Economic Development
Economic Development is a crucial focus for local and state government agencies committed to fostering job creation, attracting investments, and improving community prosperity. Governments can stimulate economic activity and enhance regional competitiveness by implementing strategies that support business growth, infrastructure development, and workforce training. This directory provides articles on economic development alongside related topics like Workforce Development, which examines initiatives to enhance the skills and employability of the local labor force.
Because Los Angeles expanded its Metro, a light rail stop in Culver City led to transit-oriented development attracting millions in economic development.
State policies are growing clean tech economies, such as Washington state’s Clean Energy Fund and a financing program through Seattle City Light.
Sustainability
According to research by Google, digital technology can close resource loops and recirculate durable materials within cities, creating a circular economy.
Stoke-on-Trent is building an $85 million geothermal heating network powered by renewable energy. ROI details inside
With Economic Development in mind, businesses have launched a public bikesharing program in Cleveland
San Fran is changing the way the impact of new transit projects are evaluated to make expansions easier. Read about the groundbreaking legislation
Sioux Falls will launch a $500,000 workforce development project to acquire and train skilled workers to replace retirees in the construction industry.
After a devastating earthquake, Christchurch, NZ, is using smart sensor technology to collect real-time data to support faster decision making. Learn how citizens are interacting with the technology to help rebuild the city
Go Topeka is building a shared office space to help turn ideas into legitimate businesses. See what tools and technologies best support entrepreneurial growth
Hancock County, ME, created a financial agreement with a local wind energy provider that could generate $11 million over the next 30 years. Details on how tax increment financing districts help fund public projects
Richmond, CA, is considering an urban farming ordinance that lays out what products residents can raise and sell. Learn how adjustments to zoning can support economic development
A new ordinance in Denver will allow local residents to participate as sellers at farmers markets with a new permit from the city. Details of this and how other cities are expanding farmers markets into true attractions
Cleveland is retrofitting unused streetcar tracks to create bicycle lanes within city streets. Details the plan and the many economic benefits attributed to expanded bicycle lane access
Developers in Frederick, MD, may soon save as much as 75% on property taxes by building to LEED standards. How cities are utilizing federal tax credits to catalyze green development inside
A report shows the impact grants can have on socially-driven investment models that attract private investors to municipal projects. We examine this and the Bay Area TOAH Fund.
An economic development competition, hosted by Google, was won by three cities who will each take home $50k and a bevy of technology hardware. Learn how these cities are helping local businesses grow
To counter Not In My Back Yarders (NIMBY), residents in favor of growth are utilizing social media and the web to show off benefits and help drive citizen support. EG takes a look at YIMBY
Investing in its downtown has paid off handsomely for Carmel, IN. The cornerstone of the effort is a performing arts center, but a new traffic and walkability plan have contributed to the success as well
In an effort to help move residents more quickly and to locations where job opportunities exist, the Houston Metro is rethinking its entire transportation system. The five-year plan will not require any fare increases
