How to Re-Open

Reopening the economy safely is at the top of mind for all economic developers. Resources on this page include IEDC research, insight into industries reopening, and resources from state and municipal government, public institutions, and private firms.

IEDC Research and Resources

Looking Across our Borders: How Other Countries are Opening for Business

Essential Businesses and Returning to Work

COVID-19 Reopening Resources

IEDC WEBINARS

IEDC has been hosting COVID-19 Webinars since late March, some of which have focused particularly on reopening.

Webinar Recap: Future Scenarios, Near-Term and Far- Three nationally recognized economists, Chris Chmura, Betsey Stevenson, and Susan Helper share their predictions for the future.
A Ten-Point Action Plan for Economic Developers - Richard Florida and Steven Pedigo outlay their plan for bringing communities back.

Peer Research and Resources

Implementing a National Return-to-Work-Plan - A letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to their members with thoughts across three sectors.
States' Phased Reopening Plans by Start Date - Governing Magazine's up to date state map charting reopening.
From Products to Places - In "The New Localism" Bruce Katz and colleagues outline the geographic component of business recover.
COVID-19 National Business Resources - Golden Shovel Agency

Peer Webinars

Path Forward - Navigating the Return to Work - A weekly series from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Brookings: COVID-19 and the economy
The Economic Implications of COVID-19: A webinar series from the Princeton Bendheim Center for Finance
Main Street America: Recorded webinars
SEDC: Impacts of Coronavirus on Economic Development
ITIF: Building E-Government Services to Perform in the Next National Emergency
ITIF: Will Telehealth Still Be Available After the Pandemic Is Over
MIT: COVID-19, Climate, and the Clean Economy: Gigatrends Changing the World
Western Governors Association: COVID-19 Economic Impacts and Mitigation in Rural Communities

Reopening by Industry

IEDC Article: Different Tactics for Reopening Different Industries

Airlines and tourism

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Airlines

Travel in the New Normal- The U.S. Travel Association publication describes the vigorous measures the travel industry will need to take to keep customers safe.
Relief Measures to Ensure the Survival of the Airport Industry - Airports Council International policy brief outlines a road map for the airport industry’s recovery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Hotel and Lodging Association Reopening Resources -a collection of resources to assist hotels and lodging businesses with particular guidance on employees, operations, and risk management.
The American Alliance for Museums offers sample reopening plans and guidance to museums.

Construction And Real Estate

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Construction

COVID-19 Standards for U.S. Construction Sites - The Center for Construction Research and Training and North American Trades Union guidelines
Madrona Venture Group along with partners with the Seattle community has developed a Back to Work Toolkit and webpage for reopening offices.
The Institute for Real Estate Management has published a guide for real estate managers on reopening various types of properties.
Cushman Wakefield has published “Recovery Readiness: A How-to-Guide for Reopening Your Workplace."

Sports and Entertainment

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Sports and Entertainment

American Gaming Industry Reopening Resources with links specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries.
For Fitness businesses, the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) offers 18 considerations in containment, cleaning & sanitation, staffing and operations.

Manufacturing

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Manufacturing

Association for Manufacturing Excellence on restarting a business
The Manufacturers Alliance/ MAPI report that is member protected

Restaurant and Hospitality

Coronavirus Resource Center for Brewers - The Brewers' Association has a wealth of information for brewers and their operations
Guidance on Retail Food, Beverage, and Other Related Service Venues- Provided by the California Department of Health
National Restaurant Industry published a 10 page guidebook for reopening restaurants.
Their Restaurant Law Center developed a chart with guidelines for restaurants in each state.
Private Clubs can find guidance by the Club Management Association of America in their Club Considerations for Reopening Post COVID-19 guide and fact sheet.
Street Sense Pandemic Relaunch Toolkit: Resources for Restaurants and Bars

Retail

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Retail

National Retail Federation: State Resources for Retailers on COVID-19- A breakdown by state of updates on coronavirus resources for retailers.
ICSC U.S. Retailer Updates - Major retailer updates and announcements.
Operation Open Doors is a program of the National Retail Federation to provide resources to retailers in the process of reopening including a checklist of considerations.
Target’s Safe Retail Toolkit
Sharing What We’ve Learned: Kroger’s Blueprint for Businesses

Automotive

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Automotive Sector

Lear Corp: Safe Work Playbook Files - Lear Corp, a Fortune 500 automotive parts supplier, has created an 80+ page manual to share with their detailed protocols
Magna Start Smart Playbook - Automotive manufacturer's manual for returning to work.

Financial services

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Banking Sector

American Bankers Association/South Dakota Bankers Association Reopening Matrix

Personal Services

IEDC Article: Industry Reopening: Services

International Spa Association released a Spa Reopening Toolkit, which includes a checklist, sanitation and hygiene guidelines and downloadable templates.
The American Association of Orthodontists has developed a webpage of resources for reopening practices with advice on determining when to reopen, how to rehire staff, communicating new schedules and policies and additional concerns.
For physicians deciding when and how to reopen their practices, the American Medical Association has developed the Physician Practice Reopening Guide.
Similarly, the American Dental Association developed a “Return to Work Toolkit” for dental practices reopening.
The American Library Association offers a checklist, a webinar recording and state and international resources for reopening libraries.

State and Municipal Reopening

IEDC Article: Cautious Progress: Reopening State Economies

Federal Resources

In addition the the resources listed below, Restore Your Economy updates the Federal Resources section of this website regularly.

OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 - Advice for protecting workers at all levels of exposure classification.

Economic Development Led Efforts

Oklahoma

Open for Business: A Guide for Safe Operations During the COVID-19 Crisis - Tulsa Regional Chamber's publication includes general and industry-specific guides
Open Up & Recover Safely - Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce provides general and specific guidelines on opening for businesses across the spectrum.

Michigan

Guiding Principles for Re-Energizing Michigan’s Economy in 2020 - Framework designed by Mackinac Institute and Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
West Michigan COVID-19 Business Coalition - a collaborative effort by several West Michigan organizations working to provide resources, guidance, and businesses services.

Iowa/Illinois

Quad Cities Chamber “Reopening Your Business in the Age of COVID-19 Toolkit”

North Carolina

North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center Tips for Reopening Infographic.

Ohio

Restart Ohio: Sector-Specific Operating Requirements

Washington

Washington State has issued a guide for a phased re-opening approach.

Colorado

An alliance of Northern Colorado Economic Development Organizations have come together to create NoCoRecovers

Restore Your Economy