Community and Economic Development

Apply GIS to equitable and sustainable growth strategies using federal recovery grants

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How does GIS help my community thrive?

Every aspect of a community has been impacted by the pandemic. Local businesses had to adapt to disruptions and changing customer preferences, and governments had to modify their long-range plans. GIS is an essential tool for evaluating, visualizing, and designing solutions to meet your community's evolving needs for economic development and sustainable housing. With the available federal recovery grants, communities can undertake projects that were once put on hold.

Areas that GIS can support

Justify policy and design successful affordable housing

The housing situation in America has been severely strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. The issues range from emergency needs for mortgage and rent assistance, to communities being overwhelmed with demands for new housing due to decreased urbanization. ArcGIS delivers a data-driven approach that gives your government staff detailed knowledge of your current housing situation. Analyze affordable housing site suitability, justify strategies for an economic mobility plan, and empower the public by identifying where residents can go for housing assistance.

More on affordable housing
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Analyze and manage growth capacity

According to the US Census Bureau, 2019 saw the trend of counterurbanization begin with urban areas losing two million residents to suburban and rural areas. This has put a strain on many long-range plans that did not consider such demands for growth. ArcGIS provides the tools to understand where there is room for sustainable growth; model different build-out and zoning change scenarios; and measure the key performance indicators—ranging from the population, tax revenue, and traffic increases to the impacts on utilities and the environment—of any potential development.

More on growth capacity
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Drive sustainable and equitable economic development

Small businesses have faced a devastating situation due to restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Agencies will have to apply concerted efforts to help local businesses rebound as communities return to more normal conditions. ArcGIS helps government staff deliver a data-driven approach to identifying businesses in need, particularly disadvantaged ones. Connect small businesses to critical resources, identify business service areas with customer and labor base information, promote local businesses to the public, and analyze and monitor economic restoration.

More on economic development
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Products for your recovery efforts

  • A hexagonal icon with a simple outline of skyscrapers against a sky blue background

    ArcGIS Urban

    ArcGIS Urban is a web-based 3D software designed to improve urban planning and decision-making. Quickly develop and visualize projects, measure the impacts of policies, and simplify collaboration.

    More on ArcGIS Urban
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    ArcGIS Hub

    This focused, initiative-driven community engagement software as a service allows your organization to work with internal and external stakeholders, acquire and analyze input, track the progress of initiatives, and improve community outcomes with accountability and transparency.

    More on ArcGIS Hub
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    ArcGIS Community Analyst

    Demographic, lifestyle, business, and socioeconomic data combine with powerful analytics to foster deeper understanding of your community. Use ArcGIS Community Analyst to allocate resources equitably, inform decisions for market planning, and enhance site selection.

    More on Community Analyst
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Available funding programs

In addition to the direct allocation of funds to state and local governments, numerous federal agencies have received an impactful level of funding that can support planning and economic development projects.

Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant

This grant provides funding to help reconnect communities previously cut off from economic opportunities through public transportation solutions, infrastructure removal, and main street revitalization. Applications close October 13, 2022.

Apply now

Insight on how to use federal funding

  • Webinar
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    APA and Esri Webinar

    The American Planning Association and Esri experts discuss how the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding can be used for planning and economic development initiatives.

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    Play the recording
  • A photo of the US Capitol building against a clear sunny blue sky
    Blog

    ARPA for community and economic development

    Explore the federal relief funding available for planners and economic developers to expand their GIS investment.

    Read the blog post
  • Webinar
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    A Focus on Housing, Economic Development, and Planning

    The National Association of Counties cohosted a webinar with Esri to highlight existing federal programs and the ways your investment in GIS can support your efforts.

    Play the recording
    Play the recording
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Additional funded areas

Explore how Esri technology aligns with other funding objectives.

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