The Economic Recovery Support Function works to identify unique competitive advantages to serve as catalysts to economic growth and resiliency around Puerto Rico in pursuit of the priorities defined by the Government of Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. Puerto Rico possesses an abundance of resources, including three international airports, three commercial ports, an established pharmaceutical industry, 300 miles of open ocean coastline, fertile agricultural land, a bilingual workforce, and advantageous positioning between the continental U.S. and Africa, Central and South America, and the rest of the Caribbean. Our team aims to understand and develop these resources through careful strategic planning and implementation.

This site hosts a curated collection of papers, research, and analytical tools created by the Economic Recovery Support Function in support of the Government of Puerto Rico’s economic and disaster recovery efforts to “…implement innovative solutions that can make Puerto Rico a showcase for the world with a modern and more resilient infrastructure, … and a more vibrant and competitive economy.” *

Economic Recovery Support Team Timeline

2017

Hurricane Irma

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On September 7, 2017, Northeastern Puerto Rico was struck by Hurricane Irma, a Category 5 storm, resulting in DR-4336-PR. Nine municipios (townships) were declared for Individual Assistance by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Sep

Hurricane Maria

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Thirteen days later, Hurricane Maria made a direct hit on Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm. When it made landfall, Hurricane Maria took a course that bisected the island from the Southeast to the Northwest, resulting in DR-4339-PR. As a result of DR-4339-PR, all 78 of Puerto Rico’s municipios/townships were declared for either Individual Assistance or Public Assistance. Hurricanes Irma and Maria were the strongest storms to strike Puerto Rico in nearly a century.

Sep

ERSF Team Activated

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Not wanting to interfere with ongoing response operations but realizing the severity of the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the activated RSFs convened in Washington D.C., starting on September 25, five days after Hurricane Maria made landfall. Economic RSF began to deliver key and critical data to other RSFs and FEMA officials during this time, including overviews of the economy, compiling economic data, and tracking and graphing power restoration, communications availability, water availability, and shelter populations.

Sep

Aeronautical and Aerospace Institute of Puerto Rico Grant

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This EDA investment is focused on growing the aeronautical and aerospace cluster. It created 543 new high-paying jobs and generated $5 millioon in private investment.

Sep

Puerto Rico's Economic Development Representative Appointed

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Juan Bauzá was hired as the Economic Development Representative (EDR) for Puerto Rico and the USVI on October 1, 2017. Mr. Bauzá lives in Puerto Rico and began to interact with recovery staff once the JRO was established in San Juan.

Oct

Study of Puerto Rico's Economic History

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In October 2017, Economic RSF began to study the economic history of Puerto Rico in-depth. It was discovered that since PR began to change its policies and make inroads as an industrialized society (from an agrarian one), its economy has primarily expanded and contracted based on the availability of U.S. incentives.

Oct

Input to SBA’s Bridge Loan Pilot Program

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Provided guidance to Puerto Rico-based SBA officials and banks regarding limitations of the SBA’s Bridge Loan Pilot Program. The nationwide cap was equal to 10% of total 7(a) loans guaranteed. This was being misinterpreted as 10% of SBA loans made by banks, so the clarification allowed more potential lending.

Nov

ERSF Team Arrives in Puerto Rico

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Starting in December 2017, the Economic Recovery Support Function (“RSF” or “ERSF”) team arrived in Puerto Rico. Prior to arriving in Puerto Rico, the ERSF team had been working remotely in Washington, D.C. since late September 2017 soon after the passing of Hurricane Maria.

Dec

Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code

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Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico when its economy was already in a precarious position. Puerto Rico has been in a deep economic recession since 2006, which was brought about by several factors; some of which may be attributed to the phasing out of section 936 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which essentially exempted multinational corporations from paying U.S. corporate income tax on profits from operations in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Since 1996, when legislation phasing out section 936 was enacted, Puerto Rico has lost nearly 90,000 manufacturing jobs. Should Puerto Rico lose another 20,000 manufacturing jobs, its manufacturing base (in terms of jobs) will be near where it was in the 1940s, when the island began to transform into an industrialized society.

Dec

Analyzed Potential Emerging Industries

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Conducted an analysis of global emerging industries to identify those with the potential to catalyze economic recovery and provide long-term economic vitality in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean as a region. Industries that fall under the blue economy and the resilience industry stood out in the research results as offering significant potential provided that adequate investments, smart policy changes and substantial workforce development are implemented.

Dec
2018

An Early & Big Win: Gargiulo Fresh Produce

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Coordinated the restoration of power to key employers in the Agricultural Sector. These efforts were instrumental in retaining 800 jobs at a key employer in Santa Isabel, PR reducing Agricultural recovery needs by mitigating an agricultural business loss due to lack of effective coordination, at no additional cost to the federal government.

Jan

The Jones Act

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The language in the draft Recovery Plan calling for a complete repeal of the Jones Act for Puerto Rico has resulted in some disagreement among stakeholders. A member of Congress, Duncan Hunter (R-CA) sent a letter to COR3 requesting that the COA to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act be removed from the Recovery Plan (as drafted).

Jan

BLUEtide Initiative

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Envisioned by the ERSF to serve as a catalyst to realize the value of natural (blue) infrastructure through sustainable economic growth and resilience, the BLUEtide Initiative is an engine for coastal and near-ocean research and development and industry innovation in the ocean economy arena.​

Feb

Established the strategic framework of the Economic Recovery Support Function under DR4339

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At this time, a strategic framework of the Economic Recovery Support Function under DR4339 was designed. This framework was based on economic activities in which Puerto Rico could, with coordinated Federal investments, prime sustainable long-term economic development. Among these were tourism, sport and commercial fishing, water sports, and transportation. Additionally, the BLUEtide Ocean Economy concept gained more support.

Mar

Compiled Economic Sector Recovery Courses of Action

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Compiled and presented over 100 Courses of Action (COAs) for the Economic Sector Recovery Plan and ultimately consolidated to 40.

May

Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources Collaboration

Began extensive interactions with Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources about the urgent need for workforce development in recovery work.

May

Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Compliance for Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Met with Vannessa Piñeiro Montes, Vice President and Manager of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Compliance for Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Chairman of the CRA Committee or the Puerto Rico Banker’s Association and Consortium for Economic Community Development of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, to bring more CRA investing to Puerto Rico recovery projects.

May

Gigabit Island Plan

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Economic Sector had active integration with the Communications and Information Technology Sector (Comms/IT), as many commercial interests in Puerto Rico claimed the absence of communications was a more significant issue than the lack of electricity. Many said they could generate their own electricity but not a communications network. In frequent interactions with Comms/IT, the Economic Sector advised Comms/IT of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) funded Gigabit Island plan, which influenced many of the Comms/IT Courses of Action outlined in their recovery plan.

May

Connect to Grow Small Business Summit

In partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust’s Colmena66 initiative, Economic RSF co-hosted Connect to Grow Small Business Summit at the University of the East in Carolina. Approximately 400 small businesses and entrepreneurs attended. The event educated local businesses on recovery funding, identified resources available to them to help prepare them for the 2018 hurricane season, and presented key success stories on how businesses overcame disaster-related challenges.

May

Builders Price Index

Commenced work in partnership with the Center for Excellence to develop a Builders Price Index for estimating the costs of Public Assistance projects. The sector engaged the Institute of Statistics to collect data to feed the index.

Jun

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) purchases for Puerto Rico

Conducted and presented research on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) purchases for Puerto Rico and LNG sales from the continental United States (CONUS). Key findings included that Puerto Rico could purchase LNG for 23% less if not for the Jones Act. The Dominican Republic buys LNG from CONUS even though Trinidad and Tobago is ~ 1,000 nautical miles closer, indicating the magnitude of cost advantages in purchasing from the U.S. At the time of the research, no known LNG ships were in Jones Act compliance. After the research was presented, at least one older ship was identified and is being refurbished for possible deliveries to Puerto Rico.

Jun

Expanded Air and Sea Transshipment Hub Campaign

The success of Alaska’s Ted Stevens International Airport becoming the #1 air cargo destination in the world prompted ERSF to support local efforts for extended air cargo rights to attract flights to Puerto Rico’s 3 international airports and Invest PR's Air Transshipment Hub campaign.

Jun

NGO Grant Writing Capacity Building need is identified

Juan Bauza identified the need for early stage Grant Writing Capacity Building to increase the number of eligible NGOs to access discretional funding opportunities. (EDA Grant to UPRM)

Jun

Renewable and Resilient energy solutions for Culebra

Economic Sector began working with PathStone and the Environmental Protection Agency for funding and workforce training to implement renewable/resilient energy solutions for Culebra.

