EARI is focused on issues and challenges related to economic mobility, sustainability and vitality—all critical to restoring America’s competitiveness. Addressing these challenges requires the ability of regional economies to thrive. Connecting regional assets to create a competitive economic environment has to be driven by empirical research and data that informs and transforms systemic policies that are too focused on short-term political ideology. EARI’s approach to nuanced research and policy provides actionable recommendations to overcome short-term political ideology and support a successful regional framework.