants
Ball State University – Ball State Establishes STEM Education Center to Grow Indiana’s STEM Teacher Pipeline
Birmingham Business Alliance – UAB Opens Biomedical Research and Innovation Center, Strengthening Birmingham’s Role in Health and Science
Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce – AKFA Aluminum Solutions to Establish First U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Bowling Green
Business Oregon – Business Oregon Awards $1.9 Million to Support Rural Communities and Entrepreneurs
Economic Development Commission of Florida Spacecoast – SATYS, a World Leader in Aircraft Painting, Expands North American Footprint on Florida’s Space Coast
Iowa Economic Development Authority – 10 Communities Receive $950,000 in Main Street Iowa Challenge Grants
Minnesota Dept of Employment and Economic Development – DEED Awards $17.3 Million for Workforce Development and Job Training
<!–<!–<!–<!–New C2ER Members
<!–<!–C2ER would like to thank and welcome our new and renewed members from the past quarter! We look forward to bringing you the tools, data, and training you need to make your job easier, help you develop professionally, and empower your region’s prosperity. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any suggestions or feedback.
<!–<!–New Members
<!–<!–- SEDI Capital Group
- FTI Consulting
<!–<!–- Dayton Development Coalition
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University
<!–<!–<!–<!–Not a C2ER member?
<!–<!–Become one today! With customizable benefits to meet your research needs, C2ER is THE organization for economic and workforce development researchers!
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–Connect with us on LinkedIn!
<!–<!–<!–<!–Stay up-to-speed on the latest and greatest C2ER updates. Tap the icon on the left and click “Follow.”
<!–<!–<!–<!–
FOLLOW US
<!–<!–To subscribe to the C2ER/LMI Weekly Updates click here
<!– -
Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute January 29, 2026
January 29, 2026
<!–Feature
<!–<!–Build the Conference Experience That Fits Your Work
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–2026 Learning Tracks
<!–<!–Economic Development Strategy
Tools and approaches for shaping resilient, data-informed regional growth.
<!–<!–Workforce & Talent Development
Insights on skills, training, and talent pipelines that meet evolving employer needs.
<!–<!–Community Resilience
Frameworks for preparing communities to adapt to economic and demographic change.
<!–<!–Labor Market Information Access
Improving how practitioners, partners, and the public use LMI effectively.
<!–<!–Data Tools & Methodology
Techniques, platforms, and analytical methods for stronger evidence-based decisions
<!–<!–Storytelling & Dissemination
Turning complex data into compelling narratives that drive action.
<!–<!–Sector & Occupation Analysis
Deep dives into industry and occupational trends shaping local economies.
<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–Why Defense Manufacturing Priorities Matter to Your Region
<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–<!–<!–News & Reports
<!–<!–Headlines
- Agglomerations – The Indicators That’ll Really Signal a Manufacturing Renaissance
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Work Experience of the Population: 2024
- Census Bureau – Decreases in Net International Migration Slowed Population Growth Across the Country
- Census Bureau – Prerelease Webinar on 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
- Heartland Forward – Heartland Policy Update: Regional Competitiveness in 2026
- National Science Foundation – Input on Investing in US Workforce Training to Revitalize America’s Energy Dominance
- State Economic Development Executives Network – Workforce Pell and Noncredit Training Helps Build the State Talent Pool
- The Ribbon Cut Podcast – Data Under Pressure: What’s Breaking (and What Still Works) in Economic Intelligence
Reports – From Our Members
- Census Bureau – Business Trends and Outlook Survey Data Release: January 15, 2026
- Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness – What 2026 Appropriations May Signal for Economic Development
- New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development – New Jersey’s Technology Sector A Detailed Analysis of Labor Market Information
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics – Regional Cost of Living Differences
Reports – Non-members
- Brookings – Measuring Us Workers’ Capacity to Adapt to AI-Driven Job Displacement
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment: November 2025
- Headlight Data – Monthly Economic Scorecard, Metros
- Placer.ai – Domestic Migration in 2025: The Great Slowdown
- Transportation for America – World-Class American Transit
- WalletHub – Best & Worst States to Raise a Family (2026)
<!–<!–Have a report you’d like to share?
<!–<!–ICYMI
<!–<!–- Pacific Northwest Regional Economic Conference – Now Accepting Submissions for the 2026 PNREC
- Rent Cafe – Searching for the Best Place to Move In 2026? These Are the Most Livable Metro Areas in the US
- USA Facts – Are Americans Sleeping More or Less?
<!–<!–Data Visualization
<!–<!–<!–<!–Careers
<!–<!–Have an open position that might be of interest to C2ER members?
