Fourth Economy

In recognition of Caribbean American Heritage Month this June, Fourth Economy team members Denique Dennis-Young and Oshane Mcrae, both of Caribbean descent, acknowledge the history of economic disenfranchisement of the Caribbean American community, honor their economic ingenuity, and share calls to action for fostering their increased economic well being. Join us in celebrating the contributions of Caribbean Americans on the US Economy and learn ideas for integrating more inclusive community and economic development practices. Read the blog ⏩

This year’s 48th #CopaAmerica, a quadrennial men’s soccer tournament that includes qualifiers from throughout the Americas, is equal parts competition and trial-run. The big event, FIFA World Cup 2026™ - Canada, Mexico and the United States, looms ahead just two years from now. Host cities are already making short and long-term investments in their infrastructure to maximize the tournament’s #economicimpact.

Since 1991, Friends Of The Riverfront has worked to protect and restore the riverfront in the Pittsburgh region through trail development and stewardship. Last night, they hosted a celebration for the release of the 2024 Three Rivers Trail Economic Impact Study, completed by Fourth Economy. Our team worked closely with Friends Of The Riverfront to tailor the study to the Three Rivers Heritage Trail and understand its function as an urban trail, including a comprehensive approach to measuring economic, health, and community impacts. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail is more than just a scenic route - it's a vital component of the region's transportation infrastructure and a catalyst for community well-being. Trail usage has doubled since 2014 and generates an economic impact of $26.5 million annually. The trail is a true regional asset - it provides significant mental and physical health benefits, as well as increased property values and investment. Insights from this study will serve as a compass, guiding efforts to enhance and expand the trail system, ensuring its accessibility for generations to come.   #ThreeRiversHeritageTrail #Pittsburgh #CommunityImpact

Policies and practices that support working families just make sense - they benefit families, businesses, and the economy at large. In the latest Advancing Equity blog, Megan Nestor explains how civic leaders can build a robust, equitable economy by activating the unique innovations needed for families in their communities. Explore the library of Advancing Equity blogs here: https://lnkd.in/gD9u-qJX #advancingequity #familysupports #workingfamilies Read the blog ⬇

Today marks the 159th anniversary of #Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, 1865, news of emancipation finally reached Galveston, Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day celebrates the freedom, resilience, and rich history and culture of Black Americans. Fourth Economy is closed in observance of the holiday today. Who Celebrates Juneteenth (as a paid holiday)? 💭 Early evidence suggests that Black workers hold jobs that are less likely to offer paid holiday benefits for Juneteenth – “Black Independence Day” – compared to the rest of the workforce. While paid holiday benefits are guaranteed for all federal and postal workers, the other 98.4% of the workforce does not benefit equally from the Juneteenth holiday. State governments and private employers have varying levels of recognizing the holiday, and Black workers in private companies are less likely to hold jobs with paid holiday leave benefits. This is significant because it reveals how our economic system continues to disproportionately serve the interests of white Americans. Our analysis finds that Juneteenth offers more paid benefits to white workers than Black workers. This data reveals larger trends that call us to do significantly more than offer a day off for Juneteenth, but use this time to advocate for systemic changes to recognize the debt owed to Black workers and the Black community at large. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gc4DQJ2H

Fourth Economy's Nicole Muise-Kielkucki and Nathan Reigner of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources joined us at #CNPAmericas24 to explore how you can deliver on the potential of your outdoor recreation assets to grow your place economy. You can catch their top take aways from the discussion below. And you can see the slide deck from their presentation for more information here: https://lnkd.in/ei7jKeet Video: Daniel Edwards, Foxred Video

Fourth Economy is proud to celebrate Pride Month alongside our parent company Steer. 🏳️🌈 We believe communities achieve prosperity by expanding equitable access to resources and opportunity for all. Stay tuned for the June edition of Four Thoughts where we'll explore the cost of anti-LGBTQ legislation across the U.S. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, here: http://eepurl.com/gMNyRD Happy Pride Month! 🌈

The Fourth Economy team is on the move! Interested in connecting with us at an upcoming event? 💬 Reach out today. Berkshire Innovation Center: The Global Interdisciplinary Green Cities Conference 📅 June 18-22, 2024 📍 Pittsfield, MA Rich Overmoyer, President & CEO, is attending the conference and speaking on a panel about innovation districts on June 18th. RISE Together Innovation Institute: Poverty Innovation Summit 📅 June 20, 2024 📍 Columbus, OH Denique Dennis-Young, Senior Consultant, is attending the summit.

Empowering communities with the tools and insights to attract top talent is key to driving economic growth.🌱 Here’s a glance at our afternoon breakout sessions: Rich Overmoyer from Fourth Economy led a powerful discussion on restoring hope in communities, focusing on building confidence and defining strategies for talent retention and attraction. “There is an economic case for happiness. Happy people are more productive, creative, and engaged in their communities.” Brianna Mosier from Flint & Genesee Group explored the transformative impact of talent attraction initiatives as a driver of positive perception for your community. “Activate your locals. They’re your biggest influencers.” #RoleCallSummit24