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Archives for 2020

Wildfires destroy thousands of structures each year

November 2020

Wildfire burns near a home in California

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.

Is rural America really doing so badly?

November 2020

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.

Outdoor Recreation: A top driver of Wisconsin’s economy

October 2020

Kids pedal bicycles near a tent at Wyalusing State Park, Wisconsin

The outdoor recreation economy contributes $7.8 billion, or 2.4% to Wisconsin’s GDP and generates more than 93,000 jobs across diverse sectors.

Outdoor Economy Conference: How to Build an Outdoor Community (slides)

October 2020

Slide show: Ray Rasker’s keynote to the 2020 Outdoor Economy Conference highlights ways to build an outdoor community.

Fiscal policy is failing rural America

October 2020

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

Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing

October 2020

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

How communities reduce flood risk: five midwestern case studies

October 2020

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

September 2020

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.

Community resilience in the era of megafires

August 2020

Kimiko Barrett, Ph.D., demonstrates how community resilience to wildfire needs to include planning and adaptation strategies for homes and neighborhoods.

Community benefits of the Merced River Trail

July 2020

Trailhead sign of the Merced River Trail

The Merced River Trail in Mariposa County, California will create benefits for the economy and businesses, quality of life, and public health.

Communities threatened by wildfires, 2000-2019

July 2020

A wildfire burns over a ridge near a neighborhood.

From 2000-2019, nearly 2,000 U.S. communities were threatened by wildfires or potential ember spread, showing the need for adaptive planning strategies.

Census response rates in communities of color

July 2020

People of color are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.

Census response rates in Asian Communities

July 2020

Asian communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.

Census response rates in Black Communities

July 2020

Black communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.

Census response rates in Hispanic and Latino Communities

July 2020

Hispanic and Latino communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.

Census response rates in Native American Communities

July 2020

American Indian and Alaska Native communities are at a high risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, jeopardizing federal funding, social services, and government representation.

Wildfire and Vulnerable Populations: Testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee

June 2020

Wildland firefighters get supplies ready to suppress a wildfire.

Testimony on wildfires and vulnerable populations to a forum before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.

Welcome to Kristin Smith!

June 2020

Kris Smith joined Headwaters Economics staff on May 1st. As a program manager, Kris will lead community engagement related to flood mitigation and contribute to research on public finance and fiscal policy.

Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county

June 2020

As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.

How affordable is housing in your county?

May 2020

Find information on housing affordability by county and compare within your state. See the average share of wages spent on rent and mortgages in every U.S. county.

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