Let us post your job listing!
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–Our Events
<!–<!–C2ER Webinar
Learn to Leverage the Cost of Living Index (COLI)
February 5, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
<!–<!–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
<!–<!–C2ER Webinar
Understanding Opportunity Zones
February 19, 2026
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
<!–<!–C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class
Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI-assisted Python Coding
June 16, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–C2ER/LMI Institute Training Class
Proving and Sharing Your Impact: Practical Training for Practitioners
June 16, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference
June 17 – 19, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–eLearning Courses
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research I: Introduction to Data Sources
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research II: Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Basic LMI Analyst eLearning
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Industry Events
<!–<!–NASWA 2026 Winter Policy Forum
February 25, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference
March 8 – 11, 2026
Arlington, VA
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 3 – 6, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–<!–<!–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
<!–<!–<!–<!–Follow us on social media!
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!– -
Why Defense Manufacturing Priorities Matter to Your Region
Advanced manufacturing is evolving at a pace that many regional workforce and economic development systems struggle to match. Defense manufacturing priorities, including accelerating technology adoption and shifting skill demands, are reshaping local labor markets. Yet, practitioners often lack clear guidance on translating national signals into regional action.
The Manufacturing Momentum Summit report addresses this gap. Developed through a national convening in Detroit in August 2025, it synthesizes practical strategies from workforce professionals, manufacturers, and policymakers rather than abstract policy discussions. For C2ER members, this report provides essential context at the intersection of national security priorities, workforce development, and emerging technologies.
The report examines persistent challenges, such as fragmented credentialing, incomplete data systems, outdated perceptions, and highlights how regions are responding with employer-led pipelines, accelerated training programs, and cross-sector partnerships. It focuses on three solution areas: workforce program innovation and scaling, data and accountability systems, and regional coordination.
The companion Manufacturing Momentum website translates these insights into actionable resources and case studies designed for regional implementation. Together, they offer C2ER members the tools to respond more deliberately to national priorities while addressing local workforce needs.
This work is intentionally iterative, and member insight is essential to its evolution. What are you seeing in your region? What data, guidance, or examples would strengthen your work?
Download the report and explore manufacturingmomentum.org. Share your feedback at info@manufacturingmomentum.org – your input will help shape the next phase and deliver lasting value for C2ER members and the regions you serve.
-
Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute January 15, 2026
January 15, 2026
<!–Feature
<!–<!–Kick Off Your Conference Experience with High‑Impact Pre‑Conference Training
<!–<!–<!–<!–Before the C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference officially begins, take advantage of two immersive, skill‑building trainings on June 16, 2026. These sessions are designed to deepen your expertise, sharpen your tools, and set you up for a powerful week in Memphis.
<!–<!–Seats are limited, and the early bird rate is available through April 1, 2026. Once again offered at an exceptionally low price. Don’t wait. These sessions fill quickly every year.
<!–<!–Choose Your Path to Impact
<!–<!–Accelerated Talent Transformation via AI‑Assisted Python Coding
Unlock new capacity for your team and your region. This hands‑on training blends practical Python skills with AI‑enabled workflows to help you accelerate analysis, automate routine tasks, and expand your technical toolkit — even if you’re not a full‑time coder.
<!–<!–Proving and Sharing Your Impact:
Practical Training for Practitioners
Strengthen your ability to demonstrate value, communicate outcomes, and tell compelling data‑driven stories. This session equips practitioners with frameworks, tools, and real‑world examples to elevate how you measure, document, and share your impact.
<!–<!–Start Your Conference Week Ahead of the Curve
These training classes are intentionally scheduled the day before the conference to help you arrive energized, equipped, and ready to dive into three days of insights and collaboration.
<!–<!–News & Reports
<!–<!–Headlines
- Agglomerations – Looking for the Ladder: Is AI Impacting Entry-level Jobs?
- Business Xpansion Journal – December/January 2026 Issue
- Census Bureau – Calls For Comment: Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; American Community Survey and Puerto Rico Community Survey (Deadline: February 17, 2026)
- US Chamber of Commerce – What to Expect from the Economy in 2026
- National Conference of State Legislatures – How Enhanced Wage Records Can Show the Value of Jobs Training Programs
- NPR – How Have Prices Changed in a Year? NPR Checked 114 Items at Walmart
- Newsweek – Map Shows States Most Americans Moving To Amid ‘Migration Shift’
- Site Selection – 2026 Workforce Development Rankings: Bright Horizons
- United.AI – Jobs ‘at Risk From AI’ Were Already Declining Before ChatGPT Launched
Reports – Non-members
- American Statistical Association – The Nation’s Data at Risk: 2025 Report
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – The Employment Situation: December 2025
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – A Profile of the Working Poor, 2023
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – State Job Openings and Labor Turnover: October 2025
- Edelman – GEN Z-eitgeist 2026
- United Van Lines – 2025 National Movers Study
<!–<!–Have a report you’d like to share?
