Blog

IEDC’s board of directors and staff send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to those who are being impacted by the catastrophic wildfires in California and the western states, and the brave fire personnel and other first responders working to contain the damage. We recognize the layered impact of these fires as communities also attempt to address the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

Last week, IEDC hosted a webinar titled “Planning and Next Steps for Dual Disasters,” during which economic development professionals discussed disaster planning during an extremely active hurricane season and the ongoing economic challenges posed by COVID-19. The webinar was moderated by Mickie Valente of Valente Strategic Advisors, located in Saint Petersburg, Florida. The event also featured a discussion between Christine Bryant, CEcD, from Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation in Texas, and Ada Clark of the Emerald Coast Regional Council in Destin, Florida. 

by Cecilia Harry, IEDC Board Member 

As more positive cases of COVID-19 popped up in El Paso County, Colorado and elected officials started to make hard decisions about social distancing and essential employers, leadership in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado knew one thing: collaboration was what would help the region weather this pandemic with the least damage to public health and the economy as possible.

Racism and police violence against Black communities prevails in urban areas across the country. In order to push for positive and restorative change in disenfranchised areas, community leaders must revisit long-established practices and ensure that new policies and programs don’t have unintended consequences for historically vulnerable populations. Neighborhood revitalization strategies, especially in historically low-income black or minority neighborhoods, need to balance between re-energizing neighborhoods with new investment and a commitment to protecting the people and culture that exists there. Equitable development policies are key. The Over the Rhine (OTR) neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio offers useful lessons.