Research — Local economies
The Impact of Unused Commercial Real Estate on Local Economies
A post-pandemic look at vacant storefronts and offices—and the practical ways communities can reposition them for makers, service firms, and growing local businesses.
Executive summary · Updated October 2025 · Companion to Episode 001
Executive summary
What this report examines
A post-pandemic look at vacant storefronts and offices—and the practical ways communities can reposition them for makers, service firms, and growing local businesses.
01
Where can flexible leases lower the risk of a first location?
02
What makes adaptive reuse work for both owners and operators?
03
How should communities measure successful reactivation?
Editorial standard
The complete edition separates evidence, interpretation, and recommendations; cites underlying sources; and identifies material limits in the available data.