Since the passage of legislative efforts like Proposition 13 in California and the “tax-shift” legislation in Nevada in the 1970’s, local governments have become increasingly reliant on tourism and, more specifically, sales tax revenue to fund a growing demand for public services.  A shrinking tax base means that local governments, like the City of Reno, [...]

On May 29th, 2010, the Reno Gazette Journal republished an article originally printed by USA Today titled, “More Older Americans Start Own Business”.  Citing several different studies, including one produced by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and another by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor organization, individuals 55 years or older are increasingly becoming the majority of [...]

I’ve had some free time to catch up on my reading and two books that I’ve recently finished I recommend to anyone interested in larger economic development issues.  Both of these books, “The Other America:  Poverty in the United States” written by Michael Harrington and first published in 1962 and “The Post-American World” written by [...]

Back on March 19th I outlined the general theory behind neighborhood and community based economic development strategies.  Now, after a few short diversions, I’d like to return to the topic of neighborhood and community development by outlining some specific strategies.
The first specific neighborhood and community based economic development strategy is better known as “Community Building”.  [...]

Earlier this morning (April 1, 2010) at the Downtown Improvement Association’s (http://www.renodowntown.com/) monthly membership meeting, Nevada Secretary of State, Mr. Ross Miller, made a presentation about the 2010 Census and various economic development services and resources available through the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office.  Here are a few highlights from his presentation.
First, it’s important to [...]

In my last blog I promised to talk about the specific approaches and strategies that typically comprise a comprehensive neighborhood and community economic development plan.  If you would indulge me this one time, I promise to come back to the topic of neighborhood and community development in my next blog.  For now, I’d like to [...]

In the wide world of economic development, neighborhood and community development is both frequently used and largely misunderstood.  In short, we know what it is (sort of), but we really don’t do a very good job in doing it.  According to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), “Neighborhood development focuses on the economic aspects of [...]

On Sunday, February 28, the 21st Winter Olympic Games, held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, came to an end during a spectacular closing ceremony viewed by millions across the world and tens of thousands in attendance.  For many, the Olympics are a celebration of sport.  For others, the Olympics represent the very best possibilities of [...]

A week ago on Monday, February 8, 2010, Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons gave his “State of the State” address, with State Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford providing the Democratic Response. One of the more interesting points made by both the Governor and the Senator was the role “green economy” jobs will have in brining [...]

Economic development marketing and attraction is probably the least understood part of a community’s overall economic development plan. An economic development marketing and attraction strategy is how a community implements its wider economic development plan. Simply put, a successful economic development marketing and attraction strategy can help attract, retain, and expand new and [...]