Community Economic Development
“The Resilience process is a dynamic process that brings to the table individuals of diverse backgrounds [business, educational, environmental, social, government] who share the common goal of bettering their community by taking a holistic approach in identifying the core needs/issues of the community for the benefit of future generations. In order for positive community growth to occur participants must keep an open mind to the Resilience Process, this means, peeling back the layers and uncovering the core issues and then and only then will development benefiting the greater good of the community occur.”
Paula Watt, Economic Development Director, City of Cranston, Rhode Island, USA
Traditional economic development practices are no longer effective in today’s rapidly changing world. Current and emergent global conditions are shocking communities into a new economic reality. The former industrial model is no longer valid for many that have relied upon it for decades. The “build it and they will come” or “attract at all costs” game is simply not effective to grow 21st century economies.
Economic Development in the 21st Century requires a whole systems, whole place view and understanding. The Resilient Communities Process develops community economic development strategies that are based on an understanding of the conditions and capabilities across social, economic, ecological, cultural, community knowledge, built form and governance systems all working in sync. Communities develop the ability to recognize changing (emergent) conditions and readily adapt and position themselves to thrive in the new environment.
Resilient Economic Development Strategies are developed to maximize place-based business development that is aligned with a community’s goals and guiding principles.
Theme Leaders: David Platt in WA and Fred Presley in the USA.
