Monday, February 03, 2003
In selected states, EDPros are confronting "growth issues"...citizen concerns that the current pattern of land use policies encourages sprawl and undercuts the quality of life.
For EDPro's who have to understand this issue more completely, here's a good article from Virgnia that explores below the surface. Based on polling results, it shows how voters view the connection between "growth" and "quality of life". Read an overview of the sprawl issue and "smart growth". Go
The sprawl cycle starts with loose subdivision regulations (or none at all). Strip development along traffic corridors then follows residential development. All this occurs on top of a rural infrastructure that's not equipped to handle it.
When enough people "connect the dots", a backlash against growth starts to form. Although business development is not the primary trigger for sprawl, EDPros get caught in the crossfire. Citizen consensus can break down, and, if that happens, politics turns nasty and economic development is held hostage.
Some Background on EDPro Weblog
The purpose of this weblog is to help economic development professionals -- EDPros -- keep up with the changes sweeping our profession. Strap on your goggles. It's a whole new game. There are no experts any more. The only place to learn about economic development is from other EDPros who are doing it.
One other point: the prevaling approach (paradigm, if you like) in economic development is shifting from competition to collaboration. There are a lot of reaasons underlying this shift, but here's the important insight: You, your community, and your region will do better by collaborating and sharing information.
If you are using a news reader, here is the link to syndicate this site:
Here's the link if you are a bloglines subscriber:
Speaking and workshops on Open Source Economic Development
As the idea of Open Source Economic Development starts spreading, more people are asking about it. Visit the I-Open web site to learn more. My colleagues and I are happy to explain the basic concepts in a talk or a workshop. E-mail Susan Alshuler if you'd like to learn more about workshops and speaking.
Background on Ed Morrison
Download some background information on me here.
Sprawl undercuts the quality of life...
