Self-Guided Course

Economic Vitality: Community and Market Analysis

To make smart decisions for your district, you need to start with a clear picture of what’s already there.

This course will guide you through the fundamentals of understanding your community’s assets, identifying business gaps, and analyzing your local market. Whether you’re looking at who owns the buildings or who shops on Main Street, data and relationships work best together.

Time: 30 minutes Skill Level: Starting Formal Learning: 100 points

A two-story white stucco building at dusk, its ground floor glowing with warm light from large windows and outdoor seating areas on either side of a central entrance. A bronze sign above the door reads “The Switchboard Restaurant & Bar.” To the left, a neon vertical “Hotel” sign casts a red glow on the upper façade, while string lights and patio heaters illuminate diners outside. Faint streaks of red tail lights blur across the street in front, and a purple-pink sky fades into deep blue above. — Oceanside, California. Photo by MainStreet Oceanside.

Overview
Course Modules

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Conduct a business and property inventory to understand your district’s current assets.
Use basic market research to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
Combine local knowledge and data to guide district-level decision-making.