By Jack L. Fischer AIA
Economic Development Professionals (EDP) have begun to understand the changing trends since 2007 and the need to balance responsibilities to communities and citizens with the visions, expectations and goals of developers. This trend toward cooperation and support is gaining momentum in many verticals and markets and represents important collaborative opportunities for planning and community growth. Looking back at the past five years shows a national recovery that has been much slower than after previous recessions. Many are predicting that 2014 will bring a real estate recovery that will move through economic and real estate cycles, and that this momentum will finally make a lasting difference in the building and facility markets.
With this data and improved prospects for profitability, EDP are working to collaborate and provide a more “developer-friendly” interaction. Unlike older models where Request For Proposals were filled with so many demands and guidelines that businesses and developers could not participate without spending excessive cash and time, the new models of community cooperation embrace innovation and a team spirit to focus on a vision and mission aimed at fast-paced, sustainable growth. We applaud these changing attitudes as they can help revitalize community development in every dimension.
Communities that embrace this alignment and teaming environment will flourish at a greater pace as compared to communities using older, more intrusive models for development. This does not mean we should eliminate appropriate due diligence, but we can help to facilitate end results as a team and restore a balanced approach to these important issues. Many communities are becoming places where developers want to invest and build beautiful, well-planned successful programs for all to enjoy for years to come.
Our firm of professionals at Engberg Anderson are equipped with formal work processes to reinforce the alignment process and help foster a genuine commitment to the continued revitalization of our great towns, cities and commerce centers. And communities that embrace this innovative teaming concept will see their citizens’ quality of life improved at a significant pace.