<!–<!–ICYMI
<!–<!–- American Economic Association – 2025 in Research Highlights
- Agglomerations – Charts of the Year
- Route Fifty – The Data Center Rush in Appalachia
- World Economic Forum – Navigating the New Economy: 6 Decision-Makers Reveal Their Strategies for Growth and Resilience
<!–<!–Data Visualization
<!–<!–<!–<!–Careers
<!–<!–Have an open position that might be of interest to C2ER members?
Let us post your job listing!
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–Our Events
<!–<!–LMI Institute
Data Insights Roundtable: State LMI in a Time of Federal Uncertainty
January 29, 2026
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Annual Conference
June 17 – 19, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–eLearning Courses
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research I: Introduction to Data Sources
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research II: Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Basic LMI Analyst eLearning
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Industry Events
<!–<!–National Skills Coalition
Skills Summit
February 5 – 6, 2026
Washington, DC
<!–<!–<!–<!–NASWA 2026 Winter Policy Forum
February 25, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference
March 8 – 11, 2026
Arlington, VA
<!–<!–2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 3 – 6, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–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
<!–<!–<!–<!–Follow us on social media!
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!– -
Research Matters – C2ER/LMI Institute December 18, 2025
December 18, 2025
<!–Feature
<!–<!–Cheers to Progress: 2025 Achievements from C2ER & LMI Institute
<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–<!–<!–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
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–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:
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–Not a member yet? Start 2026 off right with a membership to C2ER or the LMI Institute!
<!–<!–<!–<!–2025 C2ER Member Survey Results
<!–<!–<!–<!–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
<!–<!–<!–<!–New Counting Credentials 2025 Report Offers Unprecedented
Clarity in the Credential Landscape
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–Cue the Holiday Lights!!
<!–<!–<!–<!–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!
<!–<!–News & Reports
<!–<!–Headlines
- Agglomerations – How Many Manufacturing Workers Are There?
- Bureau of Economic Analysis – Source Data: The Foundation for Valuable Economic Statistics
- Foundation for American Innovation – Understanding AI’s Labor Market Impacts: Opportunities for the Department of Labor’s AI Workforce Research Hub
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT Takes Manufacturing Education Across the Country
- National Skills Coalition – Putting People at the Center of Our Economy Through Workforce Development That Works
Reports – From Our Members
- Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness – Manufacturing Momentum Summit 2025 Report
- Smart Incentives – Shining a Light on Tax Expenditures: Key Takeaways From the 2025 Flagship Report
Reports – Non-members
- American Statistical Association – The Nation’s Data at Risk: Meeting America’s Information Needs for the 21st Century
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Business Employment Dynamics – First Quarter 2025
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – The Employment Situation: November 2025
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers Third Quarter 2025
- NIST – NIST Workshop Report: Whole Community Preparedness in Smart Cities and Communities
<!–<!–Have a report you’d like to share?
<!–<!–ICYMI
<!–<!–- Agglomerations – Why Place Matters More Than Ever
- American Association of Community Colleges – Opportunities, Challenges in Building the Workforce Pipeline
- Route Fifty – States, Localities Use Workforce Development to Combat the Digital Divide
<!–<!–Data Visualization
<!–<!–<!–<!–Careers
<!–<!–Have an open position that might be of interest to C2ER members?
Let us post your job listing!
<!–<!–<!–<!–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.
<!–<!–Our Events
<!–<!–2026 C2ER + LMI Institute Conference
June 17 – 19, 2026
Memphis, TN
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–eLearning Courses
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research I: Introduction to Data Sources
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Foundations of Economic Development Research II: Introduction to Regional Analysis Methods
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Basic LMI Analyst eLearning
Any Place, Any Time
<!–<!–Industry Events
<!–<!–ASSA 2026 Annual Meeting
January 3 – 5, 2026
Philadelphia, PA
<!–<!–National Skills Coalition
Skills Summit
February 5 – 6, 2026
Washington, DC
<!–<!–NASWA 2026 Winter Policy Forum
February 25, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–<!–<!–2026 NADO & DDAA Washington Conference
March 8 – 11, 2026
Arlington, VA
<!–<!–2026 SelectUSA Investment Summit
May 3 – 6, 2026
National Harbor, MD
<!–<!–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
<!–<!–<!–<!–Follow us on social media!
<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–<!–
