Connecting workers to job opportunities and long-term career paths is a critical component of sustainable economic growth that is often hampered by a lack of information sharing and coordination among organizations. TIP’s proprietary Job Quality and Access tool, developed in collaboration with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, provides multi-dimensional data that helps identify higher quality and more accessible jobs across geographies.
Limited access to the education and training needed to acquire high-demand skills and systemic biases in hiring decisions continue to perpetuate skills gaps and lead to underrepresentation in high-paying occupations. This post highlights two inclusive strategies—tailored community-based training programs and targeted recruitment—that economic developers can champion to help increase representation and bridge opportunity gaps.
Opportunity, Representation, and Participation In Workforce Development Read More
The process of placemaking is a means to bridge gaps across racial and socioeconomic lines, expand access to economic opportunity, and foster social inclusion within communities. These outcomes, however, require intentional efforts and a commitment to tackle unintentional practices that lead to division, creating unequal access to amenities, public spaces, and prosperity.
In October 2023, Tom Stellman and Alexis Angelo were part of a panel on the intersection of economic development and philanthropy at Philanthropy Southwest’s 75th Annual Conference, held in the Lost Pines region outside of Austin. In her latest post, Alexis summarizes the panel, which featured our work for the City of Muskogee Foundation, and shares her takeaways from the event.
While generative AI may not be a singular historical moment, it is a significant one in the longer arc of technological change. TIP managing partner Jon Roberts considers the implications of generative AI and offers actions that economic developers can take to both mitigate the challenges and leverage the opportunities facing their local economies and workforces.
As the lead on Central Indiana’s comprehensive economic development strategy, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization started laying the groundwork early. By having one-on-one conversations with a broad cross-section of leaders, organizations, and elected officials, even before the planning process began, the IMPO was able to build consensus and weave the region’s core values throughout the plan.
In June, Tom Stellman and Katrina Parkey attended JFF’s Horizons in New Orleans. In Katrina’s latest post, she shares some insights gained from her time at JFF’s annual summit.
The preparation of a comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) is crucial for enhancing regional competitiveness. The third installment in TIP’s CEDS series focuses on integrating equity into the planning process to ensure a high-quality, compliant strategic plan that expands access to economic opportunities.
How Can a Community Make Equity the Foundation of a CEDS? Read More
In early June, Jenn Todd-Goynes attended CNU31 in Charlotte, North Carolina. As a member of the Congress for New Urbanism, Jenn is passionate about the role of the built environment and about creating people-centered places. In her recent blog post, she discusses two themes from the conference that have broad implications for community and economic developers.
Command-and-control leadership no longer works. In a rapidly changing world, economic development organizations face numerous obstacles to sustainable growth. TIP president Tracye McDaniel shares her insights about connected leadership—what it is and how it can be effectively harnessed by economic developers. Rooted in inclusivity, connected leadership can better position organizations and communities for resilience today and tomorrow.
Harnessing the Power of Connected Leadership for Inclusive Economic Development Read More
