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<br />Introduction <br /> <br />Community 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 /> <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 /> <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 /> <br />Strategic Plan for Economic Development Page 3 of 20 <br />\\Metro-ineLus\ardenhills\Admin\Committees\Economic Development Commission\AH Strategic Plan - FinaI5-16-07.doc <br />