Economic Development

Overview

Many cities, counties and special districts are pursuing sustainable economic development – policies and practices that help communities attract and retain jobs for the long term, while also maintaining environmental quality, conserving resources, addressing economic disparities and promoting public health. FFIT offers information and links to organizations that can help local officials in their efforts to create more prosperous and sustainable local communities. Many of these strategies have the added benefit of reducing short-term and long-term costs to provide and maintain public services and infrastructure.

How We Can Help

Management Consulting

Solve your biggest economic development services challenges

Creating prosperous and sustainable communities is a goal that all local officials and leaders can share, and we at FFIT Consulting want to help you pursue that goal.

What is Sustainable Economic Development?

Many cities and counties are pursuing sustainable economic development – policies and practices that help communities attract and retain jobs for the long term, while also maintaining environmental quality, conserving resources, addressing economic disparities, promoting public health, and otherwise improve the city’s quality of life. Many of these strategies have the added benefit of reducing short-term and long-term costs to provide and maintain public services and infrastructure.

Economic Development Benefits

Economic development benefits consist of improvements in the economic growth, competitiveness and vitality of a community. Sustainability strategies can improve a business’ bottom line, enhance the built environment and attract new economic activity into more walkable and revitalized areas. These efforts are key to encouraging local residents and outsiders to invest and spend within a jurisdiction, thereby spurring further economic development. These economic benefits can take many forms:

Sustainability best practices generate savings to residents and businesses through reduced expenditures on water, energy, gas and other resources. These savings are then available to support additional local investments and economic activity.
Communities that are well planned with a variety of housing options, commercial developments and efficient and convenient transportation choices attract investments in new and expanded businesses. These investments can increase local economic activity and employment, saving time and money for employees and employers alike.
Well-designed communities and efficient transportation are especially important for retaining and supporting the competitiveness of small to medium-sized businesses, which are the source of most employment growth. Local businesses are more likely to keep money in local circulation, multiplying the economic impact.