Ideas grow from effective dialogue. Competitive Communities are using open processes to plan a future of brainpower, quality place and innovation. Opportunity in these communities often grows when diverse groups learn to creatively communicate in ways that connect problems and solutions. Different points of view, “brain gumbo”, can define issues as challenges for creative problem solving. In fact, a well-defined problem (simply stated, specific and outcome focused) is the most creative part of processes leading to good solutions. Open, well-structured dialogue helps identify where public resources can have the greatest return on investment and builds consensus for priorities.

Implementing projects without understanding problems, opportunities and priorities is like looking for a light switch in the dark. Public resources in many communities are currently stretched beyond the ability to keep up with basic infrastructure needs. Often “short-cut-shooters-from-the-hip” want fast results and profess planning process dialogue (often the inspiration for vision) a waste of time.

This “Ready! Fire! Aim” approach to implement projects du jour, without adequate thinking, without inclusion and without thoroughly understanding targeted problems is characteristic of some communities looking for fast and easy prosperity. Transferring project solutions from one community to another can also be quicksand. It seems easier to copy sexy projects that another community made successful. Look around; many communities look more and more alike because transferring ideas is easier than building on unique assets that distinguish communities. A more successful approach is learning and understanding goals and processes that other communities are utilizing to bring human capital together to shape a better future.

Competitive Communities are mobilizing brainpower. There is a growing recognition that promises of the quickest path to an unplanned better future are more often a slow, expensive path to a growing list of unmet needs. It’s amazing how often leaders in control choose not to bring a community’s diverse brainpower together to support innovation. It may seem slower because its harder in the beginning, however, an inclusive process that builds consensus for creative solutions to well defined problems builds momentum and, in reality, is faster, more accountable and sustainable.

Growing Forward, an article in the Spring 2004 issue of Economic Development America, provides ideas to communities exploring processes that build regional cooperation for planning growth and resource investment. Over 2,000 participated in developing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Northwest North Carolina. The following are excerpts from the article:

“The lessons learned in Northwest North Carolina have strong relevance to other communities. The lessons on competition, regionalism, and community investment are helpful to any community looking for a new direction in economic development:

·Form close relationships and pool resources with neighboring communities. A regional approach to economic development helps communities succeed and offers residents a wider range of opportunities.
·Make sure economic development activities and local policy cater to entrepreneurial businesses. Entrepreneurs and small businesses will drive future economic growth.
·Strengthen K-12 education, downtowns, and support for local businesses. These investments increase a region’s appeal to new businesses and talented workers. Now more than ever, it is critical to invest in the core of the community.
·Empower local residents and businesses to participate in economic development. They are a great source of new ideas and extend the reach of an economic development organization.
·A region’s ability to attract knowledgeable and talented people is equally as important as the ability to recruit new companies.
·Successful regions will take aggressive steps to reduce social disparity. As disparity decreases, the potential of attracting new investment increases.
·The ability and freedom to innovate differentiates the U.S. from every other country. A region’s economic development campaign must embrace and cultivate innovation.”

You can view the reports and other information about this regional CEDS at the Angelou Economics project web site, Northwest North Carolina CEDS.