Community and Economic Community and Economic Development Development

"When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble "When the only tool you own is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail” by Abraham Maslowa nail” by Abraham Maslow

Understanding the SituationUnderstanding the Situation

• Is there interest locally in this issue/initiative/opportunity?

• Who is interested and what groups or interests do they represent?

• Who is championing the issue and why?

Understanding the SituationUnderstanding the Situation

• Are there formal groups or organizations in your community that have, or are perceived to have responsibility in this area?

• To what extent is the basic issue understood by the community and by those with responsibility in the area of interest?

Understanding the SituationUnderstanding the Situation

• Does the community have the necessary knowledge, information and data for a basic understanding of this issue?

• Is this a new issue or has it been around awhile?

• Is there a new twist to an older idea?

Understanding the SituationUnderstanding the Situation

• Are there differing or conflicting views on the nature and/or need for a response?

• Is a response necessary in the short term or is a longer-term approach possible and more appropriate?

• Is this a local issue or one that is of interest more broadly?

Understanding the SituationUnderstanding the Situation

• Is it defined by geographical or political boundaries?

• Is there consensus in the community about this issue/initiative/opportunity?

• Is consensus possible or desirable?

Analysis of Existing CapacityAnalysis of Existing Capacity

• What programs and services are currently being offered?

• What key individuals work in the field?

• Are there potential funding sources?

Analysis of Existing CapacityAnalysis of Existing Capacity

• What is your own expertise/experience in this area?

• Who needs to be involved at the local, regional and/or state level?

• What is the past economic development history of those involved?

Analysis of Existing CapacityAnalysis of Existing Capacity

• What resources are available to address this issue (colleagues, specialists, websites, tools, training)?

Framing Your ResponseFraming Your Response

• Now vs. never vs. later: Is this something that needs to be addressed immediately, at some later date or not dealt with at all? Sometimes doing nothing is the thing to do

• Does it fit into your plan of work? If so, how?

• How will you measure and show impact

Framing Your ResponceFraming Your Responce

• How will you communicate your involvement with other key stakeholders?

• How will your involvement be perceived by your own stakeholders?

• Who will you collaborate with?

Framing your ResponseFraming your Response

• How much time and effort are you willing to spend on the issue?

• What will your role be: convener, champion, mediator, etc…?

• How might your role change over time?

Framing Your ResponseFraming Your Response

• Do you need an exit strategy?

• What is your exit strategy?

ActionAction

• Economic Development Studies– Business Retention and Expansion– Using Labor Market Information to Understand Your

Local Economy– Job Training and Labor Market Research Publications

ActionAction

• Downtown Development and Revitalization

– Downtown and Business District Market Analysis– Business Improvement Districts

ActionAction

• Tourism Development– Tourism Business Development Toolbox

ActionAction

• Creating an Economic Development Organization

– Steps to Creating an Economic Development Organization

ActionAction

• Funding Your Project– Fund Raising and Grant Writing Resource

ActionAction

• Evaluating Your Program– Program Development and Evaluation

ActionAction

• Developing Organizations– Non-Profit Management Educational Resources– Steps to Creating an Economic Development

Corporation

ActionAction

• Developing Leaders– Community Leadership Development– Wisconsin Rural Development Program