Latest news with #Cities
Forbes
19-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
6 Economic Wins America Is Missing By Underinvesting In Black Entrepreneurs Across Major Cities: This Juneteenth & Beyond
As cities take on the challenge of reducing inequality, building stronger communities, driving ... More economic growth, and securing their future, closing the Black business gap should be a core part of the strategy. By investing in Black entrepreneurs, America doesn't just close racial equity gaps, it can generate massive economic opportunity across U.S. cities for residents. Juneteenth marks a moment to reflect not just on emancipation, but on the long-standing gaps in access to economic freedom and opportunity. Today, those barriers are clearly visible in how Black-owned businesses remain underfunded, underrepresented, blocked, and disconnected from the full promise of prosperity and the American dream despite contributing for generations to every engine that makes the nation run, from innovation to infrastructure, culture (including widely used language like AAVE) to commerce. According to a 2024 analysis and research by the Brookings Institution, if Black-owned businesses reached parity with the Black population in each U.S. metro area, the national economy would see millions of new jobs, billions in additional wages, and trillions in potential revenue. The data published is a compelling call to action for smarter economic policy: achieving equity in business ownership isn't just moral; it's a strategy for widespread growth. If local governments prioritized data-driven strategies to increase equity by expanding programs and resources that help more Black residents within their current populations become business owners, cities would gain more jobs, higher wages, stronger local economies, and billions in new revenue. Here are six clear economic wins the U.S. is missing by failing to equitably invest in Black entrepreneurship: 1. Job Creation at a Transformational Scale Cities like Detroit, New York, and Jackson show the power of equitable investment. In Detroit, for example, parity in Black-owned businesses could yield an estimated 466,000+ new jobs. In Jackson, the figure tops 388,000 new jobs. Across all major metros, Black businesses consistently show high job-generation potential when properly resourced. 2. Billions in Additional Wages for Local Economies If Black businesses in Los Angeles alone reached population parity, they would contribute $7.1 billion in new wages. In Memphis, parity could yield $4 billion; New York would gain $22.2 billion. That's real money reinvested into communities, fueling everything from better housing to healthcare, education, neighborhood development, and local business ecosystems that residents can enjoy. 3. Increased Revenue Power and Economic Multiplier Effects Across cities, many Black businesses often operate with fewer resources and are under-capitalized, yet still manage to outperform expectations and deliver real impact to the communities they serve. In Boston, parity could bring $12.9 billion in additional revenue. In Miami, $30.4 billion. Nationwide, the numbers are even more staggering. Closing the business equity gap would have an unprecedented and miraculous ripple effect that boosts GDP, generates tax revenue, and strengthens supply chains. Benefits can also extend beyond our borders, strengthening trade partnerships and indirectly supporting economies in other countries interconnected through global markets. 4. Smart Use of Economic Strengths & Talent in Emerging Metro Areas Places like Columbia, SC, and Virginia Beach, VA, with high Black populations but low representation in business ownership, are missing out. Columbia could gain 138,000+ jobs and over $13 billion in revenue. Virginia Beach would see $6.2 billion in additional revenue. That's untapped potential sitting in plain sight. 5. Reversing Generational Economic Disparities Black entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers to capital, credit, and mentorship, a direct legacy of discriminatory policy. Equitable investment in these businesses and the supporting policies still need to be built on frameworks that address long-standing structural barriers limiting American economic growth, along with tools to measure progress effectively. To date, such comprehensive frameworks and measurement tools have been largely absent, perpetuating missed opportunities, economic instability, and slowing progress toward equity. 6. Shared Prosperity for the Entire Nation Closing the Black business gap through smarter, tailored, and more specific economic policies doesn't just benefit Black communities. Every dollar in revenue, wages, or jobs created has a multiplier effect and is a net positive for both the local and American economy. Equitable entrepreneurship strengthens the middle class and brings more innovation, diversity, jobs, and educational opportunities to the industries and communities that need them most. WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 20: A Juneteenth flag is raised during the Celebration of Juneteenth at the ... More African American Civil War Memorial event on Monday June 20, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images) This Juneteenth, the social and economic case for equity remains undeniable. It's time to move beyond performative posts and cultural awareness toward meaningful action by advocating for policies and practices that close the wealth gap and drive economic revitalization with far-reaching benefits for all communities. Investing in Black entrepreneurs is not a niche cause; it is a smart, scalable economic strategy. As cities seek to address inequality, raise quality of life, stimulate growth, and future-proof their economies, closing the Black business gap must be central. This requires understanding the history of multi-generational Black America and building solutions that acknowledge and address these realities through new systems and processes. The data is clear, and the opportunity is real. This holiday and beyond, we have the chance to come together and build a future where equity and morality open the door to new opportunities.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Are you on Trump's list? President orders ICE to ramp up deportations in Democratic stronghold cities
