Lombardy: The Economic Thermometer No. 39
The Lombardy region shows a weak economic growth, with moderate projections for the future driven by the Winter Olympics. The global economy has shown resilience despite geopolitical tensions and trade barriers. A 0.5% growth in Lombardy’s GDP is forecast for 2025, with a slight improvement in 2026. The prospects for the industrial sector are uncertain, with weak growth expected in the services sector.
Brazil: X-Ray of Organized Crime
In Brazil, the Comando Vermelho generates chaos in Rio de Janeiro with a recent confrontation of 121 dead. It controls slums and companies, recruiting young people for crimes and expanding throughout Brazil and neighboring countries. The PCC in São Paulo is its rival. The right wants violent repression, the left social solutions. Violence persists and the population seeks a middle solution.
Promoting Local Economic Development
This report highlights the need to improve and combine land use tools for inclusive and effective economic development, considering the implications for equity, and addresses the urgency of viable solutions in a context of housing affordability crisis and changes in federal policies.
Racial Equity Reports Impact on Land Use Changes in New York City
The New York City racial equity reports, resulting from Local Law 78, have generated changes in land use. Three case studies in Queens, Bronx and Brooklyn were analyzed, focused on rezonings, developer projects and historic district designations respectively. Although direct influence is not demonstrated, the reports provide valuable information on racial equity in land use decisions.
The Different Faces of Chinese Investment in Italy
In the last four years, China’s foreign direct investment flows to Italy have shifted from an expansive to a more selective phase, focusing on solid and fiscally coherent family structures. Although there was a decline in 2023, the trend reversed in 2024 with an increase in investment in the EU and the UK, keeping Italy as an attractive market, especially in technological and sustainable sectors.