To make the most of a new Ford electric truck plant, Tennessee neighbors need sewer help

Dec 21, 2022
Ford needed a sewer line to build its $5.6 billion plant in Tennessee. But neighboring communities now have to build their own wastewater system to accommodate new residents who come for the new plant jobs.
The town of Mason has its own utility system including water and sewer. Utilities have been the most difficult hurdle to overcome in developing the West Tennessee megasite.
Blake Farmer/WPLN News

For some countries, blue bonds offer a way to refinance debt while fighting climate change

Blue bonds, or debt-for-nature-swaps, are helping developing nations refinance their debt while conserving their oceans.
Blue bonds are one way countries can battle debt while looking out for the world's oceans.
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On the intersection of shipping containers, food halls and economic development

Jul 14, 2021
Barney Santos, founder of BLVD MRKT in Montebello, California, hopes to help revitalize the local economy with a food hall made out of repurposed shipping containers.
Barney Santos, founder of BVLD MRKT food hall in Montebello, California, wants to help revitalize the local economy.
Daisy Palacios/Marketplace

The Canadian town of Asbestos is in the middle of a rebrand

Jan 23, 2020
The Jeffrey Mine in Asbestos was the world's largest asbestos mine when it closed in 2012.
The city hall in Asbestos, Quebec. After more than a decade of debate, the former mining town has decided to change its name.
Emma Jacobs

How Reno, Nevada, turned its economy into a small powerhouse

Mayor Hillary Schieve said playing on the region's strengths and diversifying its economy helped revive the struggling, post-recession city.
A neon sign welcomes people to Reno, Nevada.
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What's in those Amazon HQ2 bids? It's not entirely clear

Nov 6, 2018
Chambers of commerce and public-private partnerships have led the way on bids with limited disclosure requirements.
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