Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Whacky ideas in economic development often die hard.
Take the case of building a huge new cargo airport in Lousiana, just south of Baton Rouge.
For the past four years, at least, this idea has been occupying people's time and energy...despite the fact that there appears to be no market demand for a new airport. (Except the demand buzz that the promoters try to build.)
There's no doubt. Airports can carry an hug economic impact. (See, for example, the case of Northern Kentucky.) The impacts are there because of market demand.
So, hopefully, the Donaldonville airport idea will soon die. According to a state-sponsored study: "There is not a demonstrated purpose and need for a new airport in Louisiana specifically developed to accommodate air cargo activity." Read more.
(This is the project that led to the firing of a state economic development official. He got his walking papers for sending an e-mail critical of the project. 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.
A nail in the coffin
