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Headwaters Economics leadership transition

Tool Update

Economic Profile System

Download latest data in our fully redesigned Economic Profile System

A note from our Director regarding COVID-19

Is rural America really doing so badly?

Nearly half of rural communities have grown so much since the 1970s they are now classified as “urban.” Those that remain are diverse, but often have more specialized economies.

Fiscal policy is failing rural America

State and federal fiscal policies hurt rural communities by limiting how local governments can grow, diversify, and invest revenue.

Wildfires destroy thousands of structures each year

Explore the number of structures destroyed in each state by wildfire. Structures lost—rather than acres burned—provides a more complete measure of the broad impacts of wildfire.

Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard.

Neighborhoods at Risk

See where climate change is likely to impact the most vulnerable people.

Flooding on the streets in downtown Grand Island, Nebraska.

How communities reduce flood risk: five midwestern case studies

Communities highlighted in this report have successfully reduced flood risk through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and creative funding.

Building funding strategies for flood mitigation projects

This guide provides advice for developing funding strategies for flood mitigation projects, including where to find funding and how to make an economic pitch for mitigation projects.

Wind Turbines sit atop a hill with low clouds.

The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation

Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.

Split image with trucks driving down into coal mine on one side and wind turbines atop a green hill at sunset on the other.

The Evolution of U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity

The capacity to generate electricity has transitioned from coal to natural gas to renewable energy, a trend projected to continue.

Headwaters Economics

An independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions.

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Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire

Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) works with communities to reduce wildfire risk through improved land use planning. The program is a partnership of Headwaters Economics, Wildfire Planning International, and the USDA Forest Service.

Learn about CPAW communities

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