Live Events Trump's big crackdown on immigration US President Donald Trump on Sunday ordered federal authorities to ramp up deportation efforts in Democratic-led cities, doubling down on a politicised anti-immigration drive after major protests in Los Angeles. This is his latest action in escalating his illegal crackdown despite widespread protests against the policy, reports President announced plans to flood Democrat-run cities, namely New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, with new, larger waves of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to bring about the 'single largest Mass Deportation Program in History.' He highlighted the sweeping change in an attack on majority-Democrat cities on his Truth Social as he praised ICE agents for their 'incredible strength, determination, and courage.''In order to achieve this, we must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside,' Trump added that to reach the goal officials 'must expand efforts to detain and deport Illegal Aliens in America's largest Cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, where Millions upon Millions of Illegal Aliens reside.''These, and other such Cities, are the core of the Democrat Power Center, where they use Illegal Aliens to expand their Voter Base, cheat in Elections, and grow the Welfare State, robbing good paying Jobs and Benefits from Hardworking American Citizens.'Trump's action comes at a time when raids by ICE agency in Los Angeles sparked unruly protests, prompting Trump last week to deploy 4,000 National Guards and 700 Marines against the wishes of the local administration. Trump has made deporting undocumented immigrants a key priority for his second term, after successfully campaigning against an alleged "invasion" by criminals. California has sued to regain control of the National Guardsmen from Trump, arguing he overstepped his authority. That suit is working its way through federal is pertinent to note that Republican-run states like Texas, which is home to five of the largest cities in America, including Houston and San Antonio, were notably left out of the president's post.'These Radical Left Democrats are sick of mind, hate our Country, and actually want to destroy our Inner Cities — And they are doing a good job of it!' the commander in chief added in his post.'And that is why I want ICE, Border Patrol, and our Great and Patriotic Law Enforcement Officers, to FOCUS on our crime ridden and deadly Inner Cities, and those places where Sanctuary Cities play such a big role. You don't hear about Sanctuary Cities in our Heartland!'Trump's declaration comes after weeks of increased enforcement, and after Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and main architect of Trump's immigration policies, said ICE officers would target at least 3,000 arrests a day, up from about 650 a day during the first five months of Trump's second week, Trump had pledged that "changes are coming" admitting that his administration's crackdown on immigration was massacring key American industries — namely farming and hospitality. The Department of Agriculture estimates that nearly half of the 850,000 crop workers in the United States are undocumented, putting America's food supply chain at risk of total collapse if all are protests over federal immigration enforcement raids have been flaring up around the of Trump's immigration policies took to the streets as part of the 'no kings' demonstrations Saturday that came as Trump held a massive parade in Washington for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Saturday's protests were mostly peaceful.(With AP inputs)
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
New development wave begins at Cork's Jacob's Island
The €750m development of Jacob's Island into a neighbourhood-scale Cork city suburban destination picked up pace this week as work got underway to build 149 apartments. The latest phase in the ambitious multi-phase Mahon peninsula project follows on from the official opening last month of the Crawford Centre, an apartment block that delivered 69 social homes, a creche and three ground-floor retail units. Virtual image of what Jacob's Island could look like when completed. The homes, built by OBR Construction on behalf of McCarthy Developments and approved housing body Respond, are already home to up to 200 tenants. Respond is also partnering on the 149-unit cost-rental scheme, which is expected to be completed in 27-31 months. It will bring the total number of homes on Jacob's Island up to about 650. However, plans for an additional 489 homes with another creche and 4,000sq m of office space were shot down in January when An Bord Pleanála went against its own inspector's recommendation and refused to give the go ahead, citing traffic concerns and concerns about dwelling mix. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, McCarthy Developments managing director Tom McCarthy said they have brought a judicial review against the board's decision. The masterplan for the Mahon peninsula area, driven by McCarthy Developments for more than two decades, aims to deliver 1,270 homes in the long term, housing 5,000 people. To date, c 440 homes have been built and all are occupied. The masterplan also proposes 20,000sq m of office space, as well as 595sq m of retail space (three retail units have just been completed); a 165-bed hotel, and a landmark 25-storey residential tower. 149 cost rental apartments are now under construction by OBR Construction Group and McCarthy Developments at Jacobs Island, Mahon. Picture Larry Cummins Permission was granted in 2023 for the hotel and 10,000sq m of office space, with a capital value of €100m. Mr McCarthy said they are awaiting greater certainty on the future of the 6,000-seater event centre, planned for the centre of Cork City, before starting work on the hotel. 