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.

How can we help you?

Learn more about RERI news, research, customized services, or resources.

News and Events

Research

Customized Services

Resources

The newsletter includes the latest copy of Regional Economic Indicators, along with other reports and news items.

Support the RERI

Generous donations support the RERI day-to-day operations, especially in funding our students.

Learn More

Regional Economic Indicators

SEPTEMBER 2022

Airport Passenger Activity

Down 13 percent from July 2021 to July 2022.

Tourist Tax Revenues

Down 2 percent from June 2021 to June 2022.

Taxable Sales

Up 10 percent from June 2021 to June 2022.

Unemployment Rate

Down 1.7 points from July 2021 to July 2022.

Single-family Building Permits

Down 5 percent from July 2021 to July 2022.

Single-family Home Sales

Down 29 percent from July 2021 to July 2022.

Single-family Home Prices

Up 13 to 17 percent from July 2021 to July 2022.

Residential Active Listings

Up 108 percent from July 2021 to July 2022.

SEPTEMBER 2022 Report indicators Dashboard

Recent Publications

Regional Economic Indicators: September 2022 Report

September 01, 2022 / RERI Research Team / Tags: Regional Economic Indicators, Reports

The RERI has published Regional Economic Indicators for September 2022. The monthly publication represents a collection and analysis of economic indicators including airport passenger activity, taxable sales, tourist tax revenues, labor force, employment, real estate, and consumer sentiment for the Southwest Florida workforce region.

FGCU Engagement Day 2022

September 01, 2022 / RERI Research Team

FGCU will host the 2nd Annual University Relations Engagement Day on September 22, 2022 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at The Water School. Engagement Day connects the FGCU with the local community, showcasing the programs and resources offered at the university. The title for the program this year is "Empowering Business: Fuel Your Business & Reignite Talent During These Economic Times". The event will include an expert panel discussion moderated by Bill Barker, FGCU Foundation Board Member and will feature:

2022 Educational and Workforce Outcomes Report

August 29, 2022 / RERI Research Team / Tag: Reports

The Regional Economic Research Institute is pleased to announce the 2022 Southwest Florida Educational and Workforce Outcome Report. The 113-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.

About Us

Learn more about the Regional Economic Research Institute, including its vision and mission.

Learn More

Staff

Meet the staff of the Regional Economic Research Institute.

Learn More

Advisory Council

Learn more about the RERI Advisory Council.

Learn More

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
Tessa LeSage	Director	FutureMakers Coalition
Margaret Wuerstle	Executive Director	Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council

Questions/Comments?

Regional Economic Research Institute

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

(239) 590-7370

reri@fgcu.edu