Regional Economic Research Institute

Regional Economic Indicators: September 2026 Report

September 09, 2026 / RERI Research Team

In the second quarter of 2026, the national economy saw slower economic growth with by a softening labor market, above-target inflation, and geopolitical headwinds keeping consumers, business owners and policymakers cautious. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an overall measure of economic activity, grew at an annualized rate of 1.5 percent in the second quarter of 2026, slowing from the first quarter’s pace, with consumer spending accelerating even as investment growth cooled and government spending declined. The national unemployment rate was stable, ending the quarter at 4.2 percent in June. The labor market is still in a “low-hire, low-fire” environment, and young adult workers are feeling the effects of fewer new employment opportunities. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, rose to a 3-year high of 4.2 percent in May due to an energy supply shock from conflict in the Middle East. Fortunately, the energy-driven price surge has not spilled over into the rest of the economy, with Core CPI falling to 2.6 percent in June.

SWFL Real Estate: Third Quarter 2026 Report

September 08, 2026 / RERI Research Team

During the second quarter of 2026, the residential market in Southwest Florida continued to adjust in the post-pandemic and post-hurricane environment. Single-family home sales increased 14 percent compared to one year earlier, rising to 5,600 sales, while condominium sales increased 17 percent year-over-year to 1,320 sales. Real median prices continued to soften across major residential categories, with single-family home prices falling 4 percent and condominium prices declining 8 percent in Q2 2026 compared to Q2 2025. The percentage of total housing units listed as active across Southwest Florida was estimated at 2.72 percent in Q2 2026, down from 3.03 percent in the previous quarter and down from 3.38 percent one year earlier.

Issue Brief: Southwest Florida Nonprofit Organizations

August 27, 2026 / RERI Research Team

The third sector refers to non-governmental and non-profit organizations that are independent of the public and private sectors. Third sector organizations fill a gap in the goods and services available to local communities that are often neglected or unprofitable for governments and private firms. Understanding these organizations and their role is important as communities grow and develop, affecting the scale and scope of their needs.