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Economic Development Strategies for Small Towns: Lessons from Oakland, MD

This document discusses key strategies for fostering economic development in communities, focusing on the case study of Oakland, MD. It highlights the essential distinction between economic growth and development, emphasizing community involvement and strategic planning. Through SWOT analysis and vision/mission statements, towns can identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. It showcases how strategic partnerships and engagement can revitalize local economies, suggesting that big-box retailers, when embraced with community support, can coexist with Main Street businesses for long-term viability.

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Economic Development Strategies for Small Towns: Lessons from Oakland, MD

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  1. Economic Development For Your Town André Natta, CMSM Your Town Alabama 2013 Camp McDowell, AL May 9, 2013

  2. ?

  3. Working definition “(T)he process by which a community creates, retains, and reinvests wealth and improves the quality of life.” - David Dobson MDC, Inc.

  4. Economic Growth vs. Economic Development

  5. Early Economic Growth

  6. Economic Growth

  7. Economic Development

  8. It's a global market

  9. Look outside! (stay aware)

  10. “But I love New Orleans as a city for one reason: when you’re standing on a corner in New Orleans and look around, there is nowhere else in the world you could possibly be. And that’s true of fewer and fewer cities around the globe.” - Donovan Rypkema PlaceEconomics 2009

  11. Unique assets

  12. SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

  13. Community Involvement is key

  14. Community involvement Give them ownership Lead by example Form strategic partnerships Let them identify community needs

  15. Vision & mission statements Vision = values & direction Mission = purpose & objectives

  16. We're merely taking care of it for them...

  17. ...get them INVOLVED in the process, too!

  18. Plan = Framework • Framework = not set in stone • Long term • 5-10 years • Short term • 1 year

  19. Case study | Oakland, MD Source: UNC School of Government

  20. Case study | Oakland, MD Agriculture-based economy Highest unemployment rate – 16.5% (1995) Bausch and Lomb plant State mandated restriction on new development 1970 – mid 1990s Lifted in when water treatment facility built Designated Main Street Community in 1998

  21. Case study | Oakland, MD • Historic downtown train station renovated • Summer concert series started • Broad-based community support of program • Big box retailer announced in 2000 • Confirmed as Walmart in 2001

  22. Case study | Oakland, MD • MS Director helped businesses prepare • MS Director reached out to Walmart manager • Ability to create unique marketing campaign

  23. Case study | Oakland, MD • Walmart is among the highest grossing in the United States • Downtown Oakland has near-zero vacancy

  24. Takeaways | Oakland, MD • Big box doesn't necessarily destroy Main Street • Community support building helpful in long-term • Look for opportunity in adversity

  25. Cafe-shaped conversations

  26. Why NOT to be using it: • It's free and easy • Everybody else is doing it • It's the best way to reach the “young” people

  27. Why SHOULD you be using it: • Complimenting your plan's objectives • If it's not considered part of it, it should be • Tools (& people) are in place to manage a strategy effectively • You are willing to be where they are online

  28. Be aware of the conversations

  29. Small town resources

  30. Online resources • SMALL TOWNS, BIG IDEAS • UNC School of Government searchable database of 45 communities • VIBRANT RURAL COMMUNITIES CASE STUDIES SERIES • NADO Study of 9 communities (2012)

  31. ?

  32. Be strategic

  33. Keep in touch: André Natta andre@urbanconversations.com (205) 276.6585 @acnatta (I'm “noisy” on Wednesdays)

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