Wednesday, June 23, 2004
A controversy is spreading over the use of incentives toward retail development, in general, and big boxes, in particular.
Here's an article that outlines the issue in Arizona. Here's what the Phoenix mayor said in a recent speech: "I'm asking every mayor, city and town council in this valley to join me in putting a screeching halt to subsidizing and incentivizing $7-an-hour jobs with millions of taxpayer dollars. I say close the public checkbook on these projects and let the market dictate where retail development goes." Read more.
In Savannah, big box development has touched off a similar debate. Read more.
posted by Ed Morrison |
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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.
Impact of the big boxes
