No surprise here. COVID-19 led this year’s list of the top five articles on the Smart Incentives blog. Readers also remained interested in learning about ways to make their incentive programs work better. Click on the titles below to read our most popular articles in 2020.

Economic developers are helping businesses affected by COVID-19

State and local economic development organizations (EDOs) are stepping up to help businesses looking for direction and assistance in the face of COVID-19’s spread.

Making sure COVID-19 small business loan programs work

State and local governments are rolling out new loan programs to help small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. What features make them effective? 

New data on business tax incentive use and results

Study finds evidence of direct employment gains from firm-specific incentives but weak evidence that they increase broader economic growth.

PPE and COVID-era economic development

States are continuing their efforts to address the PPE bottleneck and help their local manufacturers. 

Changes recommended for Keystone Innovation Zone Tax Credit

Suggested changes to the Keystone Innovation Zone program are designed to reduce the role of tax credit brokers and increase insight into economic outcomes.

Thank you for reading the Smart Incentives blog!