Economic Impact

Diverse Erie

Established in 2021 by Erie County Council, Diverse Erie funds projects and strategies designed to foster generational change, strengthen equity, and build a more inclusive future for all residents of Erie County. Diverse Erie is working to create long-term, sustainable impact that addresses the challenges facing Erie’s BIPOC communities through strategic investments and community-centered resource initiatives such as the Generational Impact Investments, Small Business Investments, and the Small Business Fund.

Case Study:

Diverse Erie

The Puzzle

In 2025, Diverse Erie engaged Parker Strategy Group to quantify the economic impact of the Diverse Erie’s targeted initiatives that empower Erie County’s BIPOC business community. In response to a 2017 report ranking Erie as the worst place to live in the U.S. for Black Americans (based on income, health, and other socioeconomic indicators), Erie County Council established Diverse Erie in 2021 to mobilize public resources and attract private investment to improve outcomes for the BIPOC community in Erie County. Since its inception, Diverse Erie has leveraged multiple initiatives to provide resources to BIPOC businesses and nonprofits.

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How we helped

Parker Strategy Group delivered an economic contribution study that showed the impact generated by Diverse Erie’s $3.5 million dollars’ worth of investments in 54 BIPOC businesses and nonprofits in Erie County. These investments drove $5.7 million in total economic impact. This impact supports 32 jobs and contributes $193,380 in state and local tax impacts. We highlighted how these investments are reverberating throughout the county and statewide economy, underscoring the importance and effectiveness of these investment programs.

How It Helped The Client

As Diverse Erie moves into their second phase of targeted investments, the Parker Strategy Group report serves as an important tool to advocate for additional funding and serve as a community investment exemplar as the organization continues to evolve. This report’s release coincided with the announcement of an additional $1.5 million being allocated to Diverse Erie for further community investments.

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