Jul

Bill to add Puerto Rico to the Stevens Amendment

Provided researched-based arguments to justify Puerto Rico being added to the Stevens Amendment, which was an initial step in USDOT awarding the expanded air transfer rights to Puerto Rico in April 2020.

Jul

The Present State of Maritime Transportation Sector in Puerto Rico

The purpose of this paper is to give the reader an overview of the present state of the maritime transportation sector, the maritime shipping industry and to offer ideas that could lead to improvements in this sector. Improvements to the ocean cargo sector are directly related to improvements in the local ports of Puerto Rico.

Jul

PR DEDC (Entrepreneurial Assist) Grant

This investment funds an entrepreneurial assistance and accelerator program that will deliver technical assistance and support through centers located in San Juan. The project will establish three business assistance centers to support entrepreneurs and business owners with the basic services needed to continue their operations during disaster recovery. The centers will provide co-working space, access to shared services, business training and technical assistance, and support in product development and commercialization. Completion of the project will foster conditions that support job creation and strengthen Puerto Rico’s devastated entrepreneurial environment.

Jul

Construction Projects Tax Research

Extensive research was conducted on various taxes on construction projects. As a result, there are 213 different tax rates on numerous types of construction, ranging from 0% to 7% of the value of the project.

Aug

Recovery Plan

A primary initial task for Economic RSF was to support the development of the Recovery Plan or RP for Puerto Rico, Transformation and Innovation in the Wake of Devastation, submitted to Congress on August 8, 2018. The RP sets forth 276 Courses of Action (“COAs”), with 40 COAs related to Economic Recovery.

Aug

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PR Forward Center) Grant #1

This EDA investment funds construction of a facility to be known as The Forward Center, a disaster resistant building to aid in disaster recovery efforts in the region. The Forward Center will house up to 60 high technology startups, a science & technology and manufacturing company. It will provide space to conduct research and development and prototyping activity for the development of neuro-modulators medical devices. Completion of the project will help promote long-term science and technology manufacturing and private sector investment in businesses in the designated geographic area.

Aug

UPR Mayaguez Campus (Hurricane Maria Capacity Building Resiliency Workshops) Grant

This EDA investment funds a technical assistance program to support business recovery and development in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. It will serve at least 300 municipalities, non-profits, and governmental entities currently engaged with business recovery efforts due to the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria that impacted thousands of businesses in the region. Completion of the project will bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

Aug

Foundation For PR (Bottom Up Recovery) Grant

This EDA investment funds long-term recovery planning for six regions in Puerto Rico outside of San Juan that were impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The investment will provide technical assistance to create a destination plan for each region, build the capacity of existing small and medium size businesses, assist with the creation of new tourism related companies, and provide workshops promoting business continuity and preparedness. The plan will also assist with sustainability in each region and establish strong relationships with local leaders, government, and the business community to increase resiliency and preparedness for future catastrophic events.

Aug

Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey

After Economic Sector raised the issue, the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics proposed developing a Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey exclusively in Puerto Rico as part of a longer-term plan to produce better economic data.

Sep

Sagrado Corazon University (Multi-Tenant Building) Grant #1

This EDA investment funds the renovation of two vacant warehouse buildings to provide space for entrepreneurs in the creative industry in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The project includes cleaning, removal of materials, partial demolition, improvements to electrical infrastructure, mechanics, improvements to facade, interiors, signage, landscape, and public space. The renovation will create multi-use office spaces, manufacturing, and commercial space for several companies in the area. Completion of the project will attract private investments, create jobs, and diversify the local economy.

Sep

United Retailers Assoc. (Business Tech. Assist.) Grant

This EDA investment funds a technical assistance program for start-up, small and medium sized businesses throughout Puerto Rico. The program will provide business planning, access to capital, financial management, marketing, exporting, the development and dissemination of relevant educational materials, and planning and preparedness for continuity of operations in times of disaster and other significant disruptions. The investment will aid the island's recovery from the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and strengthen its economic resilience.

Sep

University Sagrado Corazon (Creative Industries TA) Grant

This EDA investment funds a technical assistance program to provide assistance to entrepreneurs in the creative industries to develop products and grow companies in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The proposed program’s objective is to retain, diversify and commercialize the innovation of the creative industries in the San Juan region by offering workshops, one-on-one mentorships, and networking opportunities. Completion of the project will support entrepreneurial business development, attract private investments, create jobs and diversify the local economy.

Sep

INTECO (Business Recovery/Growth) Grant

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This EDA investment funds the establishment of the Business Disaster Response Center to be in Caguas, Puerto Rico to support businesses impacted by Hurricanes Maria and Irma. The center will support businesses located in 12 municipalities with disaster recovery, needed incubation space, supportive business education, and access to capital through the regional Community Development Financial Institution. The investment will support economic diversification, help to strengthen the region's resiliency and ultimately create jobs as well as sustain the local economy.

Sep

UPR Mayaguez Campus (Pharmaceutical Training) Grant

This EDA investment supports the development of a pharmaceutical industry that will provide cutting edge and innovative training in Continuous Manufacturing (CMT) and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez County, Puerto Rico, a designated Opportunity Zone. The project will transform the island’s pharmaceutical facilities to become a cost efficient, high production manufacturing plant, which will create economic resiliency and provide sustainable jobs throughout the region.

Sep

EDA Investment Triage Tool

This viewer was created by PR ERSF as part of an EDA RSF Appointee Initiative to project the advancements of the EDA Triage Program in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The creation of the viewer in the FEMA Geospatial Platform gives us the advantage to use it as a repository of important information about Key Projects in PR and VI, because no matter where our RSF and Sector Leads are, they can pull out their computers and show the Projects “Live” as they developed the program phases.

Oct

Economic RSF Investment Tracker

An inverse logarithmic function graph was created by the ERSF to project how the Economic Recovery Support Function Projects (Investments) advanced the total recovery funds granted by every Economic Courses of Action. This operation included using data from the government website usaspending.gov, the Economic RSF Recovery Projects Database, and the Economic Projects – Cross Economic COA referenced column, and the Original Recovery Plan Funding Estimates by COA column. This operation required MS Excel and DataGraph 4.4.

Nov

Development Finance (BIDCO) and Risk Capital

Business and Industrial Development Corporations are state-chartered private lending institutions designed to help businesses that conventional lenders consider too risky but do not exhibit the high-growth potential required by venture capitalists. BIDCOs offer an array of business financing options, including debt, equity, and combinations of the two.

Nov

Puerto Rico as a Global Node: A Sea to Air Trans-Shipment Center as part of the recovery process

Transportation is an important factor in a society aspiration for a better future. Even to these days, geography plays an important role in developing a transport network. Cities located in a crossroads within a network are in a better position to play a larger role in a national and/or regional economy. Each geography location has a set of variables like economic activities, population, infrastructure that make every place unique. It is not strange that location is one of the most important variables in setting of a trans-shipment market.

Dec

Puerto Rico Innovation in Disaster Economic & Place-based Resilience International Center (PRIDE-PR)

Dec

Economic Indicators

​Econ RSF tracks PR Economic Indicators using data from multiple verifiable sources in areas like: Labor Market, Macro Economic Data ​and GPR Financial Summary.​ This was a deliverable that the ERSF sent every Thursday to the FCO Office of DR-4339-PR. It included a short analysis of Puerto Rico’s most important economic indicators in a document and two graphics created in MS PowerBI showing changes in the Puerto Rico Treasury Single Account (TSA) Data provided by the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (FOMB). All these documents are in the Data Repository of FEMA DR-4339-PR Operation.

Dec

LQ Analysis

One of the biggest challenges of planning is to understand the local and regional economic environment in which a community or city develops. Understanding the current state of the regional or local economy includes its strength, weakness, opportunities, and treats is needed to formulate effective strategies and actions in order to face the new challenges. For that reason, the ERSF used a Location Quotient (LQ) Analysis (developed by an ERSF Team Member from FEMA), which is one of the most common tools of the Economic Base Analysis (EBA).

Dec
2019

Legal Framework for the Development of an Unmanned Vehicle System Industry in Virginia

Jan

Universidad Politecnica (Capstone Startup Skills) Grant

The EDA investment supports La Poly, the largest private non-profit engineering school in Puerto Rico, with establishing the Capstone Startup Skills program to provide curriculum and training for Evidence-Based Entrepreneurship. The project will enhance the undergraduate engineering capstone course to include design, manufacturing, market research, company formation and tools necessary for potential business start-ups after devastating economic impacts from natural disasters. The investment will help students take prototype designs through to product development and launch, which will encourage graduates to stay on the island and lead to the creation of new businesses and jobs throughout the region.

