Regional Economic Research Institute

Robust Regional Research for a Strong Regional Economy

Tracking trends, interpreting impact, and forecasting the future.

The Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) studies the regional and state economy and conducts on-demand economic research of issues pertaining to Southwest Florida. Economic Research includes areas such as economic development and forecasting, economic impact analysis, surveys, among others. If you are a decision-maker in need of relevant data and analysis, the RERI can help assist you.

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News and Events

Research

Customized Services

Resources

Regional Economic Indicators

OCTOBER 2021

Airport Passenger Activity

Up 31 percent from August 2019 to August 2021.

Tourist Tax Revenues

Up 81 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Taxable Sales

Up 31 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Unemployment Rate

Up 0.3 points from August 2019 to August 2021.

Single-family Building Permits

Up 98 percent from August 2019 to August 2021.

Single-family Home Sales

Up 17 percent from August 2019 to August 2021.

Single-family Home Prices

Up 40 to 47 percent from August 2019 to August 2021.

Residential Active Listings

Down 75 percent from August 2019 to August 2021.

Regional Economic Indicators: October 2021 Report

Recent Publications

FGCU Economic Contribution Analysis

January 28, 2022 / RERI Research Team / Tag: reports

With increasing distribution of Covid-19 vaccines and easing restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), businesses are increasing the redeployment of their workforce. However, there are many uncertainties in the best practices and policies that could or should be implemented with the scaling of people returning to work in office spaces. The Regional Economic Research Institute, in partnership with the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute at the Lutgert College of Business, conducted a brief survey to address these uncertainties.

2021 Southwest Florida Economic Almanac Series

September 22, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tags: SWFL Almanac, reports

The Regional Economic Research Institute is pleased to announce the publication of the 2021 Southwest Florida Economic Almanac Series. The series represents a comprehensive collection of over 30 databases in a one document, allowing for an easy and thorough access to information pertaining all Southwest Florida’s counties – specifically Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. Topics covered include agriculture, charitable giving, demographics, employment, finance, education, the environment, government spending, health, housing, income and poverty statistics, and real estate.

Educational and Workforce Outcomes Report

August 25, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tag: reports

The Regional Economic Research Institute is pleased to announce the 2020-2021 Southwest Florida Educational and Workforce Outcome Report. The 109-page report is the result of a collaborative effort between the Workforce Now group and the FutureMakers Coalition, and provides up-to-date information on education and workforce indicators for the five-county region.

RERI Newsletter

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About Us

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Staff

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Advisory Council

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About Us

The Regional Economic Research Institute was established in 2005 to serve as the economic development unit of the Lutgert College of Business Dean’s Office. The RERI studies, analyzes and reports on the regional economy encompassing Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The Institute finances its day-to-day operations, including paying its students, through contracting for research projects and studies, and donations.

In its many regular and occasional publications, and custom economic research, the RERI focuses on areas such as economic development and forecasting, economic impact analysis, secondary data analysis and surveys. The RERI often partner with different economic development organizations and chambers of commerce in our region, and works closely with the Lucas Institute for Real Estate Development and Finance, the Small Business Development Center, the Southwest Florida Leadership Institute, all of which are housed in the Lutgert College of Business at FGCU, as well as the Institute for Entrepreneurship.

Vision

Robust regional research for a strong Southwest Florida economy.

Mission

To create knowledge on social and economic topics for Southwest Florida business and community leaders while providing FGCU students with opportunities to gain valuable research and communication skills.

Name	TITLE	ORGANIZATION
Peg Elmore	Director of Business Services	CareerSource Southwest Florida
Lois Knox	Regional Director	Florida SBDC at Florida Gulf Coast University
Margaret Wuerstle	Executive Director	Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

Support the RERI

The RERI finances its day-to-day operations, including paying our students through contracting for research projects, generous donations, and the sponsorship of our regular publications.

Learn more about how you can help support the RERI today!

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Questions/Comments?

Regional Economic Research Institute

10501 FGCU Boulevard South
Lucas Hall 314
Fort Myers, Florida 33965

(239) 590-7370

reri@fgcu.edu