Public economic data systems are being stretched thinner at the same time local decision-making depends on them more than ever. In this episode of The Ribbon Cut, Susan and Charles are joined by Ken Poole to explain what’s happening behind the scenes at federal data agencies, and why staffing cuts, privacy constraints, and rising demand for localized detail are changing how workforce and economic data should be interpreted.

In this episode:

• Why public data systems are struggling to keep up with local demand.

• How staffing losses at agencies like BLS impact continuity and reliability.

• Where privacy constraints limit the granularity communities need.

• Why private data sources are filling gaps—and where caution is required.

• What this shift means for defensible, data-backed decision-making.

For economic developers, analysts, and consultants who rely on workforce and employment data, this episode provides essential context for navigating today’s increasingly fragile data environment.

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