Jan

Moving Puerto Rico’s Property Ownership Records to a Blockchain

Economic Sector representatives advanced moving property ownership records to a Blockchain, which has been done or is in the process of being done in the Republic of Georgia, Sweden, Honduras, and Chicago. The Puerto Rico Information Technology Service has since assumed ownership of this initiative.

Feb

Recognition of EDA’s Role in Economic Development and Recovery

Economic RSF was praised as the exception in recovery work as evidenced by the PR Resident Commissioner statements in the House Hearing, "Building Prosperity: EDA’s Role in Economic Development and Recovery" on Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management) and the PR Governor’s progress report letter to Congress.

Apr

MARAD Maritime Highway System

The purpose of this report is to offer the Economic Sector and the EDA Team a better understanding of the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Marine Highway System. The America’s Marine Highway System not only promotes the use of offshore and inland waterways as an additional component of our transportation system, but it also offers financial grants to help state and local governments identify and develop maritime cargo as an alternative transportation option.

Apr

The Virginia Defense Initiative as Model for PR

The Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company could consider existing models for helping local companies increase their sales and access to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) contracting opportunities through the implementation of an initiative that identifies:
  • Local companies with DOD contracts
  • 2nd and 3rd tier subcontractors that could supply to the major defense contractors
  • Puerto Rican companies with products that could be sold to DOD
  • Requirements to comply with DOD contracting standards and regulations
Apr

Aguadilla as an Air-Cargo Hub

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The redevelopment of the Aguadilla Airport (BQN) into a distribution and logistics center for the Caribbean and Latin America could help create an economic boom for the Island’s western region and transform a mere regional cargo airport into a multifaceted magnet for economic development.

May

Development of the Aguadilla Air Transshipment Port

The redevelopment of the Aguadilla Airport (BQN) into a distribution and logistics center for the Caribbean and Latin America could help create an economic boon for the Island’s western region and transform a mere regional cargo airport into a multifaceted magnet for economic development. From an economic development site selector’s perspective, the airport has several features that make it an exceptional facility for further development into a major cargo and aeronautics hub.

Jun

Bureau of Economic Analysis

Coordinated with BEA to update PR Data accounts. These coordination efforts with BEA led to the development of a methodology for calculating Puerto Rico's GDP. The main measurement tool currently used by the Government of Puerto Rico for the analysis of its economy.

Jun

Implementation of Existing State Export Promotion Models

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2016 over 304,000 U.S. companies (including Puerto Rico based companies) exported their products overseas. Of those companies exporting 98% are companies with less than 500 employees. In the U.S. the small & midsize enterprises (SME) sector was responsible for approximately 33-35% all goods exported in 2016.

Jun

An Orange Economy?

Consulted with Creative Industries of Puerto Rico on effectively organizing many stakeholders and players with deep roots in the creative industries ecosystem around a shared vision for the Orange Economy. To date, such efforts have been polarizing in Puerto Rico. The Economic RSF suggested identifying a champion for the initiative and forming a non-profit entity to aggregate ideas.

Jul

Stakeholders aligned around the EcoExploratorio Resilience Center Project (EcoEX)

Aligned stakeholders around the EcoExploratorio Resilience Center Project (EcoEX), a museum dedicated to “inspire people to explore, share and protect the natural environment through science, engineering, mathematics, and technology.” EcoEX has adopted the Global Economic, Ocean, and Financial Resilience Institute (GEOFRI) model developed by the Economic RSF. The construction of a new facility for EcoExploratorio was approved at the Convention Center District.

Jul

Fundacion Comunitaria PR (Culebra Renewable Energy) Grant

This EDA investment funds the installation of a renewable energy source in the form of solar power for the island of Culebra in Puerto Rico, which encompasses six regions and 12 towns that were devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The project will support businesses in this designated Opportunity Zone by assisting the region in achieving a more robust and resilient energy system in the event of another natural disaster. In addition, this project will help promote the growth of emerging sustainable energy industries to enhance economic diversification throughout the community.

Jul

Operation Hope (Hope Inside Recovery PR) Grant

This EDA investment funds the HOPE Coalition America project, to provide up to 300 technical assistance workshops in a designed Opportunity Zone in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The technical assistance continuum will focus on continuity activities such as small/micro business expansion, new business opportunity building, preparedness, and resilience, which will help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow and succeed following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The project is critical in assisting small businesses with expanding their markets, which will lead to long-term economic stability throughout the region.

Jul

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (Investor Bridge Project) Grant

This EDA investment funds the Investor Bridge Project, to enhance Puerto Rico’s economic development through a program to develop investment infrastructure, including a formal investment fund and investor education events, around Puerto Rico based global startup accelerator Parallel18.

Jul

Recognition of EDA’s Role in Economic Development and Recovery

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Economic RSF was praised in its efforts to date in COR3’s Progress Report to Congress on July 31, 2019

Jul

Hub for Opportunities in Puerto Rico Employment (HOPE) Workforce Recovery

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The workforce recovery initiative was developed to accomplish two major goals—meeting immediate to short term workforce needs for recovery and reconstruction, and training/educating skilled workers for the jobs of the future. As in any successful workforce development effort: open, consistent, and unfiltered communication is essential to success.

Jul

Concept for a COA Decisioning Tool identified

Developed a concept COA Decisioning Tool presented draft to COR3. Approximately $31 billion of possible funding for recovery work has been identified from federal, local and private resources.

Aug

MOU - UVI & UPR

Orchestrated the signing of the MOU between the University of Puerto Rico and the University of the Virgin Islands to enable the collaboration between the two institutions in furtherance of conducting joint and shared research in areas that are germane to the growth, development, resiliency, and sustainability of both institutions and surrounding communities.

Aug

LEDC office in Mayagüez

Coordinated with the local Women Business Center and with the Latino Economic Development Center to increase local access to capital through the establishment of a LEDC office in Mayagüez to bring increased capital to PR small businesses.

Sep

Pathstone Corp (Solar Workforce Training) Grant

This EDA investment supports the expansion of the solar industry in a designated Opportunity Zone in Ponce County, Puerto Rico, to assist with recovery efforts due to the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The project will grow the local economy by providing research, training, and workforce development that will increase resiliency against future natural disaster, attract private investments, and create jobs throughout the region.

Sep

Puerto Rico Industries For The Blind (Robotic Manufacturing) Grant

This EDA investment funds the purchase of new high-tech equipment to support manufacturing in Mayaguez, Puerto Pico, a designated Opportunity Zone. By installing robotic sewing machines that require less manual dexterity, and by training disabled workers to operate the equipment, the project helps expand workforce employment opportunities. Once completed, the project will promote resiliency and diversify the local economy.

Sep

UPR (Innovation Astre Center) Grant

This EDA investment funds renovations to the Molecular Science Research Center (MSRC) in a designated Opportunity Zone in San Juan County, Puerto Rico, to establish the Advancing Science and Technology Research and Entrepreneurship (ASTRE) Center. The project will provide MSRC with economic resiliency and long-term recovery from natural disasters, and will promote job creations, retention, and manufacturing business expansion throughout the region.

Sep

Bluetide (Bluetide Marine Economy) 2019 Grant

This EDA investment supports the “BLUEtide” Initiative component of Puerto Rico’s comprehensive economic and disaster recovery plan. The project will establish the Marine Business, Innovation, and Research Center of the Caribbean and the Puerto Rico Ocean Technology Complex (PROTECH) in a designated Opportunity Zone in San Juan, Puerto Rico. As part of Puerto Rico’s disaster-recovery, the BLUEtide Initiative will drive innovation, workforce development, and international collaboration, which will create jobs and advance emerging industry clusters of manufacturing, fishing, and tourism.

Sep

Municipio De Jayuya (Tourist Facilities) Grant

This EDA investment funds construction of infrastructure facilities needed to support operations growth in a tourist park in in the municipality of Jayuya, Puerto Rico, an area hit hard by Hurricane Maria in 2018. By constructing a water distribution system, a multipurpose building, visitor accommodations, and a photovoltaic cell and battery grid, the project, in a designated Opportunity Zone, ensures business resiliency and continuity during future power outages and natural disasters. Once complete, the project will promote tourism development in an emerging cluster and diversify the regional economy.

