Incentives are a prevalent tool in economic development practice, yet two central questions remain: how can the return of these investments be calculated, and how can the return be increased? This report presents practitioners with four models of return that can be implemented, and then describes in detail the methods of undertaking the calculations that are critical to accurate results. The report also offers practitioners guidelines that can be used to increase the return of incentives, including clearly defining objectives, setting criteria for receiving objectives, and rewarding companies that meet and exceed their commitments.

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A skilled workforce is one of the most important factors impacting a community's competitiveness. To address this issue, IEDC's in-house think tank, the Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) focused their latest paper on new policies in workforce development, and how economic developers can take a lead role in creating talent pipelines. The paper provides an overview of the players in workforce development, a survey of economic developers' approach to the issue, five case studies of organizations making an impact, and recommendations for how to best influence workforce development on a regional, state, and local scale.

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The manual focuses on the importance of technology development in today's economy and its role in economic growth. It discusses the need for communities to recruit and support the technology industry, tap into technology opportunities for local businesses, and build an innovation ecosystem. The manual provides insights on identifying technology firms, understanding technology impacts in various industries, growing technology businesses, and encouraging technology adoption.

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The story of American economic development is also the story of energy. The fortunes of communities rose and fell as new energy technology unleashed growth and old methods lost competitiveness. This reality is playing out again, with major implications for cities, regions, and states throughout the country. The Changing Energy Landscape takes stock of these seismic trends and looks beyond the horizon toward America's energy future. The report includes chapters on coal, oil and natural gas, renewables, and nuclear energy. It also offers case studies highlighting how communities on the frontline of energy transformations are coping with these changes.

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Immigration is an integral part of America's past, present, and future. In recent decades, the waves of immigrants coming to U.S. shores have grown larger. Due to changes in immigration flows and settlement patterns, some economic development organizations (EDOs) are now facing immigration issues and immigrant populations without adequate knowledge or relevant experience. This paper summarizes the large body of research on immigration and economic development, and finds much evidence that immigration strengthens the economy and contributes in several positive ways. Throughout the paper, various case studies illustrate how EDOs in communities large and small have engaged immigrants in economic development.

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The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the real estate market both in unique ways and by accelerating existing trends. How are these changes affecting economic development? How are EDOs solving new problems and taking advantage of new opportunities? What tools and strategies are they using? This three-part series examines today’s real estate realities and economic developers’ responses to it.

Part 1: What Economic Developers Are Experiencing

Part 2: Solving Problems: Case Studies and Examples

Part 3: Tools, Strategies, and Resources

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Downtowns today look very different from a year ago. Some changes are temporary, while others may prove more lasting. How has your community adapted and what are some changes that you might want to keep? Join our discussion on how downtowns have weathered the past year and how some communities are planning for the future.

Original air date: February 2021
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The data is clear: immigrant investors and entrepreneurs offer significant contributions to our local, regional and national economy. Communities with programs that support their immigrant neighbors' integration into their economy are reaping the benefits. How can your community develop and implement initiatives that bring immigrants into the fold? We'll explore this question through real-world examples of how it is being done right now.

Original air date: September 2020
Non-Member Price: $90
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Foundations and grant-awarding organizations have dedicated funds available for community and economic development. Accessing those funds can sometimes seem too onerous an endeavor, but you may be walking away from real money. This webinar will share case studies and best practices for both accessing and using philanthropic resources for your economic development projects and goals.

Original air date: April 2020
Non-Member Price: $90
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In an increasingly competitive global marketplace, the capacity of a community's entrepreneurial firms will be the driving force behind economic recovery, job creation, greater resiliency in the face of disasters, and regional economic transformation. For economic developers charged with job and wealth creation in their communities, the significance of entrepreneurship requires them to adapt their practice to focus on access to tools, strategies, networks and institutions that support entrepreneurial firms.

Unlocking Entrepreneurship: A Handbook for Economic Developershas been developed by IEDC under the guidance of its Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP) Program. It introduces economic development professionals to the increasingly urgent need to support entrepreneurship as a necessary strategy, explains what entrepreneurship is and who entrepreneurs are, dissects the essential components of an entrepreneurship ecosystem, and includes a toolkit for practitioners to assess and implement economic development strategies in their communities. Several case studies of entrepreneurial firms as well as organizations that support these businesses provide an insight into the variety of policies and programs out there to support and foster entrepreneurship in a community.

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