Great places don’t just attract families, they attract jobs.
In his article, Michael J. Hicks, PhD, the director of the Center for Business and Economic Research and the George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of economics in the Miller College of Business at Ball State University, highlights something Main Street communities have long believed: investing in quality of life isn’t extra. It’s essential. From walkable streets and vibrant downtowns to strong schools and local amenities, the places people love to live are also the places businesses choose to grow.
The data is clear. Communities with higher quality of life see stronger population growth, more job creation, and even competitive labor costs because people want to be there. As remote work expands and the workforce becomes more mobile, the advantage goes to communities that focus on creating energy, connection, and opportunity.
The message is encouraging: the most powerful economic development tool isn’t a tax break. It’s building a place worth calling home.
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