PREPARING A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
By Jonathan Rochwerger
INTRODUCTION In its simplest form, an Economic Development strategy( EDS) provides an overarching vision for a local economy and includes objectives and targeted actions to deliver economic development outcomes. However, an EDS is more than a guide to the internal decision making of Government, it is also a reflection of an area’ s values and commitment to developing an equitable, sustainable and liveable community.
Over time, local economic development has evolved from focusing on growth, to achieving a greater balance between economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The role of the EDS has followed suit.
Through a combination of secondary research and first-hand experience in preparing Economic Development strategies for Local Government Areas, this article provides an overview of contemporary practices in strategy preparation and delivery – including the strategic importance of these documents, key themes that should be considered, as well as common interventions and objectives required by Council.
This is designed as both an educational and discussion piece for Councils to facilitate the successful delivery of Economic Development strategies, which can be used by economic development practitioners to advocate for strategy development.
IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES As mentioned above, an EDS typically reflects a community’ s understanding of economic development, values and aspirations. Although there are many different definitions for what economic development is, in our view, the EDS should seek to achieve the following( as defined by The World Bank, 2016):
“ Building the economic capacity of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life of its citizens. In this process, public, business and community sector partners work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and job creation.”
Although not a legislative requirement for Councils, Economic Development strategies are often classified as‘ strategic objectives’ to support the outcomes of Council Plans( Victoria Auditor General, 2018). In this context, Economic Development strategies are important documents to support the above outcomes.
Across Australia, Economic Development strategies are an important strategic document for government, particularly local Councils, and are prevalent in every state. In Victoria alone, the State Government has developed a suite of Regional Economic Development strategies, designed to achieve stronger outcomes for its 9 regions and inform local EDS’. Across Local Government, more than 60( out of the 79) Councils either have a current, or recently expired EDS.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTEXT AND‘ AREAS OF INFLUENCE’ A local EDS is prepared within the context of Local Government’ s core service offerings and are often implemented across Council departments( in partnership with State Government, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders).
As such, Economic Development strategy objectives and interventions( e. g. projects, initiatives, actions) are typically achieved through a holistic
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