Sep

Ocean Economy Working Group kickoff

Hosted the Ocean Economy Working Group kickoff at the EPA Offices in Guaynabo to facilitate establishing a working group to identify opportunities and necessary support in developing the ocean economy in the U.S. Caribbean. Approximately 40 people attended, including remotely from the USVI and Hawaii.

Oct

Analysis on the competitiveness of Puerto Rico due to the impacts of the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI)

At the request of DDEC, delivered an analysis on the competitiveness of Puerto Rico due to the impacts of the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI), which was a component of U.S. Tax Reform. This request was also prompted by the U.S. Treasury indicating it will end its policy of not challenging the credit-ability (against U.S. Income Taxes) of the Act 154 Excise Tax.

Oct

PRiMEX Grant

This EDA investment funds technical assistance, training, and continuity of operations preparedness for small and medium sized manufacturers throughout Puerto Rico. The project will aid in the recover and growth of the island’s manufacturing sector from the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and strengthen its economic resilience. The plan will also assist with sustainability in the region and increase preparedness for future catastrophic events.

Oct

Accessible Tourism - A Strategy for Economic Growth and Inclusion

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Delivered a white paper to FEMA’s Disability Integration team providing details to encourage RSFs and project planners to include accessibility planning early in project development. Additionally, it outlines a niche market tourism opportunity for Puerto Rico focused on serving travelers who are disabled, veterans, and adult travelers 65+ years old.

Nov

"Technology Transfer as a Key to Innovation" Roundtable

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The ERSF Team moderated the Technology Transfer as a Key to Innovation round-table at the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust. The event was attended by PRiMEX, NIST, SBA, the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC), and local entrepreneurs to discuss how the creation and transfer of technology are crucial to the development of local enterprises that can succeed in the global marketplace. In addition, the Parallel 18 accelerator program was highlighted as a local success, generating $66 million in revenues and creating more than 255 jobs since its inception in 2016. https://newsismybusiness.com/tech-transfer-key-to-innovation-opportunities-for-p-r-s-business-sector/

Nov

UPR/NASA Technology Infusion Road Tour 2019

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Juan Bauza represented the ERSF while presenting at the UPR/NASA Technology Infusion Road Tour at the University of Puerto Rico (Rio Piedras) to provide insight into networking with federal agencies and EDA’s role.  
Nov

SBIR Road Show 2019

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Attended the Small Business Administration’s SBIR Road Tour’s inaugural stop in Puerto Rico. Attendees from over 220 small businesses, innovators, and researchers heard from the program managers of 5,000 new awards annually.

Nov

GPR Org Chart

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Completed the Government of Puerto Rico organizational chart illustrating agency-assigned funding and COAs.

Nov

EEI Filing Requirement for Shipments between the Continental United States and Puerto Rico

The Electronic Export Information (EEI) is the electronic version of the old Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) document. The EEI contains all the information on an export transaction that the exporter must submit electronically via the Automated Export System to the U.S. government before exporting. This ensures that the exporter is in compliance with all federal regulations affecting the export of goods.

Dec

Funding for Georgia QS Program

Quick Start is one of the State of Georgia’s workforce development training programs. It originated in 1967 as a program within the Georgia Department of Education and it’s the oldest workforce development program of its kind in the U.S. In 1988 it was integrated into the newly created Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG). The program operates from the Office of Economic Development Program at TCSG. With 22 TCSG campuses, Quick Start is guaranteed to have a presence all over the state.

Dec

Options for Redevelopment of PSE Airport in Ponce

Dec

Successful Redevelopments of Closed Military Bases

Economic Sector was asked to assess successful redevelopments of former military installations and if a Master Developer (MD) was utilized. The purpose of this paper is to inform current efforts and strategies for the redevelopment of the former Roosevelt Roads Naval Station (RR) in Ceiba, Puerto Rico.

Dec

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (Resiliency and Business Innovation (RBI) Project) Grant

This EDA investment supports the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust (Trust) with establishing the Resiliency and Business Innovation (RBI) Project. This investment will build a model for the mainland, and the world, on how to create innovation and economic opportunities after local disasters. There will be three primary components to the project: recruitment of entrepreneurs needing proof-of-concept for innovative technology development, conduct proof-of-concept research in collaboration with partner institutions of higher education and business and resiliency training and support provided.

Dec

MOU - UPR & Eco-Exploratorio

Brokered an MOU Between the University of Puerto Rico and Eco-Exploratorio for the Development of a regional US Caribbean Resiliency Institute.

Dec

Georgia’s Quick Start & Louisiana’s FastStart: Two Models of Workforce Development Done Right

QuickStart is the state of Georgia’s workforce development training program. It started in 1967 as a program within the Georgia Department of Education, and it’s the oldest workforce development program of its kind in the U.S. In 1988 it was integrated into the newly created Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG). The program operates from the Office of Economic Development Program at TCSG. With 23 colleges, TCSG guarantees that Quick Start will have a presence all over the state.

Dec

State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – Global Match Process

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In late 2019, Economic RSF was asked to support COR3 in revising the State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program – Global Match process. COR3 provided an Excel workbook containing a draft set of revised process steps. After reviewing 44 CFR § 206.43x, “guidance on the administration of hazard mitigation grants,” the steps in the Excel workbook were interpreted, and a process flow was developed containing the draft logic. On January 16th, COR3 was asked to select the revision that contained the most accurate logic and to provide any further feedback. They selected one of the revisions but said no further changes were required, resulting in a final version. COR3 uses the Tool extensively and thanked Economic RSF for the efforts.

Dec
2020

IEDC EDAT

ERSF provided key research documents and other information about the economy of Puerto Rico before and after Hurricanes Irma and Maria to the Vice President of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to advance the work of the Economic Development Assessment Team (EDAT) that will be help to establish an Economic Development District (EDD) in Southern Puerto Rico. The EDD effort in Southern Puerto Rico is a component of a recovery strategy resulting from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. (This strategy was in motion before the recent disaster declaration resulting from the earthquakes.)

Jan

Universidad Ana G. Mendez (Catano Tourism Strategic Plan) Grant

This EDA investment funds the Sustainable Tourism Strategic Plan for the Cataño waterfront in Puerto Rico, a designated Opportunity Zone. Cataño is a 10-minute ferry ride from the San Juan port where more than 1.4 million cruise ship tourists visit annually. The plan will use a community-based research approach to design strategies for attracting visitors to Cataño for shopping, sight-seeing, and other tourist attractions. Once completed, the project will help improve recruitment and retention throughout the region, which will strengthen the local economy.

Feb

Options for the Redevelopment of the Port of Ponce

Feb

Site Visit to Aguadilla Airport

On March 4, 2020, members of the Economic RSF team Arturo Gallardo and Angel Feliciano in conjunction with Brian Balukonis, Field Coordinator for the Infrastructure Systems RSF, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Marieli Alvarez of the Infrastructure Systems RSF participated in a meeting with Jose Soto, General Manager for the Aguadilla International Airport (BQN), and Jorge Quintin of the Puerto Rico Tourism company to learn more about efforts to promote the airport in lieu of the recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation extending the expanded air-cargo transfer rights and passenger flexibility to all 3 international airports in Puerto Rico.

Mar

ICAO Freedom of the Air Rights

Freedoms of the Air are a series of air transportation rights that are negotiated among sovereign states and act as a set of rules that guide air transportation. These “Freedoms” are the foundation of commercial air-transportation. The United Nations through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) administers the governance of these air rights as it sets the rules and policies on civil/commercial aviation through the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). These SARPS are the framework through which ICAO’s 193 member nations negotiate bilateral and multilateral air transportation agreements such as Open Skies agreements.

Mar

UPR (Recovery Coordinators) Grant

This EDA investment supports the University of Puerto Rico with hiring disaster recovery coordinators to provide strategic technical assistance, implement recovery strategies, and serve as a liaison between federal, state, and local partners. The project will align existing research and investigation of innovative solutions with recovery efforts, identify eligible grant initiatives, and establish a database of scholarly publications to help with planning. Once completed, the project will support sustainable tourism, help mitigate future disasters, and promote economic development throughout Puerto Rico.

Apr

Roosevelt Roads (Rehab Port Building) Grant

This EDA investment funds the rehabilitation of the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads Port Control Building, for reuse as a publicly owned multi-tenant commercial space that will support early-stage businesses in San Juan County, Puerto Rico, a designated Opportunity Zone. The project will reconstruct infrastructure damaged by Hurricane Maria and make site improvements of streets and sidewalks on the main roadway intersection, which will allow pedestrians access from the Ferry Terminal to commercial facilities. Once completed, the project will leverage the regional scale of the maritime-surface and multi-modal transportation system by redeveloping the waterfront to entice tourism, which will promote economic resiliency and job creation throughout the region.

