Episodios
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In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with Arthur Jackson, Chief Economic Development Officer for Cedar Park, Texas. Arthur shares his unexpected path into economic development following a layoff from a sales director position, leading to his role with the Austin Chamber and eventual leadership in Cedar Park. Through their conversation, Arthur reveals how his sales background enhances his economic development approach, emphasizing the importance of listening and resilience. He also showcases Cedar Park's impressive achievements as the safest and most affluent city in the Austin area, while discussing the delicate balance of regional cooperation and local development in the greater Austin metroplex.
Cedar Park is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Under Arthur’s leadership, this rapidly growing suburb of Austin is attracting innovative businesses that are transforming the tech, aerospace and clean energy industries including rocket tester Firefly, Hyliion, which provides clean, flexible and affordable electricity production., and Hanyang. Cedar Park offers space, affordability and access to talent while capitalizing on its proximity to Austin.
The City is also attracting talent and providing enhanced livability to its residents by investing in itself. Cedar Park, which was incorporated about 50 years ago, has 80,000 residents and experienced 44.2% growth in the last population Census, but it never had a downtown or gathering place. The City’s approach to community development was to bet on big-box retail, a minor league sports and event arena (HEB Center), hotels, and 31 miles of trails and parks, along with housing. This presented an opportunity to build a modern-day downtown with resident buy-in. Cedar Park is currently building its first downtown with the Bell District—a $750 million development anchored by a $31 million state-of-the-art public library that opened this November.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Arthur Jackson. -
In this episode, Alan Tio shares his journey from earning his Master's in Public Administration to his current role as VP of Business Development at South Bend International Airport. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities of airport-based economic development, including managing hundreds of acres of developable land and creating partnerships to maximize the airport's potential as a community asset. Tio emphasizes the importance of long-term planning and viewing the airport as the "front door" to the community for business development.
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Actionable Takeaways
View airports as strategic community assets beyond just transportation hubs
Focus on creating long-term partnerships rather than short-term wins
Look for opportunities that others might not see in your community
Use winter months for planning and preparation of development-ready sites
Understand the importance of first impressions - your community's "front door"
Develop comprehensive land use studies before marketing properties
Build relationships with local and regional partners for aligned development
Consider utilities and infrastructure needs early in the planning process
Take time to understand regional priorities when planning development
Focus on creating value for both companies and communities in partnerships Special Guest: Alan Tio. -
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In this episode of the Sandy Dubay opens up about her unexpected path from traditional economic development to entrepreneurship, sparked by a life-changing moment when she was pregnant with her first child and a friend's suggestion led her to establish her own consulting practice, which has now grown to a team of eight people over 22 years, while also discussing her passion for educating new economic developers through her her EDO Breakthrough Podcast.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Sandy Dubay. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson talks with Juan Pablo Alcantar, the CEO of Economic Development for Tuxpan in Mexico. Juan shares his journey from being US-trained to making significant changes in economic development practices in his hometown. Faced with challenges like data accessibility and cash-based economies, he emphasizes the importance of implementing best practices and establishing rapport with stakeholders. Juan also recounts his interactions with significant institutions like the North American Development Bank and moments of insight during meetings at the White House Business Council.
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Actionable Takeaways:
Building relationships with stakeholders is crucial for gaining support.
Ensure continuous training to incorporate international best practices.
Transitioning from a cash-based to a digital economy can improve data accessibility.
Tailor economic development strategies to local contexts despite international insights.
An effective investment attraction requires a dedicated website distinct from government portals.
Use data analytics to support entrepreneurship and economic risk management.
Present clear and current data to stakeholders to foster informed decision-making.
Engage with global economic bodies and networks to gain valuable perspectives.
Adapt international concepts to fit local economic and cultural environments.
Encourage innovation even in the face of local opposition to new practices. Special Guest: Juan Pablo Alcantar. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Kathleen Rose, drawing from her 30-year experience and family background in development, discusses the evolution of economic development planning from lengthy reports to actionable scorecards. She emphasizes the importance of practical implementation over extensive planning, sharing how her firm helps communities move from aspirational ideas to concrete actions through data-driven approaches and efficient resource allocation.
