In a new report, the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) shows how important small businesses are as job creators in 10 of America’s largest cities and their under-resourced inner cities.  The report, updates and expands on ICIC’s 2016 report  on the subject. Read More

Kim Janey, Boston’s District 7 City Councilor, sees the dark clouds of racial and economic disparity that often hamper her constituents from connecting with opportunities for advancement. Yet she is drawn to the light. “You build bridges while the sun is shining,” she says. “You don’t wait for the storms to come.” Read More

Arts and culture organizations can play a more powerful role in shaping community development in low-income communities by adopting and adapting key strategies used by traditional ‘anchor’ organizations like hospitals and universities. Arts and culture organizations already make important contributions to the vitality of their communities, and deserve a seat ... Read More

Small businesses are critical drivers of the US economy. Collectively, they employ one-third of the nation’s workforce - nearly 59 million Americans across the country. They create jobs, spark innovation, invest in neighborhoods, and increase America’s competitiveness globally. Read More

The Opportunity Zone program is the nation’s latest public policy attempt to encourage private investment in America’s economically distressed areas. In his policy brief, ICIC Senior Vice President and Director of Research Howard Wial argues that Opportunity Zones will benefit distressed communities only if investors, local governments, community organizations, and other organizations with a stake in the economic progress of low-income communities abide by four fundamental principles to guide investments in the zones. Read More