According to the nation’s city officials, the performance of local, regional and state economies have improved over the past year. Despite improvements, cities are still struggling in significant ways, signaling that growth is not keeping pace at a level that is needed for a sustained recovery.
This case study explores how Chelsea, Michigan, through strong leadership and a focus on attracting and growing small businesses, has evolved into a destination city with a blooming restaurant scene, independent retailers and events that draw visitors to the city’s core.
This City Practice Brief highlights four agreements operating in Ohio’s Montgomery and Cuyahoga Counties, the Metro Denver region, and California’s East Bay. It closes with some key take-aways to consider when developing an agreement for your own region.
City leaders are increasingly embracing global economic linkages as viable sources of local economic growth. NLC helps local leaders understand the global economy in the context of their local and regional realities and develop capacity to expand international trade and attract foreign investment.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the drivers of job creation and innovation in most local economies. NLC helps city leaders understand the needs of their business community, implement targeted policies and leverage strategic partnerships to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive.
A skilled, educated workforce is an essential component of a strong and growing local economy. NLC offers research and resources to help city leaders connect workforce development and economic development efforts.
City leaders play a key role in economic development by establishing a locally-based vision and implementing this vision with coordinated public policies. NLC offers research on city economic conditions and resources on retail and downtown redevelopment, business attraction and retention, and public-private partnerships and planning.
