Economic Development is the process of improving a community’s economic well-being and quality of life, focusing on increasing wealth, jobs & opportunities, not just increasing GDP. It involves strategic initiatives in infrastructure, education, workforce training and fostering business growth to build a resilient and prosperous community. 

All in all , it is more than just growth. While economic growth (like GDP) is important, economic development is broader, encompassing social, environmental and pollical improvements. It focuses on how wealth is distributed, aiming for shared prosperity and opportunity, not just overall economic expansion.

Key components of Economic Development:

• Job Creation and Retention:
  • Attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and creating better-paying employment opportunities. 
• Quality of Life:
  • Enhancing living standards through better education, healthcare, infrastructure and public services. 
• Business Growth:
  • Fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship and making it easier for businesses to invest and expand. 
• Workforce Development:
  • Investing in education, skills training and programs to match workers with available jobs.
• Community Building:
  • Creating environments where residents of all backgrounds and ages can thrive.
• Economic Resilience:
  • Building the capacity to withstand and recover from economic shocks like downturns, industry disruptions and pandemics.

• Plans, coordinates and implements strategies that promote economic growth, job creation and community development. 
• Explore funding mechanisms such as state, federal, etc. for projects which benefit business and the community as a whole. 
• Foster collaborative relationships with developers to prioritize and deliver attainable housing solutions. 
• Works closely with other city departments like Development Services and Public Works, to ensure compliance with local and state laws. 
• Business/Industry attraction and retention. 
• Assists in long range community planning by encouraging projects that align with community goals.
• Develop and implement plans and initiatives aligned with community goals. 
• Maintains relationships with Chambers of Commerce, workforce development entities, educational institutions and State Commerce, etc. 
• Works with public and private stakeholders to attract investment, support local businesses and enhance economic vitality. 
• Organizes and/or participates in community outreach, public meetings and promotional events. 
• Coordinate with local, state and federal agencies to secure funding and incentives. 
• Manage and/or promote programs for small businesses and entrepreneurship development. 
• Support local business and entrepreneurs. 

At heart, we are professional cat-herders and chaos wranglers with a serious love for local businesses and the amazing community that makes it all possible! Strengthening communities takes strategy – and a little chaos management. Economic development professionals attract investment, support local business, & help build a vibrant, resilient economy.