Earlier this week, RESI hosted its fourth annual Maryland Workforce Outlook Forum. This year’s event focused on addressing and finding solutions to human disparities across Maryland. For the forum, RESI examined all 1,400 census tracts in Maryland to bring a clearer picture of education, income, and health disparities across the state. A panel discussion featured area leaders who are working to address disparities and create more equitable communities. MORE

Thousands to Converge on Frederick for Annual Running Festival Saturday and Sunday
The Frederick News-Post, 05/03/2019

Event organizers for the Frederick Running Festival expected up to 15,000 visitors, including at least 7,000 runners, over the weekend from May 4 to 5. Events include a Kids Fun Run, Twilight 5K, Team Relay, and the main event of the Frederick Half-Marathon. All events during the festival begin and end at the Frederick Fairgrounds, with rolling road closures planned for the remainder of the routes. Despite the closures, Frederick’s director of economic development stated that the event is beneficial to the city. According to a study by Towson University’s Regional Economic Studies Institute, the festival provides more than $3.5 million of economic impact to Frederick. This impact is based on direct spending on the event, as well as the spending of visitors on shops, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.

Some Maryland Businesses Welcome Tariffs as Economists Warn of Rising Prices from U.S.-Chinese Trade War
Baltimore Sun, 05/15/2019

In the latest development regarding trade between the U.S. and China, President Donald Trump has ordered tariffs on approximately $200 billion in Chinese imports be raised from 10 percent to 25 percent. This tariff is also being threatened on an additional $300 billion of imported goods. RESI Chief Economist Dr. Daraius Irani said that retailers who purchase from China, as well as their Chinese manufacturers, may be forced to raise prices despite attempts to keep prices steady during the implementation of previous tariffs. “At some point, the dam is going to break. The retailers and the manufacturers have to make their profits.” China has retaliated with tariffs on U.S. goods, which may adversely affect the U.S. economy. Various trade groups estimate that the average American family will pay more each year on clothing, shoes, and travel goods, and that higher prices will lead in turn to lower sales and lost jobs. However, some local businesses hope that the tariffs will make their goods and services more attractive and reduce competition.