Explore seasonal use—including the amount, type, and timing—for 25 regional trails and pathways.
Economic Development
Dam Removal Case Studies
Six dam removal case studies on the fiscal, economic, environmental, and social benefits of dam removal.
Taos Trails Are Popular But Trail Access Varies
In the Taos, New Mexico area trails are a fundamental part of health and quality of life, but differences in access to trails may limit the benefits for Hispanic and low-income residents.
Trails Are Good for All But Not Available to All
Trails are good for people, but the health and social benefits of trails are not equally available to everyone.
Trails and the Elusive Quality of Life
Many people talk about trails and quality of life, but how do we measure and obtain it?
Economic Conditions in Communities Dependent on Federal Coal
This blog draws on federal data and research to describe more about the local economies of the communities dependent on federal coal.
Changed Electric Power Markets Create New Volatility for Coal
Lower overall coal generating capacity—the outcome of coal fired power plant retirements and a demand for coal that rises and falls depending on natural gas prices—will create new volatility for coal jobs and for counties, schools, and states that depend on tax revenues from coal.
Measuring the Benefit of Trails to Communities
Updated tools, research, and studies on the benefit of trails to communities and local citizens.
West’s Economy Outperforming Rest of United States
Explore the West’s economy, regional performance, and what is driving economic growth.
Survey Finds Trails Valued Across Bonner County
Survey provides information on Bonner County’s trail system and will help prioritize improvements based on resident usage, satisfaction, reasons for living in the area.
Planning for Montana’s Energy Transition
While Montana is likely to experience relatively small impacts, coal-dependent communities in Eastern Montana are likely to feel the acute effects of job losses and declining tax revenue in the coming decades.
Trails and the Benefits to Your Community
Headwaters Economics has updated its Trails Library to include 105 studies on trails, searchable by benefit, use, year, and region.
Know Your Economy: Economic Tools Updated for Every County
Understanding the local economy, and how it compares to peers, is a crucial part of smart community and economic development. Several new tools, utilizing the latest data (through 2014), now are available for every county in the nation.
One Click: Socioeconomic Reports for Every County
Understanding what drives the local economy is crucial to smart community and economic development. This map provides detailed socioeconomic reports for every county.
Urban Areas Drive Economic Growth in the West
Despite being known for its rural landscapes, the West is surprisingly urban.
The West Today: What Sectors Drive the Economy?
In the West today, what economic sectors are driving the economy and make up the growing workforce?
Three Wests: Access to Markets Affects Performance
There are three distinct types of counties in the West—Metro, Connected, and Isolated—defined by their access to major markets and population centers.
Home Construction in the High Divide
The High Divide region, recognized as one of the most intact biological areas in the lower 48 states, is attracting many new residents and home construction is changing the landscape.
Bonner County, Idaho’s Resilient Economy
Analysis shows that Bonner County’s economy has grown steadily and been resilient, despite recessions and losing several large employers, and many local businesses are committed to the community and its high quality of life.
Teton County Trails & Pathways Survey Shows Extensive Local Use
Survey shows that nine out of 10 respondents use the pathways and trails in Teton County, Wyoming. Such surveys help community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens plan for the future of pathways and trails systems.