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22 Things Economic Developers Need to Know This Week

The stories Dane thinks you need to see. January 16, 2025 edition.

Dane Carlson
Dane Carlson
5 min read
22 Things Economic Developers Need to Know This Week

Welcome to this week's issue of What Economic Developers Need to Know This Week, where we explore the evolving dynamics of our economy.

This week we have 22 tools, stories, graphics, charts, and videos that I think you'll find informative, useful, inspiring, and perhaps even humorous. Some are economic development related directly, and some only indirectly. 🤔

If you're wondering what to do with the info in this newsletter, send something to your board members. It will make you look good!

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1) Inflation picked up in December:

Driven by an increase in gasoline prices:

However, the core CPI rise came in below expectations:

The core goods CPI was almost flat last month:


2) In this look at feelings of loneliness across different living arrangements, young people who live alone are less lonely than people who live with their parents:


3) The departing President's impact was more hype than reality. Joe Biden's FDI legacy in five charts:


4) Reported home fires by year, 1980-2020:

Here's more data.


5) The ghost job epidemic: Fake job postings are a real problem: One in five jobs advertised is fake or not filled, according to a new analysis; 'more soul-crushing than ever'


6) The Impossible Magic of Economic Development - Why your EDO needs a magic wand called Sitehunt.


7) How Americans view the honesty & ethical standards of people in the following fields:


8) Though it may not feel like it, McDonald's has been closing stores, with the 85-year-old chain's restaurant tally stalling in recent years.


9) States where the minimum wage increased in 2025:



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