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10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers:
Replace lengthy reports with concise, data-driven scorecards to track progress
Focus on implementation strategies rather than just creating plans
Build stronger partnerships with the private sector for effective execution
Use scorecards with 90 data points to guide decision-making
Consider cost-effective snapshot assessments before investing in expensive plans
Create practical "recipe books" for implementing strategic plans
Align economic development goals with existing comprehensive land use plans
Prioritize action-oriented documents over aspirational planning
Update and track progress regularly using measurable data points
Focus resources on specific annual priorities rather than trying to do everything at once Special Guest: Kathleen Rose. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Dan Eernissee, Economic Development Director for the City of Everett, Washington. Leading economic development efforts in this dynamic city of 115,000 residents north of Seattle, Dan reveals how his unique blend of private sector experience and public service shapes his approach to community development. From attracting cutting-edge technology companies to reimagining traditional retail spaces, Dan shares practical insights on how economic developers can transform their communities while maintaining their distinct character and creating new opportunities for residents.
Dan also talks about reimagining highway corridors as valuable community assets rather than eyesores. Through his unique perspective, Dan explains how these often-overlooked areas can become dynamic mixed-use spaces that provide essential services, housing opportunities, and quality jobs while maintaining their crucial role in transportation infrastructure.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!
Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers:
Consider highway corridors as opportunities for mixed-use development rather than just retail spaces
Utilize planned actions to streamline development processes and attract investors
Look for opportunities to convert underperforming retail spaces into multifamily housing
Focus on creating higher-paying jobs through industrial and manufacturing development along corridors
Embrace the existing infrastructure and traffic capacity of highway corridors for development
Balance the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces with the practical reality of highway commerce
Consider how online shopping trends affect corridor development opportunities
Look for ways to integrate housing solutions into existing commercial corridors
Leverage existing utility infrastructure along corridors for new development
Focus on creating true mixed-use environments that serve multiple community needs Special Guest: Dan Eernissee. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, tourism expert Lynn Fuhler, former tourism director of Clearwater and Clearwater Beach area and author of two books on festival management, discusses the intricacies of organizing successful events and festivals. She shares her experience as the former chairman of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, insights on community revitalization through arts and tourism, and emphasizes the importance of proper event planning, including post-event evaluation and the four key elements necessary for tourism development.
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Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers
Focus on sustainable tourism initiatives rather than just chasing big industrial projects
Ensure four key elements are in place: government support, infrastructure, community support, and proper planning
Use events and festivals as consistent economic drivers rather than relying solely on large, unstable employers
Implement thorough post-event evaluation processes to continuously improve
Build strong volunteer networks and management systems for community events
Create infrastructure that serves multiple purposes (like transportation routes that benefit both tourism and industry)
Recognize the role of arts communities in revitalizing declining areas
Document processes and maintain organized records for event planning continuity
Consider tourism as a reliable employer for entry-level and service industry workers
Foster collaboration between government, business, and community stakeholders for successful tourism initiatives Special Guest: Lynn Fuhler. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Brock Herr, Senior Vice President for Business Development at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. They discuss the evolution of economic development beyond simple land sales.
He details Indiana's comprehensive approach to business development, including sales enablement, lead generation, site selection, and ongoing business support. Herr emphasizes the importance of high-touch engagement and walking businesses through each step of their journey, highlighting how modern economic development requires a full-experience approach to ensure long-term success.
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Ten Actionable Insights for Economic Developers
Develop a high-touch, full-experience model for business engagement
Focus beyond just selling land - create comprehensive support systems
Build strong introduction networks for new businesses
Maintain detailed knowledge of available sites and inventory
Create strategic approaches for modern site selection needs
Implement business retention and expansion programs
Develop clear online resources while maintaining personal connections
Focus on long-term business success rather than just initial attraction
Create systems to support projects of all sizes, not just large ones
Establish clear communication channels for business support needs
Five Notable Quotes
"Economic development is not an easy game and glad that somebody like you's bringing a little bit of insight to folks that may not have a peek into what we do on a day to day."
"There's more to it than just selling them a piece of land."
"You bring a business into your community, and you want them to succeed."
"Like you'd rather not just be looked at as a sale or a metric."