'Everyone is waiting for the event centre. That will be the catalyst for the hotel to be built,' Mr McCarthy said. Permission for the landmark 25-storey tower with 220 units across two stepped blocks was granted in 2018 and has three years to run. Mr McCarthy said the introduction of government-backed schemes such as Croí Cónaithe and cost-rental will make the tower proposal more viable. The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) scheme - a fund to support the building of apartments - aims to bridge the viability gap between the build costs and the market sale price; cost-rental aims to make properties available for rent at about 25% below the local market rent. Both schemes are part of ongoing Government efforts to boost the supply of affordable housing at a time of severe housing shortages and growing numbers of homeless. Mr McCarthy said the market was crying out for more cost-rental schemes. Just one has been delivered to date in Cork City, at Lancaster Quay, where O'Callaghan Properties developed apartments on behalf of Clúid Housing. More cost-rental apartments are planned at Horgan's Quay, in a collaboration between developers BAM/Clarendon and the Land Development Agency, who is forward-funding the project. The LDA is also involved in a cost rental scheme in the Marina Quarter, where Glenveagh Properties are due to deliver 337 units in 2027. Mr McCarthy said Jacob's Island 'can be part of a solution to deliver more than 700 additional apartments' as it is set on 50 acres. The developer said Jacob's Island 'has the potential to be Cork's ultimate suburb'. 'It's one of the few Cork sites completely on the waterfront, with magnificent views. 'We have waterfront walkways, an 18-acre public park, easy access to major retail parks at Mahon Point, several significant employers in the area, super public transport, access to greenways, and brilliant connectivity,' Mr McCarthy said. The location is next to the N40, by the Jack Lynch Tunnel and close to the Dunkettle Interchange. Mr McCarthy said the scale and ambition for Jacob's Island 'should be realised through more efficient planning', 'so that new high-quality homes in this waterfront setting can provide Cork with a strong pipeline of talent to fuel industry, housing for cost-rental and social schemes, as well as bars, restaurants, a new hotel and several other amenities and services'.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RD1 Spirits' Latest Whiskey Expression Unites Sister Cities' Cultures in Limited Release
A Celebration of Craft and Culture: Award-Winning Straight Kentucky Whiskey Honors Lexington's Sister Cities Through Japanese Mizunara and French Oak Wood Finishing LEXINGTON, Ky., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RD1 Spirits, the Kentucky bourbon brand known for pushing the boundaries of wood finishing, has introduced a limited release, Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak, that invites whiskey fans into a global conversation. The 2025 "Sister Cities" expression—a blend of 5- and 7-year-old bourbon with 8-year-old rye—is finished with Japanese Mizunara and French Oak, bringing together the American spirit of Kentucky whiskey with the wood character imparted from two different countries. With a mash bill that starts in classic Kentucky tradition and finishes with an international perspective, this new release speaks to RD1's experimental ethos—and to its hometown roots. Lexington, Kentucky shares "Sister Cities" relationships with Shinhidaka, Japan and Deauville, France. The award-winning bourbon brand created a unique opportunity to honor these connections through innovation and wood finishing from both countries. "We saw this as more than a whiskey experiment," said Jarrad Gollihue, PhD, R&D Master Distiller for RD1 Spirits. "It's a cultural expression. Japanese Mizunara and French Oak each bring their own subtle but complex influence and beautifully showcase the bold foundation of the Kentucky bourbon and rye." In this Limited Release, Gollihue began with a 5-year-old bourbon (70% corn, 21% rye, 9% malted barley), matured in new, charred, American White Oak barrels. French Oak "necklaces" were added to the casks, extending maturation for a total finish time twice that of RD1's existing portfolio French Oak release. This finished expression was then blended with a 7-year-old bourbon (75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley) and an 8-year-old rye (51% rye, 37% corn, 12% malted barley)— both well-aged, grain-forward spirits that added depth and contrast. The final step introduced lightly toasted Japanese Mizunara staves, which added delicate nuances of the wood's iconic character of sandalwood and incense. RD1's latest Limited Release earned a gold medal and 95 points at the 2025 New York International Spirits Competition. "For those of us who work to foster international connection, seeing a local distillery embrace our Sister Cities with such care and creativity is incredibly rewarding," said Kay Sargent, executive director of the Lexington Sister Cities Commission. "This new release speaks to the power of cultural appreciation, and how those values can be shared through something as iconic as Kentucky bourbon." RD1 Limited Release Kentucky Straight Whiskey Finished with Japanese Mizunara and French OakAged with 5- and 7-year Bourbon and 8- year Rye (51% ABV / 102 Proof) - $69.99 MSRP Aroma: Incense, citrus blossom, subtle florals Palate: A dynamic journey of sandalwood, rye spice, baking spice, dark chocolate, sweet oak, and red fruit Finish: Medium to long, with a soft heat and a lingering note of Maraschino cherry The 2025 Limited Release "Sister Cities" is now available at the new RD1 Distillery at The Commons in Lexington on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, and sold through select retailers across the country. The whiskey will be available for online purchase at later this month. RD1 produced 1500 cases (6-pack, 750 ML) of its Sister Cities expression. For more information on this growing brand, visit or follow @RD1spirits on Facebook and Instagram. About RD1 SpiritsBased in Lexington, Kentucky, RD1 Spirits exists to explore the bourbon frontier. Lexington entrepreneurs founded the company in 2020 to help give life to the stories of Lexington's bourbon firsts, namely its first federally registered distillery, established in 1865. RD1 is paving its own path, focusing on Kentucky Straight Bourbon and its interaction with various wood finishings in the barrel. For more information on this growing brand and its destination R&D distillery on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visit or follow @RD1spirits on Facebook and Instagram. CONTACT:Laura Mulhernlmulhern@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RD1 Spirits Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
