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y are handled by another.And others, such as environmental action groups, '' .- ® function at yet another level. The sustainable community develop- :-',. evelop- x n. . ment approach brings all sectors r,Nt� - (.3 �` l-'` together at the beginning of the ' "-- planning process to define an overall vision,or community attitude,from 4 t 1 which specific plans are launched.The advantages of this method are many.It 1.'-4-,......4c, ,- `.'` ' ' 4 promotes civic responsibility among all1'.-Tr!44 T'G „ Il .s. community members.It engages and trains new leaders.Conflict is mini- mized as participants focus on building Rural economic development has changed from the smokestack chasing consensus around one vision.Emphasis of the'70s,or the industrial emphasis of the'80s,to an integrated and on the wise use of the community's limited resources spurs creativity balanced approach for the'90s.Economic development is not something throughout the process. you meet to discuss on the third Tuesday of each month—it is a commu- So how does sustainable community development planning work? It is really nity attitude. very simple. • Involve representatives from all Communities in greater Minnesota A healthy economic and community sectors of the community in the are facing many changes and challenges development attitude is a reality when design of the overall community in this decade,literally forcing new the entire community is focused on a vision for the future.Include people approaches to economic development. common vision for the future that from business,local government, Demographics are changing and balances economic potential,concern finance,education,churches, •populations are shifting.Advancements for people and social concerns,and the citizens group,youth,etc.Bring in technology are revolutionizing just practice of good stewardship of natural them together to answer the about every aspect of our lives.Our resources.This balanced approach is question:"What do we want our community identities are threatened as often referred to as sustainable commu- community to be like in 10 or 20 schools combine,businesses restructure, nity development. years?” Give them an opportunity to and regional centers emerge.Problems discuss what community values they abound related to labor force,housing, want to preserve,in terms of business development and struggling Sustainable community people,and economic and natural families.Youth are leaving the country- development resources. side.Community leaders are looking for Historically,we have considered the • Develop and revise community plans answers that strengthen their commu- various aspects of our community according to that vision.Ask:"Does nity and provide hope for the future planning in isolation from one another. this activity move our community through effective economic and Economic development is carried out closer to our vision for the future? community development. by one group.Human service activities Does it uphold what we value?" • When projects and activities are I completed,take time to celebrate success and to acknowledge the volunteers that helped.Identify and cr.) learn from your mistakes. V When community and economic am development begins with a vision that }`D' hfocuses on how economics,human ,,:ki Community resources and the environment can Vision• complement and build on one another, development activities are impacted in several ways. First,business development efforts '‘IN-‘C build on existing resources—local • otl-° ike4) �eS business people,banking and financial sego assets and partnership opportunities. The needs of the labor force and 8 MINNESOTA CITIES/APRIL 1996