Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization’s Post

As I embark on my second day at #CPC23, I'm pleased to say that I've already had so many great conversations, representing Plunkett Foundation and making the case for #communityownership & the wider #combiz movement. Armed with new research, written by Georgina Edwards using data compiled by Paul Thompson I have been able to convey the huge social, economic & environmental impact of this growing sector. * I've made the case for community-ownership in relation to housing, referencing the work we're doing with Thakeham. * I've made the case for community-ownership in relation to economic strategy, promoting the new #FutureEconomyAlliance led by Social Enterprise UK * I've made the case for community-ownership in relation to a thriving & inclusive countryside, promoting calls from the #RuralCoalition administered by ACRE. * I've made the case for community-ownership in the context of #socialinvestment & the power of #comshares, referencing new research from Cooperatives UK. Today, I'm looking forward to linking up with Power to Change at their fringe about #levellingup, where you guessed it I'll be making the case for community-ownership (in the context of rural assets). On we go. Have a read of this year's 'Community-ownership: A Better Form of Business' report via the link below. As you'll see, it is simply incredible to see how businesses; that have been negatively impacted by the cost-of-living, inflation & energy price crises themselves, continue to put people & their communities first in spite of the challenges they face. https://lnkd.in/ekkCgQMF

We are in a moment when working across silos at the regional scale has never been more urgent to tackle interconnected issues of #climate, #housing, #transit, #economicinclusion. The #MetropolitanPlanningOrganization is one of the key regional institutions that COULD expand its role. (An issue Bruce Katz and I wrote about https://lnkd.in/gFj5D2qN) Wonderful to spend a few days last week with fellow #regionalists at California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG) conference (#RegionalLeadershipForum) in #Monterey. When regions gather together... #regionsrisetogether Heartening to see how #regionalplanning ideas we incubated and proposed at the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) California Strategic Growth Council California Air Resources Board are progressing - esp about funding implementation of regional plans . A few takeaways: - The Regional Early Planning Action Grants (#REAP 2) we created to fund strategies that reduce driving (eg #infill infrastructure) is widely popular. As California Department of Housing & Community Development's Gustavo Velasquez noted “REAP 2 is one of best programs statewide to meet #GHG and #VMT goals”. - But...REAP 2 needs more champions to articulate its value and connection to State of California #climate and #equity goals as Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s budget proposed cutting REAP in half (i.e. from $600 to $300 mill). - There is consensus we need a replacement for the gas tax (since #zeroemissionvehicles or #ZEVs don’t pay the gas tax + are a rapidly growing share of vehicles). - But... there is less consensus on the precise way to implement #pricing nor the goals (replace $, reduce driving, improve equity, fund new projects). Also - longtime collaborator and friend Alex Schafran gave a wonderful presentation on the past and future of #regionalplanning. A few key points from his excellent talk: 1. There is a tension between pursuing #regionalism as "collaboratively solving problems" (ie the traditional approach of #COGs) vs regionalism as "power over" (ie the merger of the five counties into City of New York or the failed “Greater San Francisco” movement in 1912 when City and County of San Francisco sought to annex City of Oakland, City of Berkeley, + parts of County of Marin and County of San Mateo as outer boroughs). 2. And as Alex noted, “Jurisdictions working together isn’t ceding local control but expanding local capacity”. See the many examples of tactical subregional collaboration (ie shared service delivery). Thank you to Bill Higgins and Sabrina Bradbury and California Association of Councils of Governments (CALCOG) for convening a great group. And wonderful to catch up w so many people Sarah Jepson Kome Ajise Matt Maloney David Zehnder Julia Kingsley Elissa Konove Christopher Lee Kim Anderson Robert Phipps Asha Weinstein Agrawal Laura Pennebaker Rosa De León Park + many more.

