IMPLAN Blog

The educational landscape in the United States is changing rapidly, and for many small colleges and universities, the outlook is bleak. While large institutions may thrive, smaller liberal arts colleges have been facing mounting challenges that are pushing many toward closure. Over the last few decades, these colleges have played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and stability in the small towns and cities where they are located. However, shifting demographics, rising operational costs, and other factors have combined to create a climate in which many schools are struggling to survive. What happens to the local economy when these institutions shut their doors?

As the 2024 election looms, one of the most debated policy proposals is the "No Tax on Tips" plan championed by former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. This initiative, which aims to eliminate federal income tax on tip income, is designed to bolster the take-home pay of millions of American workers in the service industry. While the plan promises immediate benefits for tipped workers, its broader economic implications raise questions about long-term impacts on the U.S. economy. 

We’re thrilled to announce the latest additions to IMPLAN’s Quick Start Guides: the University Impacts Guide and the Simplified Tourism Impacts Guide. Like our other Quick Start Guides, these new guides are designed to make economic analysis accessible to everyone, regardless of their background in economics. By following a series of on-screen prompts, users can easily analyze the impacts of various economic events and projects.

Wildfires are devastating for communities, ecosystems, and the economy. They lead to significant property losses, industry disruptions, and income reductions. However, the aftermath of these natural disasters also triggers substantial economic activity, particularly through rebuilding efforts and support systems. This dual nature of impact—both negative and positive—on the economy has been highlighted in a recent analysis using IMPLAN data.

The Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that governs various agricultural and food programs, including SNAP, and has significant implications for the agricultural sector and the broader economy.

This summer, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that residential customers will see their monthly electricity bills average $173 from June to August, up from last summer's $168. This 3% increase is due to households consuming an additional 30 kilowatt hours of energy each month compared to last year. Some estimates predict an even sharper rise, with costs expected to be 8% higher from June to September compared to the previous year.

The Energy Hardship Report by the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate and the National Energy Assistance Directors Association revealed that in March, 34.3% of households reported forgoing basic necessities to cover their energy bills at least once in the past year. To understand the impact of rising cooling costs, we assume that 34.3% of American households, or nearly 44 million households, will reduce non-electricity spending by 3% from June to August.

We're thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to our International Product – an expansion that opens up a world of possibilities for economic analysis. With the addition of 10 new countries to our database, we're now covering a total of 76 countries, empowering users with broader insights and deeper understanding across diverse economies.

When you’re delving into economic analysis, you'll often encounter North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. NAICS codes (pronounced like “snakes” without the “s”) are essential for categorizing businesses and understanding economic data. 

In today’s blog, we’ll break down what NAICS codes are, how they correspond with IMPLAN sectors, and why they matter for your economic impact analysis.

If you review the results of an IMPLAN economic impact study, you will not find GDP listed in the results. Naturally the question arises, "What is the GDP?" Within IMPLAN results, that value is actually demonstrated in multiple ways. 

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is defined as the total market value of all final goods and services produced within a region in a given period of time (usually a quarter or year). GDP is the sum of value added at every stage of production (the intermediate stages) for all final goods and services produced within a region in a given period of time. In other words, GDP is the wealth created by industry activity.

The United States made a significant commitment during COP28 (The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC) late last year by endorsing the declaration to triple its nuclear energy capacity by 2050. This ambitious goal aligns with the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) projections for reaching net-zero emissions in the next 26 years.

A key strategy to achieve this goal involves converting existing coal power plants to advanced nuclear plants. The DOE has identified 315 coal power plant sites as suitable for such conversions, including 125 recently retired plants. This approach could significantly cut construction costs, address job security for the current energy workforce, and advance environmental justice.