How to Aid Economic Development in the Community

Community economic development is about improving the quality of life for people where you work and live. This is achieved by creating new job opportunities, supporting health and well-being programs, providing accessible education and working together for a clean environment.

You might think that one person can’t make much of a difference, but improving your community’s economic development results from every person making small contributions to the community. The tips that follow will give you a starting point for making a positive change.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Bring your neighbors together in an engaging, supportive forum to share ideas about improving the community.

2. Contact your community or municipal office and ask about programs or groups you can get involved in.

3. Support local business owners by finding out about their goods and services before getting what you need from outside the community.

4. Call schools in your area to find out if your experience, interests or time could be of any help to their programs.

5. Support local affordable housing projects.

6. Encourage entrepreneur and small business programs in your high schools and colleges.

7. Find out about the environmental programs provided by your local utilities such as paperless billing, green power and environmental sponsorship. Sign up for the programs offered and encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Resources

• National Association for County, Community and Economic Development
• NeighborWorks America
• National Congress for Community Economic Development