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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Regional Economic Indicators

SEPTEMBER 2021

Airport Passenger Activity

Up 51 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Tourist Tax Revenues

Up 69 percent from June 2019 to June 2021.

Taxable Sales

Up 36 percent from June 2019 to June 2021.

Unemployment Rate

Up 1.3 points from July 2019 to July 2021.

Single-family Building Permits

Up 64 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Single-family Home Sales

Up 28 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Single-family Home Prices

Up 38 to 56 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Residential Active Listings

Down 78 percent from July 2019 to July 2021.

Regional Economic Indicators: SEPTEMBER 2021 Report

Recent Publications

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.

Industry Diversification Project: Third Quarter 2021 Report

September 15, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tag: Industry Diversification Project

The RERI has published the Industry Diversification Report for the third quarter of 2021. The goal of the IDI is to measure industry diversification and, by extension, that of the workforce, in each of Florida’s 24 workforce regions, the state of Florida, and the remaining 49 states. The index measure is computed quarterly, soon after the release of workforce data from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages. It spans from 0 to 10, with 0 signifying no diversification (or an economy characterized by a single industry), and 10 signifying perfect diversification (no concentration).

Regional Economic Indicators: September 2021 Report

September 01, 2021 / RERI Research Team / Tags: regional economic indicators, reports

The RERI has published Regional Economic Indicators for September 2021. 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.

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