Economic Geography

America’s economic landscape is increasingly defined by deep regional divides. Prosperous metropolitan areas continue to attract people, capital, and innovation, while many small towns and mid-sized communities struggle to retain employers and workers. These disparities weaken national productivity, fuel political discontent, and leave millions disconnected from the engines of opportunity.

EIG’s work on economic geography seeks to understand and address these divides. Through original research and data tools like the Distressed Communities Index, EIG documents how economic dynamism and opportunity have become unevenly distributed across the country — and advances policies to revive local economies, strengthen entrepreneurship, and ensure that every region has a chance to thrive in the modern economy.