New column seeks to explore nuances of economic policy

After three decades in economic and community development, I can say that the sustainable community and smart growth models are still evolving. The challenge has always been to create a balance that achieves a quality of life for present and future residents of the community.
The goal of this column is to open a window for discussion on decisions made by public entities and corporate management under the economic development umbrella for Northern Colorado.
Economic development can be one of a community?s enabling tools; if used effectively it can backfill weak areas of an economy and tax revenue base while staging the community against future unforeseen changes.
As a public tool, the results of a good economic development strategy can generate new revenues for open space, environmental policies and affordable housing needs. The economic development tool can also position a community against regional, national or global competitors, minimizing the short- and long-term risks to public management and elected leadership.
As this column matures I look to draw on individuals involved in these decisions from their perspective ? I hope to show the true challenge that every player, public or private faces in these unique windows of opportunity and challenge.
Here are a few perspectives that one hears often:
? Resident: ?I am not opposed to the company moving here but I do not want the extra housing that the location will generate and the extra traffic?.?
? Employee: ?They cut another hundred positions at our subsidiary due to a shift in the
global competition. I wonder if my job will be next and if so how will I find new employment that uses my skills with our limited employers? base in the area. I may have to move to another area to find work??
? Government: ?We are getting calls from those that think this will bring competition for
them, and from those who want to be first in line for the new jobs, and those who want to sell them something, and those who don?t want the increased traffic, and the new housing and in migration of new people, and those who want us to get a pound of flesh from the new location to fund open space or a hundred other items ??
Who would have thought that such a simple item ? economic development in Northern Colorado ? could be so complex?
Down the road, look for assessments on the following topics:
? Quality of life used to be in the top 10 lists for corporate locations. Now it does not make the list. Why is that and what has changed?
? Open space and environmental balance is being de-funded in today?s economies. Why and how are these items tied to the success of the business base?
? How does, retail make decisions to locate in an area? These key drives provide a large portion of our area?s sales tax and service base.
? Firms that are cutting back and closing out in Northern Colorado, and the drivers outside our controls affecting those decisions.
? Who?s looking in the region and who could be looking if we knocked on their door?
? What strategies are the other Front Range communities applying in economic development and does it affect the northern region?
Questions and comments are appreciated since this is a dialog as we take a 360-degree look at how northern Colorado?s private and public management teams find balance for the community?s economy.

John Reardon is 30-year veteran of economic development, and current operates Reardon & Associates based in Northern Colorado. Comments may be directed to John.Reardon@Reardon-and-Associates.com.