THE RURBAN FRINGE

Small Town Tries Economic Development Incentives

Are business incentives a cost-effective strategy to help achieve economic growth?
The town of Denton, North Carolina (pop. 1,650) thinks so.
As part of their Jobs Creation Program, the town hopes to create 150 new jobs over the next five years.  Their plan includes:

Water/Sewer/Trash – Three month grant assistance to approved businesses to help cover water, sewer and trash [...]

10 Things Elected Officials Need to Know About Economic Development

According to the National League of Cities, ”local elected officials will be more effective in leading economic development activities to the extent that they forge strong relationships with staff members who work on these issues on a daily basis.” 
Sometimes, it’s that simple.
The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development, a free publication which strives to identify [...]

The US EDA Wants to Hear From You!

For my American readers – and particularly those involved in rural entrepreneurship and economic development - your input is being sought as the US Economic Development Authority (EDA), in collaboration with Portland State University, develops a new tool for practitioners and policy-makers to better identify and describe the impacts of their economic development activities. 
Feedback is being [...]

2011 GRT Conference Learnings

It’s all about the people, people!
After having the opportunity to attend and present at this year’s Growing Rural Tourism conference in Camrose, Alberta, I was humbled to meet lots of good people who are doing great things in rural Alberta … and beyond. 
For me, the theme of the conference was definitely about relationships … from John [...]

Free Land Used to Entice New Residents

In the US, some small towns are giving away land in hopes of attracting new residents. 
“As with the homesteaders of the 1800s, the new pioneers must not be the faint of heart – they can’t be the type to shy away from the trials of building a home from the ground up, or the lack [...]

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