Friday, October 17, 2003
Now here's an interesting case.
City commissioners in Oregon City, OR voted down a proposal to change the city's master plan to accommodate a Wal-Mart. As the article notes: "Commissioners said a big-box store doesn't fit with their vision for the city, a vision that emphasizes mixed-use developments and neighborhoods that are more pedestrian-friendly and less automobile oriented."
One commissioner noted the changing attitudes toward big boxes: "Fifteen years or 10 years or even five years ago we would have said, 'Sure' ."
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.
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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.
Oregon City turns down a Wal-Mart