We are celebrating 50 years of North Kesteven District Council over the next few months. Some years ago, a retiring colleague gave me a copy of the 1968 Redcliffe-Maud Report on Local Government Reform. The report triggered the reorganisation of Local Government in 1974, albeit in a different form to that proposed in the reports conclusions. For 50 years, local government has been making a positive difference across our communities, through day in day out delivery of essential public services, community leadership, innovation, and investment in infrastructure, economic development, local housing solutions and place. At North Kesteven, we are proud of our track record...on economic development, investment in housing, development of culture and the arts, and in our commitment to customer service and performance every day in every community. A massive thank you to the whole team for making a difference now in 2024, and every day for 50 years...and we do have one colleague who has been working for the organisation throughout its 50 year history, a remarkable achievement. And what about the next 50 years? We need to reframe the debate and encourage a step change in policy development...for example...we need a new economic model, regenerative and redistributive, designed to promote flourishing communities, address climate change and reduce inequality. We need a preventive model of public service delivery, in concept a system based approach to addressing the social determinants of health. We need to break out of the 'doom loop', and boost investment in public services and infrastructure appropriate to local need and ambition. And we need a new constitutional settlement, rebuilding global and European governance, and building on the Council of Europe Charter of Local Self Government - in character more internationalist, more local, more place based, less national. And whatever the future holds in terms of the function, purpose and form of local government, we need to reverse the 'bigger is better trend' and the centralism of the last 50 years and embrace the local, the place, and the complexity of the networks, relationships and diversity that gives shape to our communities. #localgovernment #leadership #lincolnshire #sustainabledevelopment #northkesteven District Councils' Network

🚀 Dundee’s Growth Engine – Public and Private Sector Partnerships 🚀 Dundee's journey to prosperity relies on harnessing the deep operational knowledge of the private sector. By fostering collaboration, we can leverage this first-hand experience to innovate, drive economic growth, and implement practical solutions that benefit our community every day. Private sector leaders bring invaluable insights from their day-to-day operations: 💡 Understanding industry-specific challenges and opportunities 💡Implementing effective strategies for business growth and sustainability 💡Bringing a solution-based mindset to the table – thinking outside the box The public sector enables us to integrate these insights into broader initiatives across Dundee. Together, we can break down barriers, foster collaboration, and pave the way for a resilient and thriving city. 🌟 Let's unite efforts to shape Dundee's success story through impactful public-private partnerships. Together, we can achieve remarkable outcomes that benefit our future and out people🌟 Drop me a message or an email to find out more: gregor.marshall@dundeecity.gov.uk #DundeeProsperity #PublicPrivatePartnership #CommunityGrowth #Innovation #Collaboration Dundee Adult Employability Service Discover Work Dundee City Council Dundee and Angus College Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce Erin Johnson carol M. Allan Millar Robin Presswood John Alexander Steven Rome Blackadders Black Sheep Coffee Lindsay Darroch lynne short Alison Henderson Wendy McCartney Robertson Group Derek Stewart Eric Duncan Graeme Ross Wattie Milne Graeme Millar James Williamson Gaynor Sullivan MCIM Marc Lorente Michelle De Almeida Clark Boles - CBO Associates Jamie McBrearty Jamie Duffy Jamie Kirk Luigi Capuano Goska Kidd Manny Baber Eddie Wighton Yvonne Douglas Jimmy Urquhart Adam Taylor Andrew Cheape

🌟 Exciting News! Wyoming County Commits to Regional Growth with Penn’s Northeast 🌟 We're thrilled to announce Wyoming County's bold step towards economic prosperity by joining forces with Penn’s Northeast! This partnership marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards a vibrant economic landscape in Northeastern PA. Wyoming County's decision underscores its commitment to leveraging collective resources and fostering job opportunities. According to Commissioner Tom Henry, "Aligning with neighboring counties amplifies our impact and harnesses synergies beyond geographic boundaries." Commissioner Ernie King adds, "Partnering with Penn’s Northeast in our pursuit of economic prosperity is a win-win." Commissioner Rick Wilbur agrees, highlighting how this initiative strengthens our ability to attract investment and foster entrepreneurship. President and CEO of Penn’s Northeast, John L Augustine III, welcomes Wyoming County, emphasizing, "This partnership exemplifies our shared purpose and commitment to regional growth." Together, we'll unlock the region's full potential and create a brighter future for all. Through this collaboration, Wyoming County gains access to strategic resources and a vast network, ensuring responsible growth that honors our rural charm and resources. Let's build a thriving economy together! Read More Here: https://bit.ly/3VQoe2V 🚀 #WyomingCounty #PennsNE #NEPAProud #EconomicGrowth #RegionalProsperity

