Aaron Renn recently wrote a thoughtful, balanced opinion piece about the dilemma between people-based and place-based economic development. People-based economic development is theoretically more effective. Place-based economic development, which is sometimes the only available approach for local governments because of their territorial nature, generally is structurally incentivized and provides quicker gratification.
At RSG, we are very familiar with this dilemma. Our clients are usually cities. We recognize that they need to generate property and sales taxes now to fund core services. Investments in education that pay off 20 years later (and possibly somewhere else) are needed, but difficult to justify. At the same time, with our focus on people and relationships, we know that people-based investments are more sound in the grand scheme of things.
Renn provides solid advice for state and federal governments to change the incentive structure to make it easier for local governments to pursue people-based economic development. Keeping in mind the glacial pace of state and federal policy change, we’re here to help cities balance economic development for both people and places.
Written by Dima Galkin, an Associate at RSG