Closing Racial Income, Housing, and Education Gaps Benefits Local Economies -- Urban Institute

# 10-17-2025 08:31 PM
nancy.wolanski@unitedwayri.org	From Urban Institute -- Amid national economic uncertainty, communities across the US are looking for ways to spur local growth. Often, equity and growth are treated as competing goals. But our new research on Fairfield County, Connecticut, shows this isn’t true. Equity isn’t just a moral goal; it’s an economic growth strategy. Our recent report shows that closing racial and ethnic income gaps in the county could add $15.6 billion to the local economy. This is not a local success story waiting to happen—it’s a powerful example for communities nationwide that addressing racial inequities can boost local economies. Read More

# 10-17-2025 08:31 PM

From Urban Institute --

Amid national economic uncertainty, communities across the US are looking for ways to spur local growth. Often, equity and growth are treated as competing goals. But our new research on Fairfield County, Connecticut, shows this isn’t true. Equity isn’t just a moral goal; it’s an economic growth strategy.

Our recent report shows that closing racial and ethnic income gaps in the county could add $15.6 billion to the local economy. This is not a local success story waiting to happen—it’s a powerful example for communities nationwide that addressing racial inequities can boost local economies.