Apr

UPR Ponce (UPR-Ponce Smart Hub) Grant

This EDA investment supports the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce with establishing a disaster resilient research and business facility to support high-growth businesses focused on the health and medical tourism industries. The project will serve as a high-performing, energy efficient, multiuse infrastructure that supports a business hosting and retention program for entities within a designated Opportunity Zone. Once completed, the project will help mitigate the direct effects of weather and utilities related interruptions and bolster business continuity, industrial diversification, create jobs, and provide long-term economic growth that will strengthen resiliency against future disasters.

Apr

Benefits of CEIV-Pharma Certifications for Puerto Rico’s International Airports

The purpose of this report is to offer the Economic Recovery Support Function team at DR-4339-PR background information of the International Air Transportation Association’s Center of Excellence for Independent Validator in Pharmaceutical Logistics certification, and how achieving this certification in combination with the recent extension of the air cargo transfer rights and passenger flexibility to Puerto Rico airports could give these facilities a competitive advantage in the ever-growing global logistics and supply chain operations market.

May

Global Economic, Ocean, and Financial Resilience Center (GEOFRI) 

Provided technical support and coordination for the Global Economic, Ocean, and Financial Resilience Institute (GEOFRI) to serve as a catalyst for Puerto Rico to become the hub of the global resilience industry, which is expected to grow to $400 billion by 2025. GEOFRI could lead research and innovation projects and deliver education and professional certification programs in the field of resilience.

Jul

Air Transfer Rights Initiative, Basic Analysis of Geographic location within Air Route Network and Nearby Competitors

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Throughout history, it has been proven that cities with better accessibility (location) to modes of transportation have an advance over others. In the past, cities located close to a body of water (river, bay, lake) were the ones with that advantage, today in the 21st century, cities with good airport facilities are the ones that have that advantage. For the last two decades in the United States, a concept called air transfers rights (ATR) have been promoted for certain jurisdictions, which has allowed cities like Anchorage in Alaska to emerge as an important air cargo linking Asian and North American hemispheres.

Jul

University Of Puerto Rico (Business And Economic Development Center) Grant #1

As part of EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance, EDA is providing a supplemental financial assistance award to the University of Puerto Rico, of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to help them respond to the unusual and compelling urgency of the coronavirus pandemic. University Centers receiving these supplemental awards are required to implement one or more scope of work activities that have been pre-approved by EDA: (1) providing technical assistance to entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities to assist in economic recovery efforts, (2) assisting with solutions to move courses to an on-line platform to support the business and entrepreneurial community, (3) supporting technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, product development and manufacturing aimed at the prevention of, preparation for, or response to the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, (4) conducting, sharing and disseminating applied research to address challenges resulting from the economic impacts of the...

Jul

Caguas (Cares Act RLF) Grant

As part of EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance, this investment capitalizes a $500,000 Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to lend to borrowers in the following geographic region: Municipality of Caguas in Puerto Rico. This EDA investment also provides $47,705 to defray the cost of administering the RLF. The EDA investment will alleviate sudden and severe economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, provide permanent resources to support economic resiliency, and further the long-term economic adjustment objectives of the region served by this EDA investment.

Aug

Ponce Merceditas Airport: New Air Cargo and Corporate Jet Apron as Part of Air Transfer Rights Initiative 

Sep

MOU - UVI & BTPR

Economic RSF Field Coordinator, Juan Bauzá, attended the virtual signing ceremony of the MOU between the University of the Virgin Islands and BLUEtide Puerto Rico, Inc. to boost the global positioning of the US Caribbean in the Blue Economy innovation market.

Sep

Invest Puerto Rico - Statebook Data Center

InvestPR works to elevate Puerto Rico as a world-class business destination. The organization is a public-private partnership created by law and incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. It is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico and is comprised of three public sector representatives and eight private sector representatives.

Oct

Prototype estimates of Puerto Rico GDP

Completed the Prototype estimates of Puerto Rico GDP and its components which were released September 28, 2020. Current-dollar and inflation-adjusted, Annual estimates, 2012–2018 , Estimates build on prototype estimates of consumer spending, private fixed investment, and net exports of goods that were released in October 2019

Oct

Support for Puerto Rico’s airports to obtain air pharma hub certification (CEIV-Pharma)

Supported a coalition of industry, government and academia in organizing an International Air Transport Association (IATA) roundtable on how Puerto Rico’s airports can obtain air pharma hub certification (CEIV-Pharma), which is critical in attracting the lucrative pharma air cargo business and establishing the Island as a top international logistic/transportation distribution center. The event had over 90 participants including some from overseas.

Oct

LabF3S - Matchmaking Day I (Cohort 1)

Deployed the first comprehensive capacity building effort for NGOs in partnership with the Titín Foundation. LABF3S integrates capacity building for nonprofits to increase their grant management and grant seeking skills. It integrated the University of Puerto Rico EDA University Center, legal advice through practicing attorneys, accounting services by CPAs, matchmaking with federal agencies, and office hours for 1:1 capacity development with the first cohort of NGOs. This is part of a bigger effort through SINFINESPR.ORG to increase grantmaking and grant access in the territory. A phase II of LABF3S is in development for late first quarter 2021 and a second phase 1 cohort during the first half of 2021.

Nov

Federal Fund Mapping

Economic RSF presented the preliminary findings of its mapping of obligated Federal funds into Puerto Rico since September of 2017 at the weekly stand-up meeting. This mapping of Federal funds only covers the six coordinating agencies of the RSFs. There was a great deal of interest in the initial findings, which indicate $37.9 has been obligated to Puerto Rico by these six agencies, with $4.83 billion advancing 147 COAs. Economic RSF cautioned that the information is preliminary and also subject to some level of subjectivity re the applicability of funds to certain COAs.

Nov

Virtual Demo Day

ERSF provided support to the University of Puerto Rico University Center to conduct a virtual “Demo Day” on November 18th, 2020. As a result, participants in the Grants Writing Academy had the opportunity to present a three-minute pitch of a potential project. They received feedback from Academy Professor José Vega and EDS Zulma Velázquez. In addition, participants benefited from the unique opportunity to discuss critical elements of proposals, such as organization eligibility, the difference between a construction and non-construction project, project economic impact, and non-federal match.

 

Nov

Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) Webinar

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Presented a 2-hour Benefit Cost Analysis course to thirty-seven (37) participants from FEMA’s Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) group assigned to DR-4339 in Puerto Rico.  The workshop introduced FEMA’s 9-session BCA course and manual and highlighted basic BCA terminology and definitions, statutory requirements, uses and features, and a demonstration using a participant’s real mitigation action. Benefit Cost Analysis is a requirement for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and 404 grants.

Dec

Sea Level Rise Resilience Roundtable

On December 15, 2020, the Economic RSF team participated and supported in the organization of the INDUNIV roundtable webinar, Sea level Rise (SLR) and its projected Impact on Puerto Rico’s Airport System. The Economic RSF FEMA support planner joined a panel of sea level rise experts from the US Army Corp of Engineers and the Federal Aviation Administration to discuss the potential impacts of SLR on PR’s airports, possible mitigating actions and best practices.

Dec
2021

Funding Resource Matrix

Transferred to COR3 and Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) a funding resource matrix of federal and philanthropic programs that provide resources to businesses, communities, and non-profits. ERSF worked with FEMA Philanthropy and other federal recovery partner agencies to identify foundations and philanthropic organizations ready to provide funding specifically in Puerto Rico.

Jan

Roles and Operational Authority of Invest Puerto Rico, Discover Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics

At the request of EDA Field Coordinator for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, Juan Bauzá, EDA contract support team produced a report defining the roles and authorities of Invest Puerto Rico, Discover Puerto Rico, and the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics.

Jan

COA Decisioning Tool

Presented and handed the Decisioning Tool to COR3 and the Interagency Recovery Coordination (IRC) in early 2021 to be used for ongoing tracking of overall funding and funding specific to RSF COAs.

Jan

Southern Puerto Rico EDD (SPREDD) Stakeholders' Event

Conducted the Southern Puerto Rico EDD (SPREDD) Stakeholders' Event on January 29th as a fully virtual conference hosting 50 regional stakeholders and twelve facilitators, plus IEDC and FEMA observers. Local industry leaders representing eleven economic sectors identified as key economic development drivers in the six municipalities of Guánica, Yauco, Guayanilla, Peñuelas, Ponce, and Juana Díaz were interviewed in small discussion groups. Speakers from the International Economic Development Council, StateBook, International, and the Economic Development Administration presented background information and outlined the opportunity that a federally designated EDD offers to the region.

