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Introduction <br /> Comm • <br /> unity and government leaders across the nation have come to realize <br /> their actions can change, alter, and direct the condition of their local <br /> economy. The economic quality of life of the residents and the success of <br /> businesses many times are directly influenced by the policies and leadership <br /> of those who create a climate conducive to economic growth. A strong <br /> economy provides benefits to all who experience it while a weak economy <br /> puts businesses and residents at risk to the economic effects of external <br /> forces. Change is bound to happen. The choice to be made is whether the <br /> change will be shaped by the community or by forces beyond its control. <br /> Economic development strategies are developed by communities who chose <br /> to shape their own future. <br /> In areas with strong economies, local governments do not struggle to fund <br /> essential services and are usually able to provide expanded programs <br /> benefiting all that reside in the area. In such areas, schools are strong, • <br /> streets safe and clean, park and recreation programs abundant, and the need <br /> to provide social welfare programs for impoverished citizens is reduced. <br /> Citizens living in an area with a strong economy enjoy consistent <br /> employment, regular wage gains, opportunities for personal advancement, <br /> and are able to reliably save for and invest in their future. Businesses are <br /> able to plan for consistent expansion, hire full-time employees for the long <br /> term, and are willing to risk significant capital, investing in their operations. <br /> Communities grow closer, tight-knit; as young men and women, after <br /> completing high school or college, remain in the area as growing employment <br /> opportunities in their "hometown" capture their interest. <br /> In areas with weak or declining economies, the opposite occurs. Local <br /> governments struggle to fund essential programs, with budgets under <br /> growing pressure to assist the impoverished. Residents have uncertain <br /> futures, filled with personal anxieties, with limited employment opportunities, <br /> stuck in subsistence level jobs. Businesses employ part-time workers and are • <br /> Strategic Plan for Economic Development Page 3 of 20 <br /> \\Metro-inet.us\ardenhilislAdmin\Committees\Economic Development Commission\Ahl Strategic Plan-Final 5-16-07.doc <br />