RERI News

Issue Brief: Population and Income Migration Dynamics

February 03, 2025 / RERI Research Team

Florida continues to have a reputation as one of the best places to live and work. WalletHub ranked Florida as the second-best state to live in because of its strong labor market, low tax rates, and high median household income growth. In addition, The Motley Fool ranked Florida as the best state to retire to, supported by Mark Wilson, President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Wilson stated: “Florida’s ranking as the best state to retire in is reflected in an exceptional blend of factors. With its favorable low-tax environment, world-class healthcare institutions, robust transportation infrastructure, America’s number one rated higher education system, convenient airports and cruise ports, and access to stunning beaches, Florida offers retirees the perfect setting to enjoy their golden years.”

Charlotte EBCS: First Quarter 2025 Report

February 03, 2025 / RERI Research Team

Real GDP increased by 2.8 percent in 2024, driven by consumer spending in both goods and services and increases in investment, government spending, and net exports, continuing the growth trend in the last three years and aligned with the long-term growth rate experienced in the US. The nation’s unemployment rate declined from 4.2 percent in October to 4.1 percent in December 2024, staying within the range often considered “full employment” by economists. Consumer Sentiment also continued to rally, rising 3.9 points from September 2024 to 74.0 in December 2024. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported steady growth in small business sentiment, with its index reaching 105.1 in December, the highest number in the last 6 years.

Collier EBCS: First Quarter 2025 Report

February 03, 2025 / RERI Research Team

Real GDP increased by 2.8 percent in 2024, driven by consumer spending in both goods and services and increases in investment, government spending, and net exports, continuing the growth trend in the last three years and aligned with the long-term growth rate experienced in the US. The nation’s unemployment rate declined from 4.2 percent in October to 4.1 percent in December 2024, staying within the range often considered “full employment” by economists. Consumer Sentiment also continued to rally, rising 3.9 points from September 2024 to 74.0 in December 2024. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported steady growth in small business sentiment, with its index reaching 105.1 in December, the highest number in the last 6 years.

Southwest Florida Employer Skills Gap Report 2024

February 03, 2025 / RERI Research Team

In September 2022, FGCU in partnership with FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory received $23 million from the U.S Department of Commerce's Good Jobs Challenge grant. This funding led to the creation of The Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline (EJP), a regional initiative that aims to train local job seekers in employer-demanded skills and ultimately place these job seekers into gainful jobs in the region within four key sectors: Healthcare, PK-12 Education, Manufacturing and Logistics. 

Regional Economic Indicators: February 2025 Report

February 03, 2025 / RERI Research Team

The RERI has published Regional Economic Indicators for February 2025. The monthly publication represents a collection and analysis of economic indicators including airport passenger activity, taxable sales, tourist tax revenues, labor force, employment, real estate, and consumer sentiment for the Southwest Florida workforce region.

Lee EBCS: First Quarter 2025 Report

February 03, 2025 / RERI Research Team

Real GDP increased by 2.8 percent in 2024, driven by consumer spending in both goods and services and increases in investment, government spending, and net exports, continuing the growth trend in the last three years and aligned with the long-term growth rate experienced in the US. The nation’s unemployment rate declined from 4.2 percent in October to 4.1 percent in December 2024, staying within the range often considered “full employment” by economists. Consumer Sentiment also continued to rally, rising 3.9 points from September 2024 to 74.0 in December 2024. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reported steady growth in small business sentiment, with its index reaching 105.1 in December, the highest number in the last 6 years.

Regional Economic Indicators: January 2025 Report

January 07, 2025 / RERI Research Team

The RERI has published Regional Economic Indicators for January 2025. The monthly publication represents a collection and analysis of economic indicators including airport passenger activity, taxable sales, tourist tax revenues, labor force, employment, real estate, and consumer sentiment for the Southwest Florida workforce region.

Industry Diversification Project: Fourth Quarter 2024 Report

January 06, 2025 / RERI Research Team / Tag: Industry Diversification Project

The RERI has published the Industry Diversification Report for the fourth quarter of 2024. The goal of the IDI is to measure industry diversification and, by extension, that of the workforce, in each of Florida’s 24 workforce regions, the state of Florida, and the remaining 49 states. The index measure is computed quarterly, soon after the release of workforce data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. It spans from 0 to 10, with 0 signifying no diversification (or an economy characterized by a single industry), and 10 signifying perfect diversification (no concentration).