Jan

COA Alignment Tool

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The primary goal behind this undertaking is to determine if a single or similar action step and/or investment may impact multiple COAs and accomplish more advancement with fewer resources. Provided full website access to the COA Alignment data visualization tool that was built on data collected by the ERSF to facilitate identifying opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, to avoid duplication of efforts, and to share lessons learned and best practices between COR3, FEMA and the Recovery Support Functions (RSFs). The tool allows the user to view alignments, as identified by the RSFs, between the 257 Courses of Action (COAs) in the Government of Puerto Rico’s Economic and Disaster Recovery Plan. Users can choose from two display tools: (1) the COA Alignment Reports provide multiple filter options, including by specific COA, Recovery Support Function, or lead agency to narrow the focus of information displayed in five tables; or (2) the COA Alignment Displays provide an...

Jan

Meeting with Mayors of Southern Puerto Rico

Convened a meeting of Mayors representing the Municipalities included in the Southern Puerto Rico pilot EDD to share initial analysis and inform them and their staff about the EDD designation process, the importance of their engagement, and the long-term opportunity for their region.

Feb

"Apostemos por el Sur" Campaign

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Supported the launch of the communications campaign "Apostemos por el Sur" (Let’s Bet on the South) to introduce the pilot EDD to residents of Southern Puerto Rico and to encourage individuals to respond to the sector questionnaires via the website.

Feb

Workforce Development Program Skill Alignment Database

The Workforce Development Programs database provides the Government of Puerto Rico an overview of the planned, ongoing, and implemented workforce development programs under each DR-4339-PR Recovery Support Function (RSF). With visibility to the industries and skills being supported, where efforts are underway, implementation partners, and funding commitments and gaps, Government of Puerto Rico officials have the tools to prioritize RSF programs in support of Puerto Rico’s goals for preparing an island wide, skilled workforce ready to serve high-paying, global industries.

Mar

Government of Puerto Rico Support

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The Economic Recovery Support Function (ERSF) team in compliance with IRWA item 5 (a) Advise and Collaborate, made it a key objective to effectively assist the Government of Puerto Rico and COR3 in recovery efforts. In this function, the ERSF Coordinator and the Economic Development Specialist (EDS), have successfully provided pivotal technical support at significant junctures in multiple Puerto Rico government agencies’ projects.

Mar

CREPSED

Established U.S. Caribbean Think Tank for Regional Economic Recovery with buy-in from leadership at UPR and UVI - Center for Resilience, Economic Policy & Strategic Economic Development (CREPSED).

Mar

University Of Puerto Rico Grant

This EDA investment funds the Innovation and Commercialization for an Agile and Resilient Ecosystem (I+CARE) program, to provide training, mentorship, workshop product design, prototyping and fabrication of low-cost devices for disability and aging markets for entrepreneurs negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic, particularly those in Opportunity Zones.

Apr

Sagrado Corazon University (Multi-Tenant Building) Grant #2

An additional 700k EDA investment was provided in 2021 to fund the 2018 renovation project of two vacant warehouse buildings to provide space for entrepreneurs in the creative industry in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The project includes cleaning, removal of materials, partial demolition, improvements to electrical infrastructure, mechanics, improvements to facade, interiors, signage, landscape, and public space. The renovation will create multi-use office spaces, manufacturing, and commercial space for several companies in the area. Completion of the project will attract private investments, create jobs, and diversify the local economy.

Apr

A Community Boating Center for Roosevelt Roads

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A community boating center could be a catalyst for attracting further redevelopment and investment to the Roosevelt Roads waterfront area. The alure created by the scenic beauty of sailboats and other maritime activities could entice businesses attracted to the nautical scene.

Apr

LabF3S Phase 2

Supported Titín Foundation to launch LabF3S Phase 2 on May 24, 2021. This initiative establishes a universe of registered NGOs operating in both Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands as part of the ongoing efforts to support local capacity for non-profit organizations to improve their grant writing and award management capacity.

May

Local Redevelopment Authority for Roosevelt Roads Grant

This EDA investment funds the construction of a five-story building on the former Coast Guard Pier, Naval Station Roosevelt Roads to house the Marine Business, Research, and Innovation Research Center (MBRIC) in San Juan County, Puerto Rico.  The MBRIC will serve as the central hub to access specialized equipment and provide technical assistance to multiple partners to support ocean dependent and ag business in the development of new products and service for exporting.  Once completed, the project will assist the region with recovery efforts from Hurricane Maria and promote the commercialization and research of MAR/Sea Drugs, Open Water Aquaculture, Ocean Conservancy and predictive modeling and development, which will boost job creation in the area, attract private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.

May

LabF3S Support

In response to situational analysis showing that the nonprofit sector in Puerto Rico was not strong enough to secure significant funding, Economic RSF supported the Titín Foundation of Puerto Rico to create LabF3S, a capacity building program that strengthens the 3rd Sector’s recovery and resilience capabilities.

Jun

Puerto Rico Construction Industry Skills Gap Analysis

Completed a Puerto Rico construction industry workforce skills gap analysis and costs of building materials report.

Jun

Digital Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

On June 30th, in collaboration with vendor StateBook, International, Inc., SPREDD Economic Ecosystem launched the first in the nation Digital Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (Digital CEDS). Digital CEDS turns CEDS from a static document into a living strategy that, with EDA approval, can be amended as circumstances change.

Jun

LABF3S Phase 2 Webinar

Buoyed the LABF3S Phase 2 Webinar on July 1, 2021, coaching 3rd sector, non-profit organizations through the steps to prepare their Capstone Project Pitch to federal officials. Participants were guided through ways to clearly articulate the need their project addresses and to present supporting data, measurable objectives, expected outcomes and impact, budget requirements, and their organization's capacity to execute their proposal.

Jul

Completed the first draft for a Spanish CEDS version

In pursuit of the commitment to involve as many stakeholders as possible in the process of establishing an Economic Development District (EDD) for Southern Puerto Rico, the ERSF completed a first draft for a Spanish CEDS version. The public policy process that is followed prior to the establishment of an EDD does not expressly include the publication of a CEDS in a language other than English. However, the ERSF has decided to keep the comment process open for an additional 30 days to include input from citizens who wish to comment on the draft Spanish translated version. ERSF will finalize the translation of the CEDS and integrate it into the Digital CEDS that was already created in English.

Jul

LabF3S - Matchmaking Day II (Cohort 2)

Coordinated logistical support and the participation of federal agencies on the Matchmaking Day II, on July 19, 2021. Not-for-profit organizations had the opportunity to present their projects before federal entities as a practice exercise to obtain feedback and guidance on grant writing. EDA’s Economic Development Specialist and the Puerto Rico Deputy Field Coordinator provided feedback to the following NGOs: ASOPYMES, Soy Unica, Soy Libre, and the International Society of Tropical Foresters Inc. The event matched local NGOs and federal partners (NDRF RSF partners) to increase the alignment of local projects with potential federal program priorities and to increase local NGOs’ knowledge of federal grant opportunities for the third sector.

Jul

Habitat Restoration Technical Training Workshop

Brought Dr. David Gulko, Aquatic Biologist IV and Coral Ecologist at Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources to facilitates the Habitat Restoration Technical Training Workshop focused on Corals (part 1) as part of the Bluetide Caribbean Summit 2021 (Aug 4-6, 2021). This workshop was in support of ECN 10 BLUEtide Initiative, we are providing Technical Assistance support in the development of the programmatic objectives to strengthen local/ regional capacity in coral restoration and coastal workforce development (ECN 10, NCR 15, and NCR 25 of the PR Economic Recovery Plan). This was a practitioner focused train-the-trainer workshop. This unique five-day field-based training workshop has been designed to train participants on the relatively new field of Coral Restoration Husbandry (including assessment of source corals, collection and documentation, transport, land-based coral husbandry and fast grow-out, re-acclimation, out-planting, monitoring and assessment of loss or...

