Thursday, October 13, 2005
Retirees represent a useful economic development strategy for some regions. Here's what's happening in Southwest Missouri. Read more.
Here's a few thoughts to consider:
The economic power of a retiree strategy depends in large part on the wealth of the retirees and the extent to which your economy is diversified. (More diversification = Less leakage)
Jobs generated by retirees are likely to be in low wage service employment, although there will be some higher income jobs gained in health care and business services. The extent of job generation will depend on the "leakage" of dollars from the economy.
Large influxes of retirees can be disruptive to local residents. So, for example, high income retirees can bid up property values. Higher property prices can benefit property owners but reduce the supply of affordable housing. Another example: retirees can oppose increased taxes to support education.
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.
Retirees as an economic development strategy
