Entire Fall 2019 issue

What Is Blockchain? A Primer for Why It Matters for Economic Development

by Jon Roberts and John Karras
While blockchain has become a topic of considerable interest, it is not widely understood within the economic development community. This article examines blockchain's relevancy to the profession and seeks to place it in the larger context of public policy. The article concludes with a series of recommendations for economic developers and public officials.

Ann Arbor SPARK: Developing an Entrepreneurial Tech Hub in the Midwest

by Laura Berarducci
Since its inception in 2006, Ann Arbor SPARK has supported the growth of a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through the creation and management of services, tools, and resources. Ann Arbor SPARK's entrepreneurial services program received IEDC's 2019 Gold Award for Entrepreneurship.

The Great Miami Riverway in Southwest Ohio

by Jordan Schotz
Through the Great Miami Riverway Coalition, communities in southwest Ohio have been able to utilize a common asset, the Great Miami River, to create a unified brand identity, increase tourism, and boost overall economic development efforts. The Great Miami Riverway Coalition received IEDC's Silver Award for Regionalism & Cross-Border Collaboration in 2019.

Introduction to the Legal Cannabis Economy: The Calgary Experience

by Matthew Zabloski
Calgary is Canada's fourth largest city by population, but in the year since non-medical cannabis was legalized for sale on October 17, 2018, it has established Canada's largest cannabis retail network. While each community is unique, Calgary's experience provides insight into one community's challenges and opportunities that come with legalizing cannabis.

Big Impacts, Small Towns: Rural Placemaking

by Lindsey Wallace
Rural communities are increasingly focusing on place-based assets and placemaking practice to stimulate and sustain economic development in their commercial districts and downtowns. The National Main Street Center incorporates placemaking practice into its tried-and-true approach,while seeking and demonstrating methods to measure the impact of place-based strategies incorporated into local economic development.

The Shortfall in the Production of Housing and Its Effects: Policy Recommendations to Increase Housing Supply

by Aaron Gruen, Debra Jeans, and Andrew Ratchford
Not enough housing units have been produced in many metropolitan areas where job and economic growth has occurred. This article presents the primary effects of the shortfall in housing production and estimates of the size of the shortfall for our nation's largest metropolitan areas. It suggests policy reforms to increase the supply of affordable housing and improve economic development opportunities and living standards.