LONG BEACH CITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES NEW ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN URBAN PLANNING
LBCC is the First in the State to Offer this Degree Long Beach, CA, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly one year ago, Long Beach City College (LBCC) launched the first Urban Planning associate degree in the California Community Colleges system, through a new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona. 'Our new Associate Degree in Urban Planning reflects Long Beach City College's commitment to shaping equitable and sustainable communities,' said Uduak-Joe Ntuk, Long Beach City College Board of Trustees President. 'By equipping students with the modern tools to address land use, climate resiliency, and urban revitalization, we're preparing the next generation of leaders to design better cities of the future.' 'Our new Urban Planning program underscores how LBCC is a college where lives are transformed and students are uplifted, as urban and regional planners in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Orange County metropolitan area are earning an average salary of more than $111,000 annually,' said Dr. Mike Muñoz, Long Beach City College Superintendent-President. 'Graduates from widely diverse backgrounds will be equipped to contribute to sustainable and resilient community planning and are literally building the future.' The program was developed in consultation with the Long Beach Community Design Center, a non-profit comprised of leading area urban planners, architects, and representatives from Cal Poly Pomona. The new curriculum focuses on the skills needed for entry-level roles in planning agencies or consultancies. Those completing the program will have a solid foundation in urban design skills, land use planning, and government policy-making while learning to tackle planning challenges using industry-standard GIS software and understand the socioeconomic aspects of urban development. Among the required courses are Urban Dynamics – American Cities; Urbanscapes & Cultures; Research Methodologies for Design; Intro to Geographic Information Systems; and Urban Design Studies. As part of the new degree pathway, the Urban Planning & Design Internship Program was also launched by the Long Beach Community Design and the City of Long Beach to give students real-world experience in shaping the built environment. Through curated activities, events, and project-based experiences, students engage with professionals in the field, gain insight into urban planning best practices and techniques, build industry-relevant skills, and form meaningful mentorship connections. Interns were hosted across the private sector, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of urban planning and design work. The first cohort included 10 undergraduate students from LBCC, CSU Long Beach, UCLA, UC Irvine, and Cal Poly Pomona, majoring in architecture, urban planning, urban studies, environmental science, geography, and civil engineering. David Salazar, Long Beach Community Design Center's founder and executive director, was among those whose efforts were paramount in developing the new program. 'The ground-breaking Associate of Science Degree in Urban Planning at LBCC, along with a pathway to Cal Poly Pomona, is an exceptional opportunity for the youth of Long Beach to pursue a career in a field that can improve the quality of life in their communities,' Salazar said. 'This unique partnership provides young planners with a clear path to establishing a successful career in urban planning, where their voice and perspective are vital.' Dr. Leslie Forehand, an LBCC architecture professor who played a key role in developing the program, agreed. 'This achievement not only elevates our students' academic journeys but also ensures that our community is shaped by the very minds we nurture,' she said. 'It's a significant step towards a future where our community's growth and planning are driven by its own educated, empowered members.' Dr. Gwen H. Urey, emeritus professor at Cal Poly Pomona's Department of Urban and Regional Planning added, 'LBCC's new Associate of Science Degree in Urban Planning degree is a model for planning education at the community college level. The Department of Urban & Regional Planning at Cal Poly Pomona celebrates this achievement and anticipates welcoming its graduates into our accredited Bachelor of Science program, which they will be able to complete in two years.' The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics projects approximately 3,700 openings nationally for urban and regional planners each year, on average, over the decade, with many of those openings expected to replace those who retire or transfer to other occupations. More than 2,000 of the nearly 43,000 urban and regional planners working in the United States are employed in the region. # # # About Long Beach City CollegeLong Beach City College consists of two campuses with an enrollment of over 35,000 students each semester and serves the cities of Avalon, Lakewood, Long Beach, and Signal Hill. LBCC promotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high-quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities. Visit for more information about Long Beach City College. CONTACT: Stacey Toda Long Beach City College 5629384004 stoda@
