Community-First
Economic Development

For too long, economic development has been focused on businesses and real estate. While these are critical components of community success, they are merely parts of a greater purpose: The economic health of the individuals in your community.

Community-First Economic Development is about people. The people of your community are why your government exists at all. Their economic well-being is the only justification for public spending on economic development.

Community-First
Economic Development

Economic Development

For too long, economic development has been focused on business recruitment, job creation, and real estate development. While these are critical components of success, they are merely means for a greater purpose: people.

Individual Economic Health

Change is Required

Economic development should be about the individual economic health of the people in your community. If the people in your community are becoming poorer over time, then economic development is failing. If they become wealthier over time, then economic development is succeeding. The number of jobs and dollars invested are important metrics, but they are subservient to individual economic health. Individual wealth allows facility, safety, self-sufficiency, inclusion, education, voice, justice, and more.

SPEAKING

BLOG

PODCAST

LaKesha Womack – Democratic Nominee for NC 14th Congressional District

LaKesha Womack discusses her grassroots campaign for North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District.

Robert Long – Director, Chester County Economic Development

Robert Long explains how economic development drives jobs, wages, and quality of life in Chester County.

Beth Black White – Co-Owner, Black’s Peaches

Beth Black White talks about family farming and agro-tourism.

NEWS