Potential $100M hit to Greater Winston-Salem local economy

The ongoing tariff policies stemming from the Trump administration’s trade war could have significant financial implications for individuals and families across the United States. According to the Tax Foundation, tariffs could result in an average tax increase of $830 per U.S. household in 2025. While this figure may seem like an abstract national statistic, its real impact on communities like Winston-Salem is tangible and could be substantial. A $100 million economic hit for Winston-Salem Winston-Salem, with a population of approximately 250,000 residents, has around 120,000 tax-paying households. If each household is paying an additional $830 in tariffs, that equates to a collective economic shift of nearly $100 million ($99.6 million) that would no longer circulate within the local economy. This loss in consumer spending could have serious implications: *Small business struggles: With nearly $100 million less being spent locally, small businesses—especially restaurants, boutiques and service providers—could face slower sales and potential closures. *Job market concerns: As businesses experience declines in revenue, layoffs could follow, reducing disposable income even further and creating a negative economic cycle. *Real estate market impact: Less disposable income means fewer home improvements, lower retail spending on home goods and potentially a slower housing market as fewer...