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Career and technical education (CTE)

Educational programs that focus on providing students with the knowledge and skills needed for specific careers or industries. CTE programs often integrate academic and technical instruction, preparing students for both further education and employment.

Commuting zone

A geographic unit composed of groups of adjacent counties, which is meant to represent a local labor market. This platform uses the commuting zones defined in 1990. Learn more about commuting zones.

Consumer Development Financial Institution (CDFI)

Financial institutions that serve economically distressed communities by providing access to capital, credit, and financial services. CDFIs aim to promote community development and economic empowerment, particularly in areas where traditional banking services may be limited.

Earnings inequality

A measure of economic inequality. It is computed as 100 times the log of the 90/10 ratio of earnings.

Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA)

A type of assistance provided by the Economic Development Administration to support communities experiencing economic distress due to factors like natural disasters, industrial decline, or other challenges. EAA programs aim to stimulate economic recovery and diversification.

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

A U.S. federal agency within the Department of Commerce that focuses on fostering economic growth and development in economically distressed areas. The EDA provides grants and technical assistance to support infrastructure projects, job creation, and innovation.

Economic development organization

An entity, often at the regional or local level, that is dedicated to promoting and fostering economic growth, job creation, and overall improvement in the economic well-being of a specific area. Economic development organizations may work with businesses, government agencies, and community stakeholders to implement strategies aimed at enhancing the economic vitality and competitiveness of the region they serve.

Employment rate

The share of the working age population who have a job. This is the number of people who are employed (either full-time or part-time) divided by the working age population.

Full time worker

An individual who works at least 30 hours a week and is employed at least 40 weeks a year.

Federally funded research and development center (FFRDC)

A research institution that is sponsored and funded by a federal government agency to conduct scientific and technological research in the public interest. FFRDCs often support specific government missions and may have a long-term strategic relationship with the sponsoring agency.

Income maintenance benefits

Financial support provided to individuals or families to help them maintain a minimum standard of living. These include Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Additional Child Tax Credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and family assistance, among other programs.

Joblessness

The share of the working age population who do not have a job. This is the number of people who are not employed (either full-time or part-time) divided by the working age population. Some sources use the word "non-employment" instead of "joblessness." Learn more about joblessness.

Local labor market

The geographic region within which workers and employers interact to fill job positions. It encompasses the demand for labor (job opportunities) and the supply of labor (available workforce) within a specific locality.

Medical benefits

Healthcare-related benefits provided by the government to eligible individuals to support access to medical services and promote health. These benefits include programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, where Medicaid offers health coverage to low-income individuals and families, and Medicare provides health coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities.

New Market Tax Credit

A federal program which offers tax credits for private investment into low-income communities.

Retirement and disability insurance benefits

Financial benefits provided to individuals who qualify for retirement or disability under social insurance programs. The bulk of these benefits consists of old-age, survivors, and disability (OASDI) benefits administered by the Social Security Administration, but they also include payments provided through other programs.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

A US federal agency that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs, typically through providing access to capital and technical assistance.

Small business assistance

The SBA offers a number of financial assistance programs for small businesses. This includes 7(a) and 504 loans, which are many-purpose loans backed by the SBA, as well as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants, which support research and development.

Transfers

Financial payments or benefits provided by the government. Individual transfers are given to individual people or families, typically to address specific needs or reduce economic inequality. This includes social welfare programs, unemployment benefits, and other types of financial aid. Place-based transfers are given to people, businesses, and institutions to address localized economic issues in specific geographic areas (such as neighborhoods, cities, or regions). This often involves targeted investments or incentives to stimulate economic growth.

Unemployment insurance benefits

Temporary financial assistance paid out to unemployed individuals. The bulk of these benefits are paid out through state unemployment insurance programs, but they also include benefits authorized by the federal government during periods of high unemployment as well as distributions through other unemployment programs.

Wage and salary

All (pre-tax) money received as an employee including wage, salary, commissions, cash bonuses, and tips.