Georgetown County Economic Development’s Post

At today’s the State of the City held by the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Ron Nirenberg shared impressive strides: San Antonio shines in PWC’s real estate rankings, leads in solar energy, and boasts significant public health efforts. The Ready to Work program exemplifies our commitment to economic upliftment but still behind its mark. Yet, our journey is far from over. Historically, San Antonio grapples with economic segregation, with a poverty rate among Texas’s highest at almost 19%. Our Hispanic and black communities face stark disparities in wealth and education. As we celebrate our city’s achievements, let’s also commit to addressing these deep-rooted challenges, ensuring our growth is truly inclusive. #StateOfTheCity #EconomicEquality #SanAntonio

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/ekK9Cs3 #northspan

The policies, incentives and regulatory frameworks of yesterday often encouraged (or in many cases required) uses that no longer reflect how we now work and live. A more intentional pivot towards residential, institutional and cultural uses will require a reinvention and evolution of the policies that worked for the world of yesterday but not for the world of tomorrow. Join us this Friday as we hear from three “big city” leaders about what they are doing about it. “From I (Incentives) to Z (Zoning)” at 12:45 on Friday at the International Downtown Association Annual Conference in Chicago. Panelists include Alfred C. Cerullo, III President and CEO of the NY Grand Central Partnership and New York City Planning Commissioner, Ken Rich of the San Francisco Union Square Alliance, and Cindy Chan Roubik, Deputy Commissioner Chicago Department of Planning and Development. #downtownrecovery #publicpolicy #hybridimpacts #economicdevelopment

Thank you to the Florida City & County Management Association for acknowledging the 70th anniversary of the City of Fort Walton Beach Council-Manager form of government! We are proud to be dedicated to the ideals of public service and provide the highest caliber of service to our community. City of Gulf Breeze City Manager Samantha D. Abell, ICMA-CM presented a plaque of honor to City of Fort Walton Beach Mayor Dick Rynearson at a recent city council meeting. Fun Fact: The Council-Manager form of local government is the system that combines the strong political leadership of elected officials in the form of a mayor and council, with the strong managerial experience of an appointed local government manager. Many people do not realize that the Council-Manager’s popularity rose out of natural disasters that struck coastal cities in Texas and Virginia. We here on the Florida Coast know something about that! One of the key elements in 20th-century municipal reform was the idea that a strong and non-political executive office should be the administrative centerpiece of an efficient municipal government. It is used in most American municipalities with populations of 25,000 to 250,000. It has been strongly promoted since the 1920s by the National Civic League. Local governments have found that overall costs are reduced with competent management. Savings come in the form of reduced operating costs, increased efficiency and productivity, improved revenue collection, and/or effective use of technology. #community #municipalities #teamwork #civicengagement

🌟 Appreciating the Power of Well-Researched Knowledge: Reflections on "A Quiet Revolution" 🌟 Last week, I found myself in a thought-provoking conversation with Councilman Will Lahnen of the Jacksonville City Council. We delved into the topic of why Jacksonville decided to transition to a consolidated government, merging city and county functions. In my studies of various cities, I've always found the concept of consolidating government services to be ambitious and intriguing. Council member Lahnen recommended a book titled "A Quiet Revolution," which provides an in-depth look at the consolidation process that brought 840 square miles of Duval County under a unified government. As I pondered this, I reminded myself of Jacksonville's location in the Deep South, where social and racial tensions have historically influenced the provision of services. Despite these challenges, the fundamental role of government remains to provide leadership and service to the community. Jacksonville's history, unfortunately, includes a violent legacy of racism and discrimination, particularly affecting the poor residents of Duval County. The book sheds light on these issues, explaining why such a monumental consolidation effort was undertaken. It wasn't an easy process; opposition was fierce as many sought to maintain the status quo. My admiration grows for those who managed to transform two inefficient government bodies into a functioning metropolis with a vision for the future. "A Quiet Revolution" clarifies the entire process, from its inception to the present, offering a comprehensive history of Jacksonville's administrative evolution. In my three decades of studying various cities, I've learned that no single system of government is without flaws. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. The key takeaway is that the primary purpose of any government is to provide services and enhance the livability of its area. My experiences, both academic and practical, have deepened my understanding of how we coexist. There's no absolute right or wrong in the universe; the onus is on us to get involved in our local communities to effect meaningful change. https://lnkd.in/eN6tKJTe #CommunityEngagement #SelfAwareness #LoveMindset #Governance #WellResearched #LifeLessons #AQuietRevolution #Jacksonville

We define the Northland as eight counties across the Minnesota Arrowhead, plus Douglas County in Wisconsin. This region is deeply interconnected in terms of economy, culture, and more: https://lnkd.in/dUXjPpx #northspan

County Executive George Latimer and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson joined forces at Latimer’s Weekly Westchester Update on a partnership aimed at strengthening regional collaboration between Westchester County and the Bronx. Through their cooperative efforts, the two leaders seek to address critical regional issues and underscore the importance of working together for the betterment of their constituents. Latimer said: “There are a myriad of fundamental issues that affect the daily lives of our residents. By working together, we can create a more efficient and collaborative approach that benefits everyone in our region.” Gibson said: “Our communities thrive when we invest in economic development that provides opportunities for our residents. Together with County Executive Latimer, we are working towards a future where everyone in 'The Bronx and the 'Burbs' can benefit from our region's prosperity.” Transportation improvements, like Penn Station Access, are at the forefront of their shared vision – linked by the County’s Bee-Line Bus System and New York City’s MTA System. Latimer and Gibson are committed to enhancing public transit options and road networks to reduce commutes and alleviate traffic congestion. This initiative aims to benefit residents on both sides of the County line. Economic development is another key focus of their collaboration. Both leaders emphasize the need to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises and create a thriving regional economy that benefits all residents. Their goal is to foster job opportunities and economic growth that transcends geographic boundaries. Read more here: https://ow.ly/V07c50PNRE0

Our President and CEO, Blondel A. Pinnock along with a select esteemed panel participated at NYU's Furman Center Policy Breakfast on "Supply Skepticism Revisited", a discussion on current studies and the effects on rental housing, gentrification, and new development. According to NYU's law and Economics Research Paper Forthcoming, "Does increased supply of market rate housing lead to increases, decreases, or changes in the rate of increase in rents?" For more information, please read the newly released paper "Supply Skepticism Revisited" here ▶ https://buff.ly/3SDPpgf #bedstuyrestoration #brooklynrealestate #supply #housing #housingsupply #housingcrisis #economy #newyorkcity #building #developers #affordablehousing #affordability