Some city functions are obvious just in their name: police, fire, parks, libraries… And then there are those that can leave some of us still scratching our heads – like economic development.

Sometimes it’s easier to SHOW people what economic development does, rather than TELL them. But for those who need a definition, economic development is the “intentional practice of improving a community’s economic well-being and quality of life. It includes a broad range of activities to attract, create, and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth tax base and an inclusive economy.” *

Again, sometimes it’s just easier to SHOW you examples of what economic development can do for your community. The attached image (below) is a great visual that sums up key economic development activities and outcomes. For each of these, we have included articles (links below) on how this is actually being done — or has been done — in Westminster.

If you have more questions about economic development in Westminster, check out our website at www.westminstereconomicdevelopment.org.

  1. Entrepreneurs achieve their dreams
  2. New businesses find sites and workers
  3. Revitalize neighborhoods
  4. Promote the community
  5. Existing businesses expand
  6. Workers get training
  7. Partner organizations get data
  8. Assist disaster impacted communities

*As defined by the International Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)

IEDC_How_Econ_Dev_Programs_Help