The U.S. economy continues to exhibit signs of growth, and inflation pressures have been easing. Despite that, a sense of pessimism and uncertainty haunts many Americans, The Press Rundown reports.
As evidence of that, the news site points to the 2024 Economic Innovation Group’s Distressed Communities Index, which shows local economies across the country are still grappling with lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, data from the index shows that approximately 52 million Americans live in ZIP codes distressed by their education levels, poverty rates, employment rates and housing conditions.
“Urban areas have experienced increasing distress in recent years, while surrounding suburbs have fared better economically,” The Press Rundown reports. “The pandemic has exacerbated existing trends, with major population shifts away from large urban counties towards exurban and suburban areas. This demographic shift has been driven by factors such as remote work opportunities and changes in housing preferences.”
Cities like Cleveland and Fort Worth, Texas, exemplify the economic disparities within their regions, TPR notes, with distressed areas concentrated in urban cores while more prosperous communities are found in the suburbs. In response to these challenges, some local governments are implementing initiatives to address inequality and provide equal opportunities for residents.
A more widespread focus on those factors is crucial to ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future, TPR concludes.
Click here for more from The Press Rundown report.
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Ready to Relocate? Wilkerson Makes Your Move Seamless
When Brockhaus Jewelry decided to leave their longtime West Main Street storefront for a standalone building elsewhere in Norman, Oklahoma, owners John Brockhaus and Brad Shipman faced a familiar challenge: how to efficiently reduce inventory before the big move. Their solution? Partnering with liquidation specialists Wilkerson for a second time.
"We'd already experienced Wilkerson's professionalism during a previous sale," Shipman recalls. "But their approach to our relocation event truly impressed us. They strategically prioritized our existing pieces while tactfully introducing complementary merchandise as inventory levels decreased." The carefully orchestrated sale didn't just meet targets—it shattered them.
Asked if they'd endorse Wilkerson to industry colleagues planning similar transitions—whether relocating, retiring, or refreshing their space—both partners were emphatic in their approval. "The entire process was remarkably straightforward," Shipman notes. "Wilkerson delivered a well-structured program, paired us with a knowledgeable advisor, and managed every detail flawlessly from concept to completion."
