There are 538 cities in Georgia, with 44% having fewer than 1,000 residents, and 83% having fewer than 10,000 residents (based on 2016 U.S. Census population estimates). Although these numbers may be surprising, the reality is city officials frequently do not have the tax base to devote a lot of financial resources to economic development initiatives. That is why it is important to have an economic development strategy that is reasonable and represents the interests of the mayor, council, and citizens. More importantly, the strategy should be coordinated with the economic development strategies of other governmental entities, including chambers of commerce, development authorities and convention and visitors bureaus. And, of course, resources should be allocated for economic development activities that support these combined strategies for the most effective and efficient use of government funds.
The Strategy
The first step in developing an economic development strategy is gathering input from council members, citizens, and other interested individuals and organizations. Ideas and information gathered should then become part of the economic element of your comprehensive plan. After adoption of your government’s comprehensive plan, the economic development element of that plan should become the strategy that the community follows and supports. With limited resources to finance economic development efforts, it is important that municipal officials partner with other governments and organizations to ensure successful implementation of the strategy.
Special Knowledge is Required
Every elected official should have knowledge of 1) the essentials of development, 2) the “players” that can assist and support a community’s strategy, and 3) the tools that are available to assist with economic development projects. Economic Development related raining is available through GMA in partnership with the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. The organization offers a regional program that introduces elected officials to the following concepts, strategies, and resources:
The three essentials of development are leadership development, community development, and economic development.
The players may include bankers, educators, attorneys, existing business representatives, local, regional and statewide economic development professionals, regional development centers, state agencies, and others.
The tools include, but are not limited to, Downtown Development Authorities, Development Authorities, financing programs, quality growth principles, incentives, hotel/motel taxes, Freeport, city business improvement districts, tax increment financing, infrastructure, affordable workforce housing, education and workforce training programs, business retention initiatives, entrepreneurial development programs, and publicly owned available land or buildings.
Development Essentials
How do you, as an elected official, ensure that your city has the three essentials of development?
Leadership is generally considered the key component for successful economic development. You should encourage the implementation of formal leadership development programs, both youth and adult. Not every city needs a program, but there should be an annual program in every county. Elected officials should participate in these programs as a class participant and an alumni presenter. Elected officials should develop programs to recognize citizens that participate in local leadership programs and should look to class graduates when making appointments to boards and leadership positions in the community. In building a strong leadership base in your community, one should encourage inclusiveness, not exclusiveness. The more that you can encourage the recruitment and participation of all sectors of your community, the more successful you will be in implementing your economic development strategy.
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