Making a Life and Making a Living

Authentic Place-Based Economic Development

What you need, you already have.

Good morning friends! I’m headed to Dallas this in search of an even hotter place to work. Not really, I’m headed to the annual Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives conference. What makes a community special and how to tell that story to attract talent while maintaining its distinct personality is top of mind for me these days. I can’t wait to reconnect with some like minded leaders and nerd out on topics like this!

The landscape of economic development is an ever evolving one. Place-making, talent attraction and the creative class have been buzz words for the last couple of decades. The fact is, smart and successful people move where they want to live and then worry about the job. They prioritize making a life over making a living.

The trend of talent redistribution, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, presents an opportunity for communities across Arkansas. With more people reconsidering where to live and work, Arkansas wins by pinpointing the “real feel” of these nooks and crannies and promoting that in a modern but authentic way.  Arkansas is growing. Between 2020 and 2022, 38,055 people from the other 49 states settled in the Land of Opportunity. However, we should strive for stickiness. Engaging new and existing residents is essential to retaining newcomers, maintaining your historic ethos,  and supporting long-term community and economic development.

Amenities attract, community retains.

Effective community engagement takes time and must involve all stakeholders. Look within your organization first.  Staff and board members deserve clarity, give it to them. You need their input, ask for it.

Next, head out.  Broad community outreach includes everything from casual conversations in local diners to formal meetings with major employers. We know what makes our communities special, it’s why we’re here! Still, the busyness of it all gets in the way. I get it, I’ve been there.

I’ve recently been ending my Saturday rides with a stroll through our Farmer’s Market. The energy is inspirational. The conversations are first class.

Get up, get out, and do something. You can learn much from simply being an active participant in the place you call home. Look up from your desk and look around your town to identify community strengths, shared values, and future aspirations.

The Process 

• Listen Up: Engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders in discussions about community needs and aspirations.

• Offer Help: Support local organizations to serve the community effectively.

• Tell the Story: Identify and promote the unique cultural and economic strengths of your community.

• Build for All: Develop long-term strategies that align with the community’s values and economic goals.

• Keep in Touch: Maintain ongoing communication and involvement with residents to ensure initiatives remain relevant and supported.​​

Change Making

Nonprofits and associations are instrumental in enhancing the capacity of communities to implement development strategies effectively. By providing training, resources, and support, they help local organizations and leaders build the skills and knowledge needed to drive economic growth.

Collective Community Voice

These organizations play a significant role in advocating for policies and initiatives that benefit the community. They engage in public relations efforts to raise awareness about local issues and garner support from broader audiences, including policymakers and potential investors.

Collaboration and Trust

Effective economic development requires trust and collaboration among various stakeholders. Nonprofits and associations act as intermediaries, bringing together different groups to discuss and address community challenges. This collaborative approach ensures that development efforts are inclusive and consider the perspectives of all community members.

Keeping it Real

Nonprofits and associations help communities identify and promote their unique cultural and economic strengths. By focusing on authentic attributes, they ensure that development initiatives resonate with local values and appeal to residents and businesses genuinely invested in the community's success.

Community nonprofits and associations are vital to place-based economic development. 

Their roles in convening partners and people, advocacy, community engagement, resource mobilization, and cultural promotion are essential for authentic growth that reflects the true character and needs of the community.