ENTIRE WINTER 2024 ISSUE

Transformational Economic Development

Fostering Growth and Progress in the Pacific Northwest

By Joey Gunning and Gary Ballew, CEcD

The 2024 IEDC Future Forum will be held in Spokane, Washington, marking a historic moment for the Pacific Northwest. The theme, “Transformational Economic Development,” reflects on the city’s rich history, particularly the impact of the 1974 World’s Fair (Expo ’74). From overcoming challenges to hosting a groundbreaking event, Expo ’74 transformed Spokane.

 

Empowering Second Chances

Lafayette, Louisiana’s 2nd Chance Job Fair

By Mandi D. Mitchell, Stacey Zawacki, and Ryan LaGrange

In a world where 2nd chances are often elusive, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and its community partners have been breaking barriers and transforming lives through the annual 2nd Chance Job Fair. The fair won a Gold Award from IEDC for Talent Development & Retention and a Silver Award for Economic Equity & Inclusion.

The Wildcat Internship Program

A Gold Standard in Talent Development and Educational

By Liz Leaming, CEcD

The Wildcat Internship Program, a collaborative initiative between Ponca City Public Schools and Ponca City Development Authority, is an example of talent development, retention, and educational partnerships. With IEDC Gold Awards in Talent Development & Retention and Partnerships with Educational Institutions, the program has redefined the way junior and senior high school students engage with local businesses.

 

Spurring Investment and Building Community

The Birth of the Asian District Mesa AZ®

By Yvette Armendariz

The rebirth of a blighted segment of West Mesa began with two entrepreneurs converting an old shopping center that over time would attract dozens of mom-and-pop Asian businesses. Then the City’s Office of Economic Development showcased this to create a brand. The Asian District Mesa AZ® rolled out in January 2020, elevating community awareness and attracting more than $100 million in investments. The project earned an IEDC Gold Award for Neighborhood Development.

 

Welcoming Workplaces

Helping Employers Foster a Diverse Rural Workforce

By Alex Beck, Jennifer Stromsten, and Rachel Shields Ebersole

Welcoming Workplaces is an IEDC gold Award winning program in Talent Development & Retention designed to create a stronger and more diverse workforce in rural southern Vermont. The program was launched to help employers learn to welcome an increasingly diverse workforce. It deploys high intensity trainings and a relationship-based approach.

 

Job Training Albuquerque

A Vision for Equitable, Accessible Workforce Development

By Sarah Wheeler with contributions from Monica Mitchell and Justin D. Hilliard

Since early 2020, Job Training Albuquerque (JTA) has helped create opportunities and better career outcomes for Albuquerque’s workforce, surpassing 1,176 employee participants in 2024. The program offers in-demand, transferable skills that meet the needs of local small businesses. JTA received two IEDC Gold Awards in Partnerships with Educational Institutions and Talent Development & Retention.

 

The SPARK of a Resilient Economy

Economic Equity and Inclusion

By Kristina Hudson

OneRedmond’s economic development program OneEastside SPARK forged new territory in equity in economic development by piloting new projects in collaboration with community-based organizations. The program coordinates regional partners to provide responsive programming and tools to address key areas of need among organizations in Washington State’s East King County. OneEastside SPARK won IEDC’s Gold Award for Economic Equity & inclusion.

 

Eco-Industrial Parks

Applying the Circular Economy and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to Rural Economic Development

By James C. Collard, PhD, CITP, FM

The starting point is fairly straightforward. There should be no conflict between economic development and environmental sustainability. But, of course, as we all know, there is conflict. For centuries our acquisition, use, and disposal of natural resources was not much of a concern because there was always more land and there were always more resources to acquire and put to use. But then the Industrial Revolution began.

 

A Workforce Housing Shortage

An Economic Developer’s Perspective

By Rob Cleveland, CEcD and Christina Frank, CEcD

In the ever-evolving landscape of economic development, addressing the critical issue of the workforce housing shortage has emerged as a paramount challenge for communities worldwide. The authors delve into real-world examples of successful initiatives and shed light on the pivotal role economic development plays in shaping the housing landscape

 

The Next Chapter in ED

AI, ESG…WSY?

By Savannah Jermance, CEcD, CCIP

This article explores the capabilities and limitations of AI as well as the impact of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors specific to economic development and the interplay between the two.

 

Sister City Relationships between the US and International Cities

Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh as a Case Study

By Kathy Risko

Sister City organizations exist in just about every US city and in many smaller towns, suburbs, and even exurbs. These relationships add value to these communities and raise their profiles in international circles.