Blog

In a webinar hosted by the Urban Institute’s WorkRise network titled How Economic Forces and Racial Inequity Shape Opportunity and Mobility, professionals from around the country engaged in a discussion to address economic mobility and transforming a low-wage economy.

Ruston is a college town of almost 22,000 in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, and the home of Louisiana Tech University with a student body of about 17,000 students. On April 25th, 2019,  an EF-3 tornado with winds as strong as 165 mph tore through northern Louisiana. Ruston suffered immense devastation as the tornado passed directly through the middle of the city, leaving severe damage to homes, businesses, and several facilities owned by Louisiana Tech. The wreckage of the tornado highlighted the importance of the role that development planning has not only for economic prosperity, but also for hazard mitigation and resilience. 

On Friday, October 16, IEDC hosted a webinar and annual conference session addressing long term resilience in the face of multiple crises. The session addressed the road to recovery as disasters meet, particularly how to address natural disasters in the midst of a global pandemic and nation-wide recession. The session included a presentation from Mickie Valente, president of Valente Strategic Advisors and a panel discussion between economic development professionals from around the country. Attendees were welcomed by Dennis Alvord, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development & Chief Operating Officer.