"Walking them through step by step, introducing them to who they need to be introduced to, opening doors that are closed to them, all those kinds of things." -
This episode of the Econ Dev Show podcast features an insightful conversation with Kristen Fish-Peterson, the Principal and CEO at Redevelopment Resources. Kristen shares her vast expertise in economic and community development, detailing the work her firm does in housing studies, market analysis, and downtown redevelopment planning. Throughout the episode, Kristen emphasizes her team's unique ability to work with both private developers and public sector entities, helping them navigate the complexities of municipal processes and strategic planning.
As the discussion unfolds, Dane and Kristen explore how economic development and redevelopment projects can rejuvenate communities, particularly downtown areas. Kristen delves into how her team assists municipalities in implementing redevelopment plans and helping developers secure the necessary municipal support. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of redevelopment, offering valuable insights for economic developers and community planners alike.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson interviews Josh Wright about Lightcast's new report "The Rising Storm: Building a Future-Ready Workforce to Withstand the Looming Labor Shortage." The report explores the impending demographic drought due to retiring baby boomers, declining birth rates, and other factors such as incarceration and addiction. Wright explains how these converging trends are creating an unprecedented challenge for the U.S. economy, with certain industries like healthcare, construction, and food service already feeling the impact. He discusses the potential long-term consequences of this labor shortage on economic growth, productivity, and community sustainability.
The conversation then shifts to strategies for economic developers and communities to prepare for this challenge. Wright emphasizes the importance of skills-based hiring and training, talent attraction and retention, and partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. He advocates for a data-driven approach, urging communities to analyze their local labor markets and adapt their workforce development strategies accordingly. The episode provides valuable insights for economic development professionals, policymakers, and business leaders on how to build a future-ready workforce in the face of these demographic shifts. Wright also highlights the resources available in the report and accompanying materials to help communities navigate this looming crisis.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Josh Wright. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson interviews Marta Tarantsey, Regional Development Officer for Business Oregon, about her work fostering economic growth in Southern Oregon. Since 2017, Marta has supported businesses and communities in the region, navigating the challenges and opportunities of a state rich in natural resources and talent but with a smaller population compared to national competitors.
Marta highlights key topics such as Oregon’s urban growth boundary and its influence on development. She shares the success story of Dutch Bros Coffee—an Oregon startup that scaled into a national brand and went public—as a prime example of the region’s potential. The conversation also explores pressing workforce issues, including childcare shortages, drawing on insights from a recent panel hosted by the Grants Pass and Josephine Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout the episode, Marta’s passion for community engagement is evident as she reflects on her involvement with local organizations. Her journey from Russia to Oregon over two decades ago adds a unique perspective to her approach to economic development. This conversation offers valuable insights into navigating regional growth challenges and strategies for building resilient communities in a competitive national landscape.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Marta Tarantsey. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane talks with Darrell Scott and Jason Archer from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. Scott, the Vice President of Business Finance, and Archer, the Vice President of Business Development, share insights into their organization's unique role in promoting economic growth across both St. Louis City and County. They discuss their career paths, the challenges of attracting talent to the region, and highlight some of their successful projects and initiatives.
A key focus of the conversation is the Partnership's innovative Business Retention and Expansion program, which has won awards for its collaborative approach involving multiple economic development entities. The guests also touch on how COVID-19 has impacted their work, leading to more efficient virtual meetings and expanded outreach. Throughout the interview, Scott and Archer emphasize their commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes and fostering economic development in the St. Louis area.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guests: Darrell Scott and Jason Archer. -
About a month ago, I had the opportunity to appear on my friend Adam Stoker's Destination Marketing Podcast (https://destinationmarketingpodcast.com). Then, just a couple of weeks ago, Adam joined me right here on the Econ Dev Show (https://podcast.econdevshow.com/139). We thought it would be fun to switch things up and share our respective podcast episodes on each other's feeds. So, today’s episode is a bonus feature—you're about to hear my appearance on the Destination Marketing Podcast!
If you're interested in destination marketing, or want to know more about the work I did in Mariposa County, California, sit back, relax, and enjoy this special episode of the Destination Marketing Podcast."
