Is Economic Growth Good
Everybody talks about economic growth as a priority . Politicians cite growth statistics on the campaign trail , residents talk about the need for more retail options and better-paying jobs and businesses and developers look to capitalize on shifting demographics and population growth .
It is acknowledged that economic development is a good thing in the abstract , but the nuts and bolts of growing the commercial , industrial and residential base of a community are often hotly debated topics . The issue of economic growth is particularly important in the First Coast Region , as more people relocate to the area and cities and counties compete for new business development . And while there is general agreement that growth is good , precisely what kind of growth – and where and how it happens – are less clear .
For local officials , striking a balance between population growth , economic development and quality of life issues can be tricky . And changing economic realities at the local , state , national and international levels only make it more difficult . But growth is a priority across the region , and leaders are finding ways to accommodate the changing needs of their communities .
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