Industrial Development Agencies play a vital role in New York State, particularly due to the substantial costs of conducting business within its boundaries. The Orange County IDA plays a critical role in maintaining the sustainability of economic growth through these four pillars: #CompetitiveEdge: Empowering businesses to thrive in a competitive landscape. #JobCreation: Fostering opportunities, fueling employment growth. #EconomicDevelopment: Cultivating a robust economic environment. #EncouragingInnovation: Inspiring progress through creative thinking. These pillars are more than concepts; they're our commitment to a balanced, thriving #community. Each one strengthens our county's foundation for sustainable, inclusive growth.

This week’s #OpportunityZone Outlook: The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced this week 28 emerging New Jersey technology businesses benefited from $63.2 million in private investment in 2023 by the New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Program. The program offered a 5 percent bonus for investments in businesses located in a Qualified Opportunity Zone.    City & State Pennsylvania published an article highlighting the transformation in Erie, Pennsylvania since being designated as a federal Opportunity Zone, which has lured more than $200 million in direct investment.    Bridge Investment Group, Avery Hall, and Declaration Partners announced the closing of a $72.5 million construction loan from TD Bank for the development of a 17-story rental property within a Brooklyn, New York Opportunity Zone. To read: https://lnkd.in/eN83tE_h To subscribe: https://bit.ly/JillOZNews #OpportunityZones #OpportunityFund #OpportunityFunds #familyoffice #RIA #tax #realestate #finance

County Executive George Latimer and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined forces at Latimer’s Weekly Westchester Update on a partnership aimed at strengthening regional collaboration between Westchester County and the Bronx. Through their cooperative efforts, the two leaders seek to address critical regional issues and underscore the importance of working together for the betterment of their constituents. Latimer said: “There are a myriad of fundamental issues that affect the daily lives of our residents. By working together, we can create a more efficient and collaborative approach that benefits everyone in our region.” Gibson said: “Our communities thrive when we invest in economic development that provides opportunities for our residents. Together with County Executive Latimer, we are working towards a future where everyone in 'The Bronx and the 'Burbs' can benefit from our region's prosperity.” Transportation improvements, like Penn Station Access, are at the forefront of their shared vision – linked by the County’s Bee-Line Bus System and New York City’s MTA System. Latimer and Gibson are committed to enhancing public transit options and road networks to reduce commutes and alleviate traffic congestion. This initiative aims to benefit residents on both sides of the County line. Economic development is another key focus of their collaboration. Both leaders emphasize the need to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises and create a thriving regional economy that benefits all residents. Their goal is to foster job opportunities and economic growth that transcends geographic boundaries. Read more here: https://ow.ly/V07c50PNRE0

The policies, incentives and regulatory frameworks of yesterday often encouraged (or in many cases required) uses that no longer reflect how we now work and live. A more intentional pivot towards residential, institutional and cultural uses will require a reinvention and evolution of the policies that worked for the world of yesterday but not for the world of tomorrow. Join us this Friday as we hear from three “big city” leaders about what they are doing about it. “From I (Incentives) to Z (Zoning)” at 12:45 on Friday at the International Downtown Association Annual Conference in Chicago. Panelists include Alfred C. Cerullo, III President and CEO of the NY Grand Central Partnership and New York City Planning Commissioner, Ken Rich of the San Francisco Union Square Alliance, and Cindy Chan Roubik, Deputy Commissioner Chicago Department of Planning and Development. #downtownrecovery #publicpolicy #hybridimpacts #economicdevelopment

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