Timeline of the Economy
2000-2002:
This period marks the end of the Dot-com bubble, leading to a mild recession. Internet companies’ stocks, which were grossly overvalued, fell dramatically, leading to a downturn in the U.S. and impacting economies worldwide. The effects were, however, mitigated to an extent by the rise of the so-called “Metahuman Economy”. This refers to economic activity driven by superhumans, who started to form the core of an emerging industry around the services they provided, from superhuman security firms to construction companies utilizing super strength.
2003-2006:
The U.S. economy recovered somewhat during this period, driven by aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The housing market grew at a considerable pace. Meanwhile, the Metahuman Economy continued to expand. Following the 2004 earthquake in Japan, superhumans played a significant role in disaster relief, causing a surge in international demand for superhuman services and leading to the creation of the first multinational superhuman corporations.
2007-2008:
The U.S. housing bubble burst, triggering the Subprime Mortgage Crisis. The economy took a hard hit, and the country fell into the Great Recession. The crisis rippled globally, causing recessions in several other economies. However, the impact on the Metahuman Economy was mixed. While superhuman corporations suffered from the economic downturn, the demand for individual superhuman services increased, particularly in sectors such as construction and security. Superhuman Registration Act was enacted in 2008, causing a temporary disruption in the superhuman sector as well as multiple small but otherwise notable strikes from an industry very reliant on individual talent.
2009-2011:
With the revocation of the Superhuman Registration Act and the election of President James Grant, a moderate recovery begins. The Metahuman Economy begins to stabilize as licensed services start to operate within legal frameworks. On the global stage, Japan’s economy, aided by massive economic stimulus and superhuman rebuilding efforts after the 2004 earthquake, has a ripple effect on other Asian economies, especially South Korea, that are able to ride on the Japanese recovery wave.
2012-2013:
The election of Laura Stewart as president leads to stricter regulations and oversight on superhumans, causing some initial disruption in the Metahuman Economy as workers rebel against the License to Utilize Metahuman Abilities. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea, buoyed by strong technological advancements and a booming superhuman sector, become major players in the world economy, leading to a shift in economic power towards East Asia. The growth of decentralized social media and the shift towards “promise-based” e-currencies also stimulate the tech sector during this period. Eventually, towards the tail end of 2013, resistance towards LUMA falters due to strike weariness and a mix of both negative and positive incentives from the federal government, and it becomes accepted as the “price of doing business”.
2014-2015:
The global economy sees a mixed bag of outcomes. The Eurozone begins showing signs of recovery from the 2008 recession, and the US economy gradually strengthens. However, emerging economies struggle due to falling commodity prices. The Metahuman Economy enters a period of consolidation, with superhuman corporations gaining more market share. The Japanese and South Korean economies continue to thrive, leading to an “East Asian Miracle 2.0”, which becomes a major topic of discussion among economists. This prosperity in East Asia stimulates the global economy and aids in pulling it out of the lingering effects of the 2008 recession.
2016-2017:
President Stewart is re-elected and continues her policy of strict oversight and regulation of the Metahuman Economy, to growing consternation and chafing. Despite some criticism from civil rights groups, the overall effect stabilizes the sector. The narrow avoidance of Brexit in the United Kingdom restores confidence in the European Union, driving an economic upswing in Europe. Globally, China’s “Belt and Road” initiative reshapes trade routes and enhances its influence, contributing to a slight shift in the global economic balance towards Asia. Meanwhile, the United States sees modest GDP growth, with technology and superhuman sectors leading the way.
2018-2019:
Steady growth in the United States continues, spurred by the rise of technology, promise-based e-currencies, and an increasingly integrated Metahuman Economy, with civilian superhumans becoming a well-known standard that the actuaries and statisticians can begin to factor into long-term plans. The emerging markets, particularly India and Southeast Asia, see a robust growth phase, driven by technological advancements, superhuman contributions, and increasing foreign investment.
