For decades, if a community wanted to increase jobs, the go-to approach was to offer companies tax breaks and subsidies to relocate there. This approach has lots of downsides. But perhaps the biggest problem for economic development officials now is that too often, this strategy simply doesn’t work.
A new trend in local economic development is emerging. Companies today are less interested in tax breaks and more interested in vibrant neighborhoods with affordable housing options, restaurants, nightlife, and other amenities in walking distance, and a range of transportation options for their employees. Talented workers—and the companies who want to employ them—are increasingly moving to these sorts of places.
Amazing Place: Six Cities Using the New Recipe for Economic Development takes a closer look at six cities putting this approach into action — Boise, ID; Denver, CO; Greenville, SC; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; and Pittsburgh, PA.
The recording of the launch webinar includes a discussion of how these cities are using this approach, featuring local experts from the six cities.
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Questions about the Forum? Contact director of communications Steve Davis at sdavis@smartgrowthamerica.org