Inside America's Best Cities, An Economic Development Podcast

1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record that is probably limiting their participation in your workforce and community. Any arrest, even if it didn't lead to conviction, constitutes a record and lifelong barrier to opportunity, even for those who long ago served their time. Clean Slate Initiative is working to change that with bipartisan policy that automatically clears records for people who stay c...

Every year we at Livability produce an objective, research-based Top 100 Best Places to Live list , sponsored this year by eXp Realty . Madison, Wisconsin takes the honor of the No. 1 spot for the second year in a row. In this episode, two Madison leaders: Jason Fields , President of the Madison Region Economic Partnership , and Zach Brandon , President of the Greater Madison Chamber , share about...

Jamie Wright , Executive Director of the Alliance for Rural Impact , helps navigate the workforce challenges faced by small rural communities. You want companies to be successful in your area, but that requires a labor pool you may not quite have. In this episode, learn how automation can expand the capabilities of your current workforce and support the success of your existing industry.

The pandemic brought to the forefront the struggles working parents face to balance work and family responsibilities. Without high-quality childcare, it's hard to have a high-quality workforce. What can you do to ensure parents in your community have the support they need to succeed alongside your businesses? We'll hear from Naturally Lewis , Lewis County, NY's economic development entity, on thei...

On this Talent To Go episode, we sit down with Charles Wood from the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce in Chattanooga, TN to discuss how engaged residents, public-private partnerships and embracing new ideas have given this gorgeous river and mountain community an edge when it comes to attracting – and retaining – talent.

Michael, Dwight and the whole gang at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company made us laugh from 2005 to 2013. When the show was first gaining a foothold, the Scranton community saw things a little differently, according to Mari Potis , the director of membership and events for The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce . Then tourism not only grew, but exploded, and today the show continues to have a consider...

Economic development and talent attraction leaders are tasked with telling the story of their communities compellingly. But how do you know what sets your area apart and how do you drive that home in your messaging? In this episode, Lightcast will provide data-based tips for identifying your community's unique comparative advantages, and y ou'll learn how to use labor market data to be more effect...

It's tough to be on your own in a new city, but some communities are making it more comfortable with a city concierge – city champions who help you get connected, make sure you have a good experience in your new city and even help you decide whether to take the plunge in the first place. In this episode, we hear about Louisville's Live in Lou City Champs and the difference they're making for new a...

Join host Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief of Livability.com , for an inside look at the unsung awesomeness of small and mid-sized cities across the country. All season, we'll delve into talent attraction and economic development topics, explore some of America's hidden gems and highlight the people behind the scenes who make an impact on communities and their livability.