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Category Archives: Planning
What is Community Development? – Revised Publication
Back in January, I discussed definitions of community development under the banner What is Community Development? That post actually followed one on how Community Development Precedes Economic Development. If you still have questions about what Extension Community Development looks like, Greg Taylor, Craig Carpenter, Jamie Rae Walker, and I have updated the What is Community Development? Extension fact sheet, available at here, at https://communities.tamu.edu/selected-publications/, or at the AgriLife Bookstore. The publication primarily targets Extension faculty and presents how various aspects of community development overlap with other traditional areas… Read More →
Silver Buckshot in Targeting Economic Development
Several years ago, I saw a quote, “There is no silver bullet. There may be silver buckshot.” I have no idea where I saw this quote, but it’s really stuck with me. You might be more familiar with the saying, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Similar idea, but less colorful, right? I like the bullet/buckshot analogy because it fits so well with the idea of targeted economic development. In fact, a speaker at a conference in North Carolina remarked a few years ago that he… Read More →
Which AgriLife Business Planning Course is right for you?
Right at the end of 2020 we released two online business planning courses through AgriLife Learn. I’m so excited to introduce these courses to current and future small business owners and community groups. It may be helpful to briefly explain the target audience and outcomes for each course. I’m including the course link (hyperlink from the course title) and the AgriLife Learn description in regular text and then making my own notes below in italics. Business Planning Basics for Farm and Food Enterprises: Learn how to write a… Read More →
New Brief: Small Business Resilience through Recession
COVID-19 is presenting unique difficulties for small businesses. Focusing on people, products, and processes to emerge stronger from economic downturns. Small Business Resilience through Recession
Transportation for the Rural Elderly
Our research team recently completed the technical report for our Economics of Transportation for the Rural Elderly project. The team’s objective is to provide research recommendations that may be used to enhance, if appropriate or applicable, the provision of rural transportation options that improve quality of life for the rural elderly and other socially and transportation disadvantaged populations. The technical report, as well as a Scientia Magazine article and a related Bryan Eagle article are available at http://communities.tamu.edu/ruraltransportation/. The technical report is available at http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/TTI-2017-1.pdf.
Thinking Beyond the Town Line: Strengthening Rural Development through Cooperation
We talk about regionalism all the time. Collaboration and partnership with surrounding communities is crucial for rural areas. Check out this great webinar recording from the Orton Foundation. Vibrant examples from Michigan, Kentucky, and South Carolina with an intro by of Brett Schwartz of NADO explaining why regionalism is important. Hang in there for the Q&A where the panelists discuss the tension and complementarity of collaboration and competition, among other things. Click the video image below to view the webinar or click here: Some really good thoughts in… Read More →
South Plains SET team meets with USDA RD to discuss progress and SECD opportunities
The South Plains Stronger Economies Together (SET) team met with with USDA-Rural Development Regional Community Economic Development Coordinator, Greg Dale Wednesday, April 20, in Tulia. The team discussed progress in implementing their regional SET plan and learned about opportunities for USDA Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) funding.
SET regional economic development program applications available
Communities across Texas are invited to take advantage of a regional economic development initiative offered by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Prairie View Cooperative Extension Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development. The Stronger Economics Together (SET) helps rural communities capitalize on the strengths of the region to create jobs, wealth and economic development. More information is available at http://communities.tamu.edu/stronger-economies-together-set/.
Cultivating Community Wealth: Strategies for Building Rural Wealth, Part 2
This post is part of an eight-week series on Cultivating Community Wealth. Strategies summarized in this post include business retention & expansion, tourism, retiree attraction, workforce education, shop/eat local campaigns, and fundraising campaigns. Strategies discussed in last week’s post include industrial recruitment and financial incentives, clusters, value-chain development, community business matching, entrepreneurship including youth entrepreneurship, and regionalism. Recall that particular strategies may be suited to the assets, goals, and values of some communities but not others. Discussion of a strategy does not imply endorsement, and leaders are encouraged… Read More →
County Migration Flows Mapping Tool
Last week I mentioned a New York Times graphic describing state-level migration flows. The Census Bureau has released the Census Flows Mapper, a county-level mapping tool. This is a useful tool for county leaders and economic developers as they think about who they are attracting, where out-migrants are going, and how they can leverage regional assets to support regional and local development. Statistically, most moves occur relatively near a base county, which alludes to the regional nature of our economies and social capital. 2008-2012 Net Migration in Brazos… Read More →