Does Economic Development Work?

The most recent edition of This American Life, entitled "How To Create a Job," featured a segment on Economic Development - or, in this case, the myth of Economic Development. Adam Davidson of Planet Money attends a meeting of the International Economic Developers Council in San Diego and demystifies some of the claims made for the industry of Economic Development, putting in question the effectiveness of its impacts on local economies.

Apart from chanting "Jobs, jobs, jobs," like a deranged shaman, how are jobs created?

How to Create a Job.

EDC Launches Microsite

Kathy Baylis: Sarasota County working to transform economy now

'BIG, BOLD IDEAS AND THE PEOPLE to carry them out. Sarasota County has what it takes to turn this economy around. And it's happening now."

That's the over-arching message from David Sessions, chairman of the Economic Development Corp. of Sarasota County, in the introduction to the EDC's 2010 annual report.

Recently launched as an interactive microsite, rather than a printed publication, the digital annual report "provides fresh opportunities to showcase the work of volunteers, local governments, regional partners and staff who are all working toward the same ultimate goal: creating a more sustainable and prosperous community" — to borrow more of Sessions' words. MORE>>>

Workshop on Planning for the Fruitville exchange

Those interested in the future of planning and in the quality of communication among stakeholders in the community take note:

Tonight (Tuesday, August 31, from 6:30-8:30 PM), you are invited again to participate in the third of five workshops being conducted by the Sarasota County Planning Department at The Church of Hope, 1560 Wendell Kent Road (Fruitville Road to Coburn North. Coburn North to Richardson Road. Left onto Richardson Road. Richardson West to termination at I-75. Right onto Wendell Kent Road/Lakewood Ranch Boulevard. Travel North approximately 1/2 mile. Park on the South side of building).

This workshop is extremely important to the development of the Fruitville/I-75 area. As residents, it is vitally important for us to be part of the planning process and to offer our input on projects that will affect our quality-of-life for years to come. Tonight's workshop will include a discussion on existing land uses, potential zoning districts, and how much square footage (baseline) could currently be allowed on the 325 acres. They will review how much square footage could be allowed under scenarios such as the "Illustrative Plan," and options with transect planning, including discussion of general impacts that baseline and transect scenarios might have on the area and local residents. Input from local residents is encouraged in these discussions. Hope to see you there.

How can cities (or counties) use parks for economic development?

Public parks are often the "engine" that drives tourism in many communities. In a simplified tourism model, visitors use some mode of transportation to leave their homes and travel to attractions, which are supported by various kinds of services, such as hotels/motels, restaurants, and retailing.The attractions and support services provide information and promote their offerings to target groups they have identified as potential visitors.



Check out the briefing paper on how cities use parks here, or download the pdf here.

Hearing on Fruitville Comp Plan Amendment Continued

Four hours into a hearing on a proposed Comp. Plan Amendment, the Sarasota County Commission voted to continue the matter for three weeks.

The postponement is designed to give residents of Richardson Road neighborhoods east of I-75 time to talk with planners to see if they can find suitable common ground to shape the future of approximately 320 acres that involve two quadrants on I-75, east of the Fruitville exit.  (Some more background here).

Economic development meets the little foxes

What happens when priceless land near a major highway becomes ripe for development as a "major employment center," and residents who have lived in a nearby, placid neighborhood fear for the consequences?

Something of the sort is shaping up at the I-75 exit at Fruitville Road, where Sarasota County is considering allowing a Comp Plan amendment to enable more creative, unified, sensitive planning. At least that's what advocates promise. Opponents say the amendment would open a Pandora's box of higher densities and intensities than the Comp Plan currently permits. The residents fear for the wildlife - foxes, 182 species of birds - and tranquility that have been their lot for generations.

The County Commission will vote on amending the Comp Plan on Tuesday. One possible outcome: deferring a decision until the fall, so that all parties have time to examine potential consequences. Stay tuned.