IMPLAN Blog

Understanding IMPLAN: Multipliers

Posted by Joe Demski on April 18, 2025

The foundation upon which IMPLAN economic impact analyses are built is the input-output (I-O) model, and the basis for I-O models are multipliers. Multipliers are rates of change that describe how a given change in a particular industry generates impacts in the overall economy (e.g. for every dollar spent in the economy an additional $0.25 of economic activity is generated locally, implying a multiplier of 1.25). What multipliers represent and how they are calculated can vary significantly. 

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Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology, Impact

Understanding IMPLAN: The Application and Data

Posted by Sarah K. M. Gross on April 17, 2025

If you’re looking to conduct an economic impact analysis study, chances are someone like you has performed and published something similar using IMPLAN. Conversely, if you’re attempting to study something unlike anything else, between IMPLAN’s data, applications, and knowledgeable customer success and education services teams, you have all the tools you need to get started.

Developed by the United States Forest Service (USFS) in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over 40 years ago, IMPLAN boasts an unrivaled history of economic expertise. The USFS remains an active user of IMPLAN today along with a multitude of local, state, and federal government entities, a broad range of renowned academics, economic development entities, professional associations, consultants, and the United Nations.

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Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology, Impact

Unlocking the Economic Potential of Emerging Industries

Posted by Chandler West on April 16, 2025

IMPLAN is built on many years of economic data – but how can it help when you’re curious about the economic impacts of an industry without a documented history to examine?

Emerging industries, such as legalized cannabis, are reshaping local economies and generating ripple effects that influence job creation, tax revenues, and broader economic landscapes. For policymakers, business leaders, and researchers, understanding these impacts is essential for making informed decisions. IMPLAN, a robust economic impact analysis tool, is particularly suited for analyzing emerging industries due to its flexibility, data granularity, and customization capabilities.

Let’s take a look at how IMPLAN can be employed to measure the economic impacts of new industries.

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Topics: Data, Economics, Impact

Navigating Economic Uncertainty: The Role of IMPLAN in Assessing Financial Disruptions

Posted by Chandler West on April 14, 2025

Periods of financial uncertainty—whether due to budget negotiations, policy shifts, or economic downturns—can have widespread implications across industries, public services, and local economies. When government funding is delayed or reduced, the ripple effects can be felt far beyond the initial disruption, impacting employment, wages, and economic growth.

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Topics: Data, Economics, Impact

Understanding IMPLAN: Measures of GDP

Posted by Joe Demski on April 11, 2025

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.

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Topics: Data, Economics, Technology, Methodology, Impact

The Tax-Exempt Tip Plan: A Mixed Bag for the U.S. Economy

Posted by Jenny Thorvaldson & Chandler West on April 4, 2025

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. 

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Topics: Data, Economics, Impact, policy

User Research Spotlight: How Medicaid & SNAP Cuts Could Impact Jobs and State Economies

Posted by Chandler West on March 28, 2025

A recent study by the Commonwealth Fund examines the potential economic repercussions of proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The analysis projects that such cuts could lead to over 1 million job losses nationwide and a $113 billion reduction in state GDPs by 2026.

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Topics: Economics, Impact

Understanding the Economic Implications of NIH’s Indirect Costs Cap: A Closer Look at the 2025 Proposal

Posted by IMPLAN Staff on February 25, 2025

In February 2025, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposed a cap on indirect costs for federal grants. This move could significantly affect the funding landscape for research institutions across the country, and it’s important to understand the economic consequences of this change. In particular, the cap could reduce the indirect costs that are vital to covering overhead expenses associated with research activities.

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Topics: Economics, Impact

How Associations Can Use Economic Impact Analysis to Strengthen Advocacy and Demonstrate Value

Posted by Chandler West on February 10, 2025

In an increasingly competitive landscape, industry associations must continuously prove their value—to policymakers, the public, and even their own members. Whether advocating for funding, shaping regulations, or increasing public awareness, associations need compelling data to tell their story effectively.

That’s where economic impact analysis comes in.

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Topics: Economics, Impact

The 2025 Super Bowl and Beyond: Four Important Considerations for Analyzing the Economic Impacts of Major Events

Posted by Chandler West on February 7, 2025

This year, fans of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the NFL at large will pour into New Orleans, Louisiana for Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. While in New Orleans, they will stay in hotels, feast on beer and wings at local bars and restaurants, and shop for souvenirs to take home to their families. Some will pass time on the Bourbon Street before the game while others will visit grocery stores to stock up on tailgating essentials. 

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Topics: Events, Economic Development

Why IMPLAN?

Put simply, IMPLAN is built for everyone.

Together, our software and data give you a window into your region of study — like one gigantic transaction log for the local economy. Chances are that if your project or business has a financial component, then IMPLAN can reveal some sometimes surprising detail about how your project relates to the local, state, or national economy.

What used to take economists weeks can be done in minutes. By anyone!

But you're not alone, IMPLAN's best benefits go beyond the work done in the tool:

  • Easy to learn and use
  • Outstanding customer support
  • Access to orientations, trainings, and project consultations
  • Instills confidence in your analyses

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