5.10. SR 06-03-1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rural economic development has changed from the smokestack chasing of the '70s, or the industrial emphasis of the '80s, to an integrated and balanced approach for the '90s. Economic development is not something you meet to discuss on the third Tuesday of each month--it is a commu- nity attitude. Communities in greater Minnesota are facing many changes and Challenges in this decade, literally forcing new approaches to economic development. Demographics are changing and populations are shifting. Advancements in technology are revolutionizing just about every aspect of our lives. Our community identifies are threatened as schools combine, businesses restructure, and regional centers emerge. Problems abound related to labor force, housing, business development and struggling families. Youth are leaving the country,- side. Community leaders are looking for answers that strengthen their commu- nit), and pro~Sde hope for the furore through effective economic and community development. A healthy economic and community development attitude is a reality when the entire community is focused on a common vision for the future that balances economic potential, concern for people and social concerns, and the practice of good stewardship of natural resources. This balanced approach is often referred to as svatainable commu- nity development. Sustainable community development Historically, we have considered the various aspects of our community planning in isolation from one another. Economic development is carried out by one group. Human service activities Vision are handled by another..And others, such as emSronmental action groups, function at ),et another level. The sustainable community develop- ment approach brings all sectors together at the beginning of the planning process to define an overall vision, or communit7 attitude, from which specific plans are launched. The advantages of this method are man)'. It promotes civic responsibility among all community members. It engages and trains new leaders. Conflict is mini- mized as participants focus on building consensus around one x-ision. Emphasis on the wise use of the community's limited resources spurs creativity throughout the process. So how does sustainable community development planning work? It is really very simple. · Involve representatives £rom all sectors of the community in the design of t.he overall community vision for the future. Include people from business, local government, finance, education, churches, citizens group, youth, etc. Bring them together to answer the question: 'What do we want our community to be like in 10 or 20 years?" Give them an opportunity to discuss what community values they want to preserve, in terms of people, and economic and natural resources. · Develop and revise community plans according to that ~4sion. Ask: "Does this activity move our community closer to our vision for the future? Does it uphold what we value?" · When projects and activities are completed, take time to celebrate success and to acknowledge the volunteers that helped. Identify and learn from your mistakes. When community and economic development begins with a vision that focuses on how economics, human resources and the environment can complement and build on one another, development activities are impacted in several ways. First, business development efforts build on existing resources-local business people, banking and financial assets and parmership opportunities. The needs of the labor force and 8 I MINNESOTA CITIES / APRIL 1996