In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!
https://econdevshow.com/content/images/2024/10/2-Escape-Room.jpg Special Guest: Adam Stoker. -
In this engaging episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane is joined by Anne Krieg, the Director of Community and Economic Development for Bangor, Maine. Anne provides an insightful overview of Bangor's economic landscape, emphasizing that while tourism is a major economic driver in Maine, Bangor relies more heavily on its medical centers and educational institutions, such as the Northern Light Medical Center and the University of Maine. She discusses the effective use of federal funds to revitalize underserved neighborhoods and the significant challenges that rural communities face due to limited staffing. Through her experience and perspective, Anne highlights the importance of community-focused planning and the need for systemic changes in regional development strategies to foster lasting economic growth.
10 Actionable Insights
Livability: Focus on making your community a desirable place to live with walkable neighborhoods, good parks, and quality education. This attracts both residents and businesses who want a high quality of life.
Community Engagement: Adopt a conversational, bottom-up approach to development. Involve the community in discussions to ensure that plans meet local needs and gain their support.
Long-term Planning: Develop and think in terms of 5, 10, 15, and 20-year plans. Strategic foresight ensures sustainable development and adaptability to future needs.
Promote Your City: Actively market your city to the outside world. Attend trade shows and tell your city's story to attract new investments and visitors.
Utilize Unique Assets: Leverage unique local assets like municipal airports and foreign trade zones. Highlight and make full use of distinctive infrastructure to drive economic opportunities.
Collaborate Regionally: Foster informal regional collaborations. Work with neighboring communities to address broader economic challenges and opportunities.
Support Rural Areas: Provide assistance to smaller rural communities that lack staff and resources. Offer guidance and resources to help them navigate development challenges.
Implementing Strategies: Focus on executing developed economic strategies. Turn plans into action by ensuring your team is dedicated to following through on strategies.
Holistic Approach: Employ planners who can see the bigger picture and integrate various aspects of city planning into economic development. A holistic view can create more cohesive and well-rounded development initiatives.
Sustainable Partnerships: Establish ongoing partnerships with local institutions and organizations. Collaboration with local entities ensures continuous support and resources for development projects.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Anne Krieg. -
In this episode Dane Carlson and Beka Shiver (Economic Development and Transportation Planner for the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission) delve into the grant application process for federal programs like the Economic Development Administration. They explore a range of projects, from critical infrastructure improvements to innovative business incubators. Shiver highlights the importance of patience and effective communication throughout the grant process. She notes that while federal funding may not be ideal for urgent needs, it plays a crucial role in supporting long-term community development, particularly in historically underserved rural areas.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!
Actionable Economic Development Insights
Capitalize on every opportunity: Be proactive in networking by answering all phone calls, attending relevant meetings, and consistently distributing business cards. This approach can lead to unexpected partnerships and opportunities.
Seek out multiple funding partners: Don't rely on a single source of funding. Combine resources from various entities such as county, city, and economic development commissions to create stronger, more competitive grant applications.
Aim for higher matching contributions: While federal EDA grants typically require a 20% match, providing a higher match (e.g., 35%) can make your application stand out and increase chances of approval.
Focus on regionalism and partnerships: Collaborate with multiple partners on singular projects. This approach not only strengthens applications but also fosters a spirit of regional cooperation.
Be patient with the grant process: Understand that federal funding is designed for long-term community development, not immediate needs. Plan accordingly and manage expectations.
Maintain consistent communication: Keep regular contact with funding agencies throughout the grant application and review process. This helps build relationships and keeps your project on their radar.
Look for innovative solutions: Draw inspiration from historical necessity-driven innovations to solve current challenges in rural communities. Think creatively about how to address modern problems.
Leverage STEM education initiatives: Use these programs as a foundation to build an ecosystem of innovators in the region. This can help create a skilled workforce and attract high-tech industries.
Be a good steward of resources: Continuously look for ways to maximize the impact of available funds and talents. This includes finding creative ways to stretch budgets and leverage existing assets.
Create an ecosystem for innovation: Focus on developing an environment that encourages people to try new ideas and approaches, even if they might fail. This can foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Diversify economic base: Work towards having a variety of industries in the region, from agricultural to manufacturing. This creates a more resilient local economy that can weather sector-specific downturns.
Leverage local strengths: Identify and utilize existing resources and industries (like major corporations or military bases) as anchors for further economic development. These can serve as the foundation for supply chains or complementary businesses.
Plan for sustainability: Think beyond the initial grant cycle. Develop strategies to maintain momentum and progress after the initial funding ends, ensuring long-term impact.
Focus on infrastructure improvements: Prioritize essential upgrades like wastewater systems, transportation networks, and broadband internet. These are often critical for attracting and retaining businesses.
Be aware of funding limitations: Understand the competitive nature of grant funding and plan accordingly. Have backup plans and alternative funding sources in case primary grant applications are unsuccessful.
Build long-term relationships: Instead of applying for grants year after year, focus on developing ongoing partnerships with funding agencies. This can lead to more consistent support and better alignment with agency goals.
Consider industrial park development: Where appropriate, explore opportunities to create or expand industrial parks. These can serve as hubs for business attraction and expansion efforts.
Embrace a long-term perspective: Recognize that significant economic development often takes years or even decades to fully manifest. Set realistic timelines and celebrate incremental progress along the way. Special Guest: Beka Shiver. -
In this episode, Dane talks with Deb Barnett, the executive director of SI Now.
SI Now is a relatively new regional economic development organization founded in the fall of 2022, serving 17 counties in Southern Illinois. She explains that the organization was created to address the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to economic development in the region, moving away from the previous model where communities and counties worked in isolation.
During the conversation, Barnett highlights SI Now's focus on long-term economic growth and shares insights about their current projects and future plans. She also discusses her involvement in a podcast called "Small Town Big Business," which features interviews with small business owners in Southern Illinois. Barnett emphasizes the importance of storytelling in economic development and expresses optimism about the increasing number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline for the region.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Deb Barnett. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Carlson sits down with Adam Stoker, president and CEO of Relic, to discuss the intersection of economic development and destination marketing. Adam, whose company specializes in creating podcasts for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), shares insights on how the strategies used in tourism promotion can be effectively applied to economic development efforts.
The conversation explores the similarities between attracting tourists and attracting businesses, with both aiming to bring outside money into specific geographic areas. The discussion then delves into the power of podcasting as a marketing tool for economic developers.
Adam emphasizes how creating valuable, educational content through podcasts can help build relationships with potential investors and businesses without resorting to direct sales pitches. He shares success stories from his experience, highlighting how inviting guests to share their stories on a podcast often yields better results than traditional outreach methods.
The episode also addresses common objections to starting a podcast, such as fear of poor performance and lack of time, with Adam encouraging economic developers to overcome these barriers and prioritize audience building for long-term success in their community promotion efforts.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Adam Stoker. -
In this episode, Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority discusses his unique approach to economic development through a not-for-profit organization that operates with the agility and risk-taking mindset of a for-profit business. Kemp emphasizes the importance of failing fast and pivoting quickly to optimize programs and services. He explains how his organization is structured to evaluate and stop initiatives that aren’t delivering the expected impact, which contrasts with traditional non-profits that often have difficulty abandoning projects due to the lengthy fundraising and validation process. His goal is to take on the risks that for-profit businesses avoid, using innovative techniques like measuring social impact and partnering with businesses to drive wealth-building at the municipal level.
Kemp also shares how his team is working to monetize their services by offering their proven models to other municipalities. For example, their business growth services could be replicated in cities like Tucson, Arizona, allowing other communities to benefit from their expertise and infrastructure without having to start from scratch. Kemp’s team uses tools like Salesforce and data science to manage relationships and measure success, which they are willing to share with other cities to support broader economic growth. The conversation highlights Kemp’s vision of blending for-profit efficiency with non-profit values to foster sustainable, community-centered development.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Bo Kemp. -
In this episode host Dane Carlson interviews Don Iannone (https://www.linkedin.com/in/doniannone/), the author of "America's Dream, at the Crossroads (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0D8M6LQKF/econdevshow-20)," a book that delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the American Dream, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election.
The discussion centers on the critical role that economic development plays in enabling Americans to achieve the American Dream, emphasizing the often-overlooked connection between economic policies and individual prosperity.
Iannone explains how economic developers are at the forefront of shaping the future of the nation, making this conversation particularly relevant for those engaged in economic development and public policy.