At this point, it is a well-known and controversial “open secret” that the IRS and other federal agencies begrudgingly accept the existence of “supervillain groups” so long as they pay their taxes, but growing political pressure begins to force their hand. This results in enforcement actions and raids against several organized crime groups from federally registered superhumans, resulting in a four month period known as “The Big Raid”, where cooperation across numerous law agencies, national governments, and superhero groups results in the taking down of hundreds of criminal rings and supervillains. This has ripple effects across numerous urban economies as the price of illicit drugs and other black market services throughout Western society suddenly skyrockets.
2020-2021:
The global Covid-19 pandemic initially shocks the world economy, with many countries going into recession due to lockdowns. However, the Metahuman Economy proves resilient, with superhuman logistics and healthcare professionals playing crucial roles in the crisis response. The election of Samuel Rodriguez in the United States and his balanced approach to superhuman regulations result in economic recovery towards the end of 2021. The trust-busting of NetSphere results in a diversification of the online marketplace and boosts competition, leading to a healthier tech sector. Pressure from urban economic sectors in the aftershocks of the Big Raid lead to Samuel Rodriguez promising to federally legalize and de-schedule marijuana, a promise which has yet to materialize.
2022-2023:
The economy sees a steady recovery from the impacts of Covid-19. With the Superhuman Healthcare Act in place, superhumans become more integrated into society and the economy, although critics see it as a waste of taxpayer money. As the world adapts to the post-pandemic normal, technology, the Metahuman Economy, and the economic vacuum left by the Big Raid continue to be the main drivers of global economic growth. New trade policies and partnerships, and continued advances in technology (particularly in space tourism) spur the U.S. economy onwards. Meanwhile, the Eastern economic blocs, driven by a spate of minor natural disasters and soaring summer temperatures, and encouraged by the renowned “Mr. Genesis”, the first known superhero, engage in large-scale geoengineering projects along their respective coastlines. As the economic recovery continues, people once again begin investing in consumer goods, although growing discontent from the working class and fears of another recession moderate economic activity from the bottom.
General Status Quo as of 2023
A: United States in 2023
Under President Samuel Rodriguez, the U.S. continues to be a dominant global economic force. The integration of superhumans into society and their contributions to the Metahuman Economy have stimulated growth. The space tourism industry is thriving, and the diversification of the online marketplace post-NetSphere has created a healthier tech sector. The country continues to face issues such as inequality, infrastructure, and climate change, but shows steady signs of economic growth.
B: Delaware Valley Area in 2023
The Delaware Valley region has seen significant economic development, driven by increased investment in superhuman-related sectors. Its location near major East Coast cities and enhanced infrastructure make it a strategic hub for businesses and superhuman services. The area’s economy is diverse, with sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, tech, and tourism showing positive growth. Climate change remains a concern, and there’s a push for greater environmental initiatives.
C: Philadelphia/Camden in 2023
Philadelphia’s economy is robust, buoyed by the city’s efforts to integrate superhumans into the workforce. Mayor Lena Watkins’ policies incorporating superhumans into the city’s emergency services have proved beneficial, particularly during crises. The superhuman healthcare initiative in partnership with Penn Medicine is thriving, attracting talent and investment in the city.
The city’s cultural scene is vibrant, with events like the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Restaurant Week, and the world’s largest outdoor, free jazz festival contributing to tourism and local commerce. The expanded Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Philadelphia Zoo’s new section have brought in additional tourist revenue.
Superhuman activities have had an impact on the city’s infrastructure. The “Hero Riots” and other incidents have necessitated infrastructure upgrades, and efforts have been made to improve the city’s resilience against superhuman-related damage. The 2019 power outage spurred discussions about infrastructure improvements, and steps are being taken to modernize the city’s power grid.
Philadelphia’s commitment to environmental sustainability is notable, with new city-wide measures, including increased green spaces and expanded public transportation options, in place. The comprehensive recycling program is widely adopted, and the groundbreaking ceremony for a new affordable housing project in West Philadelphia is a step towards addressing housing issues.
The election of the first superhuman to City Council signifies a shift in public sentiment towards a more inclusive approach to superhuman rights and their integration into society.
Across the river, Camden, NJ is also reaping the benefits of these developments. Once known for high crime rates, the city is becoming an emerging hub for economic activity. Aided by Philadelphia’s superhuman integration policies and the economic ripple effects, Camden is on a path of steady recovery and revitalization.
Chum 