Debate Over The Creative Class
We recently came across this thought provoking article about Richard Florida’s work and the notion of a “Creative Class”. Most professionals in the economic development field will tell you that there is no silver bullet for turning around local economies and that many of today’s approaches become tomorrow’s fads. There is no one-size fits all approach.
Protecting Land Through Conservation Easements
TEA has been fortunate to have the West Virginia Land Trust (WVLT) as a client for many years now. Our role has been to help support and further the mission of the organization to protect special places in WV through voluntary conservation easements. The WVLT is a private non-profit organization that actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting with direct land transactions – primarily the acceptance of donation of conservation easements or land. There are several land trusts currently operating in WV which vary greatly in scope and scale, but the WVLT is the only statewide land trust. All land trusts, however, share the common mission of working cooperatively with land owners to protect and conserve land for its natural, recreational, scenic, historic, or productive value.
Building Support for Entrepreneurs: Boone County and TEA Lead the Way
Building community or regional systems of support for entrepreneurs makes real sense and can make the difference in the economic vitality of rural communities. That’s why TEA has been hired by the Boone County Community and Economic Development Corporation to assist them in developing a comprehensive entrepreneurship program. Boone County will be the first in West Virginia to undertake the Entrepreneurship Track for Certified Development Community designation by the West Virginia Development Office.
Incorporating Sustainability into Community Plans
A recent article in the April 2010 Planning Magazine by Benjamin Herman discussed how sustainability concepts can be addressed in community planning efforts. