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Economic Development For Your Town Andr é Natta, CMSM. Your Town Alabama 2013 Camp McDowell, AL May 9, 2013. ?. Working definition. “(T)he process by which a community creates, retains, and reinvests wealth and improves the quality of life.†- David Dobson MDC, Inc. Economic Growth
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Economic Development For Your Town André Natta, CMSM Your Town Alabama 2013 Camp McDowell, AL May 9, 2013
Working definition “(T)he process by which a community creates, retains, and reinvests wealth and improves the quality of life.” - David Dobson MDC, Inc.
Economic Growth vs. Economic Development
Look outside! (stay aware)
“But I love New Orleans as a city for one reason: when you’re standing on a corner in New Orleans and look around, there is nowhere else in the world you could possibly be. And that’s true of fewer and fewer cities around the globe.” - Donovan Rypkema PlaceEconomics 2009
SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
Community involvement Give them ownership Lead by example Form strategic partnerships Let them identify community needs
Vision & mission statements Vision = values & direction Mission = purpose & objectives
Plan = Framework • Framework = not set in stone • Long term • 5-10 years • Short term • 1 year
Case study | Oakland, MD Source: UNC School of Government
Case study | Oakland, MD Agriculture-based economy Highest unemployment rate – 16.5% (1995) Bausch and Lomb plant State mandated restriction on new development 1970 – mid 1990s Lifted in when water treatment facility built Designated Main Street Community in 1998
Case study | Oakland, MD • Historic downtown train station renovated • Summer concert series started • Broad-based community support of program • Big box retailer announced in 2000 • Confirmed as Walmart in 2001
Case study | Oakland, MD • MS Director helped businesses prepare • MS Director reached out to Walmart manager • Ability to create unique marketing campaign
Case study | Oakland, MD • Walmart is among the highest grossing in the United States • Downtown Oakland has near-zero vacancy
Takeaways | Oakland, MD • Big box doesn't necessarily destroy Main Street • Community support building helpful in long-term • Look for opportunity in adversity
Why NOT to be using it: • It's free and easy • Everybody else is doing it • It's the best way to reach the “young” people
Why SHOULD you be using it: • Complimenting your plan's objectives • If it's not considered part of it, it should be • Tools (& people) are in place to manage a strategy effectively • You are willing to be where they are online
Online resources • SMALL TOWNS, BIG IDEAS • UNC School of Government searchable database of 45 communities • VIBRANT RURAL COMMUNITIES CASE STUDIES SERIES • NADO Study of 9 communities (2012)
Keep in touch: André Natta andre@urbanconversations.com (205) 276.6585 @acnatta (I'm “noisy” on Wednesdays)