Through this dialogue, Carlson and Iannone highlight the importance of understanding economic development not just as a technical field, but as a fundamental driver of societal well-being and a key factor in the nation's political landscape.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!
Actionable Takeaways
Connect Economic Development to the American Dream: Ensure that your community’s economic development initiatives are directly tied to helping individuals achieve their version of the American Dream, emphasizing job creation, homeownership, and economic mobility.
Engage in Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies at the local, state, and national levels that support sustainable economic growth and align with the broader goals of improving quality of life and expanding economic opportunities for all.
Foster Inclusive Growth: Focus on creating opportunities that benefit all segments of the population, particularly marginalized communities, to ensure that the economic benefits of development are widely shared.
Promote Workforce Development: Invest in education and training programs that equip workers with the skills needed for the jobs of the future, ensuring that your community remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to create innovative solutions that drive economic growth and community development.
Focus on Quality of Life: Develop strategies that not only attract businesses but also enhance the overall quality of life in your community, making it a desirable place to live, work, and invest.
Communicate the Economic Development Story: Clearly articulate the role of economic development in achieving the American Dream to stakeholders, including elected officials, business leaders, and the general public.
Prepare for Economic Disruptions: Build resilience into your economic development strategies by planning for potential disruptions, such as technological changes, global market shifts, or political instability.
Measure and Communicate Impact: Regularly assess the impact of your economic development efforts and communicate these results to stakeholders to demonstrate the value of your work and secure continued support.
Stay Informed on National Trends: Keep abreast of national economic and political trends that could impact your community, and be prepared to adjust your strategies accordingly to remain aligned with broader national goals.
Other Sponsors
🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: EDOiQ (https://edo-iq.com/), ResearchFDI (https://researchfdi.com/), Jorgenson Pace (https://jorgensonpace.com), and SiteHunt (https://sitehunt.io/). (Become a sponsor (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).) Special Guest: Donald Iannone. -
In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Alia Abbas, an economic development consultant in Canada, about the critical importance of sustainable economic development. They discuss how integrating sustainability into daily economic development tasks can build community resilience against climate change and disasters.
Alia emphasizes the need for transparent risk communication with businesses, the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders, and the growing influence of purpose-driven development among younger generations. The episode also explores incentivizing green initiatives, learning from resilient communities, and advocating for policy changes to support long-term sustainable growth. Aliyah's insights provide a fresh perspective on creating resilient, adaptable, and sustainable communities.
Actionable Takeaways
Incorporate Sustainable Development: Economic developers should integrate sustainable development into their daily tasks, making communities more resilient to disasters and climate change.
Transparent Risk Communication: Economic developers need to openly discuss risks like floods or power outages with businesses to build trust and help them prepare for potential challenges.
Engage with Businesses on Environmental Impact: Regularly consult with local businesses to understand the environmental impacts they face and how economic development can support mitigation efforts.
Incentivize Green Initiatives: Highlight and offer incentives for businesses to adopt greener practices, such as tax breaks or credits, to attract and retain companies focused on sustainability.
Learn from Resilient Communities: Study and collaborate with communities that have successfully managed disasters to improve local emergency management strategies and resilience.
Promote Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work with diverse stakeholders, including disaster emergency management professionals, supply chain groups, and higher education institutions, to address sustainable development comprehensively.
Focus on Purpose-Driven Development: Emphasize purpose-driven projects and job opportunities to attract younger generations who prioritize making a positive impact on their communities.
Advocate for Policy Changes: Push for policy changes that support sustainable and resilient economic development, ensuring long-term community stability and growth.
Develop Workforce Programs: Create workforce development programs that focus on green skills and sustainability to prepare the local workforce for future demands.
Stay Informed and Educate: Continuously educate yourself on new sustainability initiatives and trends by engaging with businesses and participating in relevant events and organizations, like the Great Lakes Economic Development Council.
Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps!
Other Sponsors
🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now (https://econdevshow.com/#/portal/account/plans)) and sponsors: EDOiQ (https://edo-iq.com/), ResearchFDI (https://researchfdi.com/), The PACE Group (https://thepacegroup.com/), and SiteHunt (https://sitehunt.io/). (Become a sponsor (https://econdevshow.com/annual-sponsorship/).) Special Guest: Alia Abbas. - Mostrar más
