tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561411786337416539.post6221677142068963578..comments2024-03-28T19:40:59.538-07:00Comments on American Planning Association Economic Development Division: What Do You Wish Your Elected Officials Knew About Economic Development?APA Economic Development Divisionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16846199732858872023noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561411786337416539.post-78798363048980131652010-04-13T08:17:11.045-07:002010-04-13T08:17:11.045-07:00Thanks for your comments. In our discussions with ...Thanks for your comments. In our discussions with economic development staff over the past few months, a recurring theme has been the mismatch between expectations of the electeds and staff, particularly in terms of economic development goals. In the current economy elected officials are being judged by the number of jobs they can create/save today, which may conflict with longer-term goals and efforts of economic development staff. Having a unified vision, strategic plan and communication is key!Christy McFarlandhttp://www.nlc.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561411786337416539.post-1245262585558976122010-04-08T07:58:08.021-07:002010-04-08T07:58:08.021-07:00I agree communication between elected officials an...I agree communication between elected officials and the economic developers should be clear. The goals of the elected officials for economic development should be mutual with the economic developer, if not, it will not work. Often times, local governments hire economic developers to focus on specific projects without understanding the entire picture -- What are the elements that make economic development work? You can revitalize a commercial district without establishing a strong relationship and trust with the businesses. This article is critical and NLC should try to make this topic into a discussion workshop at the NLC annual meetings.Uirbana Oasishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00951226877853684043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561411786337416539.post-48321896941670009872010-04-06T17:16:38.462-07:002010-04-06T17:16:38.462-07:00Great idea. I think you have most of the major poi...Great idea. I think you have most of the major points covered, and I would emphasize the communication section. Elected officials should be honest with their economic developers about their expectations before they make hiring decisions. Talking about entrepreneurship, innovation, and programs like economic gardening is great. But if ultimately you will judge your economic developer's performance using simple criteria like jobs and tax base, then that expectation should be clearly established up front. Give that person a chance to evaluate how much room there will be for creativity in the position--and provide support to him or her if you've asked for creativity and new approaches. There is a reason that economic developers tend to have high rates of turnover in some parts of the country.Brian Kelseynoreply@blogger.com