Pennsylvania has enacted legislation -- The Elm Street Program -- to revitalize mixed-use and residential neighborhoods within a half mile of central business districts.
The new program complements the similar Main Street program for downtowns and commercial districts in small and mid-sized towns.
The initiative provides financing for such investments as new lighting, sidewalks and facade improvements for mixed-use and residential neighborhoods located close to central business districts.
The goal is strategic. Create mixed use environments attractive to young adults. As Secretary of Community and Economic Development Dennis Yablonsky noted:
"This program is important because we have a brain drain situation in our state. We've lost more 25- to 40-year-olds in Pennsylvania than any other state in the union over the last 10 years. Part of the solution is, of course, more economic and job opportunities for them, but in addition, this generation in interested in an integrated live, work and play environment."
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.
A partner initiative to the Main Street program