Aug

Bluetide Caribbean Summit 2021

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The Economic RSF team coordinated and provided technical support to Bluetide Puerto Rico Inc. for hosted the BlueTide Caribbean Summit. BTPR received technical assistance and SME support of the Economic RSF Team to include all the relevant economic recovery opportunities and networks related to the Ocean Economy Strategic Initiative found in the PR Economic Recovery Plan. The event was attended by Governors of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Secretary Cidre of the Puerto Rico Department of Commerce and Economic Development (DDEC), Deputy Secretary Don Graves of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Rector of University of Ana G. Mendez, the President and Vice President of the University of Virgin Islands and the Mayors of the Municipalities of Fajardo, Ceiba and Loiza. This inaugural event brought together globally recognized experts in island community resilience, ocean and renewable energy, public private partnerships, marine sciences, and banking and financial...

Aug

Historic meeting between the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Facilitated a historic meeting between the Governor of Puerto Rico and the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands at the Blue Tide Caribbean Summit event, where they discussed opportunities for competitive advantage in commercial and conservation activities in the marine ecosystem of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Caribbean.

Aug

Puerto Rico Small Business Growth Workshops

Organized a series of fours training workshops specifically to support private sector enterprises that operate adjacent to the blue economy and might not recognize their connection to the wider US Caribbean regional economy. These open-to-the-public workshops were presented on August 5th, during the Bluetide Caribbean Summit, and incorporated four components: 1) Small Business Innovative Research Grant Program Roadshow, 2) Economic Development – Essentials and Current Trends, 3) Incubators and Accelerators for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses, 4) Understanding and Using Data for Better Economic Decisions and Outcomes.

Aug

MOU - BTPR, UVI, UAGM, CCSA & Titin

Brokered an MOU by Bluetide Puerto Rico, University of Virgin Islands, Ana G. Mendez University, Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator (CCSA), and Titin Foundation committing to the resilience, sustainability, and the strategic exploration and development of the blue economy in Puerto Rico and the USVI. The signing institutions agreed to commit to the fulfillment of the Blue Economy Strategic Implementation Plan for Puerto Rico and the USVI, which includes promoting the implementation of the US Caribbean Blue Economy strategic goals of economic viability, workforce development, sustainability, and resiliency.

Aug

University Of Puerto Rico (Business And Economic Development Center) Grant #2

The University of Puerto Rico (UPR)'s business & economic development center (BEDC), headquartered at the college of business administration (CBA) in the Mayaguez campus (UPRM) will work jointly with the university of the virgin islands (UVI) center for excellence in leadership and learning (cell) on a Caribbean regional university center. The Caribbean regional UC will provide specific activities through the BEDC at UPRM, and the UVICELL, which includes, providing technical assistance, conducting applied research, and dissemination as part of the economic development activities. The three major categories of innovation activities are: 1) technical assistance to innovators and existing businesses, 2) applied research through allied centers and courses, and 3) dissemination of all activities that impact economic development in the region. The technical assistance offered by the UC to innovators in the pre-incubation phase (pi) (80%), and existing growing business (gb) (20%)

Aug

Preliminary assessment of the nonprofit sector in PR and USVI was conducted

A preliminary assessment of the nonprofit sector in PR and USVI was conducted by Ms. Denise Byrne, a national consultant and SME in nonprofit ecosystem development. While not a scientific assessment, the research provides insight into the challenges and opportunities that the nonprofit sector perceives. This is critical to the ongoing process of evaluating capacity building efforts, communication strategies, and outreach efforts needed for the future.

Sep

SBA and the Centro Unido de Detallistas (United Retailers Center) Strategic Alliance Memorandum

ERSF participated in the signing of a Strategic Alliance Memorandum between the SBA and the Centro Unido de Detallistas (United Retailers Center) on September 14th, 2021, during the U.S. Small Business Administration‘s Small Business Week events. Under the memorandum, SBA increases the number of Women‘s Business Centers from two to three, located in Mayaguez, Bayamon, and Gurabo.

Sep

Ecoexploratorio, Inc. Grant

This EDA investment funds the construction of the EcoEx Resilience Institute to serve as the hub for disaster preparedness, recovery education, and training in the Caribbean.  The multi-use site will build recovery, resilience capacity and develop more effective emergency response mechanism that will help the region with recovery efforts from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.  Once completed, the project will benefit a designated Opportunity Zone and allow continuity of operations of businesses and overall community recovery after future disasters, which will strengthen the regional economy and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.

Sep

Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (PR Forward Center) Grant #2

This investment funds disaster recovery and disaster recovery efforts by establishing the forward center. The forward center will house co-location space for up to 60 high-tech ventures arising from parallel18 ventures. It will also house bio-nuclear of Puerto Rico, provide space to conduct research, development, and proto-typing activity for the development of neuro-modulators medical devices. This investment is expected to create appropriately 687 new jobs.

Sep

INTECO (Disaster Response Center) Grant

ERSF attended the groundbreaking ceremony with the Mayor of Caguas for the EDA funded ($3.5 million from EDA) Business Disaster Response and Recovery Center. The facility will be managed by INTECO Caguas and will benefit 12 towns in addition to Caguas belonging to the INTECO cluster: Comerío, Aguas Buenas, Cayey, Cidra, Gurabo, Humacao, Juncos, Las Piedras, Naguabo, San Lorenzo and Yabucoa. The project also includes the expansion of Inova, a business incubator. The Center will generate between 50 and 75 jobs in its construction phase and 324 jobs during the first three years of operation. It is expected that the center will receive $660,000 in private-sector contributions.

Sep

Southern Puerto Rico Pilot EDD

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The Government of Puerto Rico’s Recovery Plan calls specifically for the development of an EDD in two of the formal Courses of Action, ECN 8 and MUN 2. To fulfill this mandate, the Economic RSF researched multiple regional boundaries and identified an area along the southern coast that possesses the resources and capabilities upon which significant opportunities can be built. The Economic RSF took the lead technical assistance role in supporting the Southern Puerto Rico Pilot EDD initiative to establish the minimum requirements for Puerto Rico to request a regional EDD designation for a select geographical area of 6 municipalities, with the ability to conduct a more granular and targeted CEDS in addition to the Puerto Rican Planning Board’s broader CEDS.

Oct

GTD-FOM Tool

Developed the Grant Tracking Database – Funding Opportunities Matchmaking Tool (GTD-FOM). As an open to the public tool developed in Spanish, the GTD-FOM provides Puerto Rican NGOs and Public Institutions with an alternative method to identify the latest federal grants relevant to them. The tool can be used as a first step to create a local (NOFOs) notification system for Puerto Rican Organizations and Institutions. The Python Language Script used to capture and filter the NOFOs cuts down on initial research time and can filter NOFOs down to the current date. Thus, increasing the time available to prepare grant proposals. GTD-FOM also provides an alternative database for NGOs to improve their external resources research management.

Oct

PR DEDC ARPA Grant

As part of the economic development administration's (EDA) $750 million American rescue plan travel, tourism & outdoor recreation program, which provides $510 million in state tourism grants and $240 million in competitive tourism grants, this investment will support marketing, infrastructure, workforce and other projects to rejuvenate safe leisure, business, and international travel.

Dec

Departamento De Desarrollo Economico Y Comercio Grant

This EDA investment supports a coalition in the northwestern region of Puerto Rico, led by the Departamento de Desarrollo Economico y Commercio, with their proposal to address innovation issues in the local bio sector, focused on pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Despite bio industries representing approximately 45 percent of Puerto Rico’s GDP, it struggles with workforce development training, efficient logistics systems maintenance, and infrastructure (warehouse and cargo) challenges. If provided an implementation grant, the northwestern Puerto Rico bio manufacturing cluster's proposes to address these concerns with seven projects to support the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, including building warehouse facilities, constructing a cargo access road, developing workforce development programs, and creating an industrywide logistics system.

Dec
2022

SPREDD 501(c)(3) Application Submitted

The SPREDD successfully submitted its application for recognition as a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization under federal IRS regulations.

Feb

Organizational Capacity Development Training Courses

Building on the work done in collaboration with Titín Foundation in LABF3S and the EDA University Center at UPRM E-SHIP NETWORK, the Phase 3 Capacity Building Catalyst (P3CBC) focused on developing the core capabilities of a network of mentors with the tools to support the continuous growth of the non-profit sector in PR by offering 3 courses to help develop organizational capacity:
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training
  • Program Management Professional (PgMP) Training
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Training
Mar

B.E.R.I. (Blue Economy Resilience Initiative)

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In early 2022, the ERSF formed B.E.R.I. (Blue Economy Resilience Initiative) to develop and implement a replicable education framework to train Puerto Rican NGOs and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable revenue models to support their efforts. While the program is not devoted to a single sector, the pilot project is focused on local NGOs and entrepreneurs working in Puerto Rico’s blue economy. The pilot will design and test a model of best practices to create sustainable jobs and training opportunities in the blue economy and to better protect the natural and built environment. BERI team members are subject matter experts from the IT and data analytics industry, social impact investors, business incubators and entrepreneurial development, and globally recognized community resilience consultants.

Mar

Bluetide Puerto Rico and Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator BCCP

As a direct result of the MOU signed by Bluetide PR, Inc. (BTPR), and the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator at the Bluetide Caribbean Summit 2021, the Business Continuity and Coastal Planning training program kicked off on March 28th, 2022. Twenty-five professionals representing 24 organizations from the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator’s 27-country network attended the 30-hour training program. Twenty-one participants completed the program and the course examination to earn a certificate of completion from BTPR and the Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator.

Mar

Blue Manta

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Formally christened on April 21st, 2022, the EDA-funded 77′ research vessel Blue Manta is an aluminum catamaran constructed for use in both near coastal and ocean waters. It is Bluetide Puerto Rico’s (BTPR) first vessel and will conduct marine and oceanographic research, education, and conservation activities that promote the blue economy.

Apr

Field Visit from the Assistant Secretary of the EDA

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The ERSF coordinated a field visit for the Assistant Secretary of the Economic Development Administration of the United States Department of Commerce to meet with multiple grantees: The grantees explained how funds are being used and the outcomes that are being achieved. The Assistant Secretary also met with the Board of Directors of the pilot Southern Puerto Rico Economic Development District and learned that 12 of the 15 required action items have already been completed.  width=
Apr

UPR Carolina Grant

This EDA investment supports the establishment of the Caribbean cares hospitality academy project, to assist the school of hotel and restaurant administration of the University of Puerto Rico at Carolina in favorably positioning businesses within the tourism and hospitality sectors of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands to recover from business losses and employee turnover. The project will help recovery in tourism-related industries that have been uneven and slow in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria, and the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, the project will provide opportunities for education, training, and workforce development to further enhance the resiliency of tourism and hospitality industries in the area. Once completed, the project will help build resiliency to withstand future economic disruptions, which will boost and promote economic growth throughout the region.

Apr

Culebra Master Plan

The ERSF conducted research to deliver the report, Supporting Locally Driven Efforts/Integrated Planning Consolidation – Municipality of Culebra in April 2022. This pilot analysis aimed to develop and integrate an economic development master plan for Culebra that will include an impact investment blueprint. The ERSF Senior Economic Development Planner presented a summary of the pilot plan’s findings and the technical notes and research phase remarks related to the Integrated Planning Consolidation – Municipality of Culebra (Master Plan Pilot).

Apr

Puerto Rico Innovation Challenge with Creative Startups

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In collaboration with partners and funders, the Puerto Rico Innovation Challenge was designed to respond to the need to both equip creative entrepreneurs with the mindset and tools essential to business growth and expand capacity among regional economic development organizations seeking to improve educational support programs for the archipelago’s creative entrepreneurs.

Recognizing the emerging opportunity to capitalize on the country’s Blue Economy, the team focused on creative entrepreneurs with linkages to the Blue Economy, including tourism, media, regional cuisine, and environmental waste management.

May

Municipality of Jayuya Asphalt Plant Grant

This EDA investment supports the municipality of Jayuya with constructing a municipal asphalt plant, to be the first municipal plant of its class in Puerto Rico. The new plant will serve the center mountainous region of Puerto Rico by helping to keep the roads in optimal conditions, which is a critical factor for the continuity of business in the region. The covid-19 pandemic has forced the local pharmaceutical industry to increase its normal production and due to its topography and deteriorated roads, the region has struggled to satisfy the demand to continue operations. Once completed, the project will have a long-term economic impact and benefit two companies, which will bolster job creation, spur private investment, and advance economic resiliency throughout the region.

May

Instituto de Formación Democrática (IFD) Grant

This EDA investment supports the Instituto de Formacion Democratica with hiring a recovery coordinator and support staff to develop a working framework as a foundation for the regional center of excellence in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The project will help address the lack of internal capacity among the local non-profits to respond to the island's challenges, opportunities, and future disaster needs. Most of the economic challenges for Puerto Rico’s economic development have been brought about or exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic. Once completed, the project will support economic conditions that will lead to the creation of more higher skill employment opportunities and higher paying jobs, which will advance economic resiliency and strengthen the regional economy.

Jun

Creative Technology leading to Blue Economy Technology

The ERSF commissioned the document Creative Technology leading to Blue Economy Technology as part of ongoing research to understand the full spectrum of paths to economic recovery that the blue economy can open in the Caribbean. Using occupational and sector data collected from Puerto Rico’s creative technology organizations in collaboration with StateBook, International, Inc., the analysis identified many areas of commonality between creative technology industries and the blue economy.
Jun

USC3S Grants Directory

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Searching for grants to apply to can be a time-consuming task. To be successful, grant writers need to be efficient, spending as much time writing and submitting applications and less time sifting through funding announcements that are not relevant to their cause.

The U.S Caribbean 3rd Sector (USC3S) Grants Directory was built by the ERSF team for exactly this purpose. This platform imports details from the U.S. Federal Government grants.gov listing each day and creates a subset of grants prefiltered for the Caribbean region. Nonprofit 501c3 organizations, NGOs, and municipalities throughout Puerto Rico and the Caribbean now have free, easy access to the USC3S Grants Directory to maximize their funding efforts.

Jun

UNIDOSUS Grant

Unidosus (uus), the nation's largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, will bolster the economies of Puerto Rico and Denver, with a focus on training Latino populations in both locations. In Puerto Rico, unidosus will partner with the local one stop career center, to train residents in the growing construction and aerospace industries, with target roles including pipefitters, steamfitters, electricians, and as aircraft mechanics. This investment will support Puerto Rico’s economy as it recovers from multiple natural disasters and the covid-19 pandemic. In Denver, unidosus will partner with mi casa resource center to train residents in the professional services industry with target roles including healthcare administration, human resources, and legal services. This investment in training professional service workers will strengthen several growth industries in Denver, by providing the skilled professional services workers needed for a variety of businesses to expand...

Aug

Bluetide Impact Rate of Return Assessment Tool

During the Bluetide Caribbean Investment Summit on August 17th, 2022, Global Impact LLC, introduced the Blue Economy Impact Rate of Return (iRR) Framework Assessment Tool. Attendees at the Summit were some of the first to get to interact with the iRR tool and learned about the metrics that impact investors use to analyze impact rate of return when they are considering investment opportunities. The output from the iRR workshop will serve to develop a framework to help businesses and non-profits working in the Blue Economy increase their iRR score over time, thus making them a more attractive investment.

Aug

Bluetide Caribbean Investment Summit 2022

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The second annual Bluetide Caribbean Investment Summit (BCIS) was held on Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, with three objectives:
  • to attract impact investments to Puerto Rico,
  • to advance the Blue Economy Strategic Implementation Plan in the U.S. Caribbean, and
  • to introduce investors to the innovative investment opportunities that are emerging in Puerto Rico’s hybrid creative industries-blue economy sector.
Aug

Grantwriter Development Training

On Friday, August 19th, twenty professionals (selected from 220 applications) from Puerto Rico’s 3rd sector attended the inaugural class of the Competitive Proposal Writing Certification course (Certification en Redacción de Propuestas Competitivas). This 32-hour training program offered 5 hours of live, virtual classroom training and 27 hours of guided study coursework. As the final training event under the ERSF’s Phase Three Capacity Building Catalyst (P3CBC) initiative, the Competitive Grant Writing course was delivered in Spanish by the Continuing Education Department of Ana G. Méndez University to maximize the opportunity to build capacity in this field in Puerto Rico. The course prepared a cohort of fundraising professionals to apply for federal and private funding and to serve as coaches and mentors to other grant writers in the future, thus building the capacity of the 3rd sector to build capacity.

Aug

Public Leaders' Learning Lab

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On Tuesday, October 18th, delivered the Public Leaders’ Learning Laboratory, a 1-day event leading key stakeholders and municipalities in the region of the Southern PR Economic Development District (SPREDD) through examples of designated EDDs in States that have successfully implemented community recovery plans while still recovering from a previous disaster. The program provided community recovery leaders the opportunity to explore and discuss innovative approaches to building resilient communities and to review how local initiatives can be aligned to create opportunities for regional collaboration. The Public Leaders’ Learning Laboratory was organized and hosted by the SPREDD with the support of the ERSF team.

 

Oct

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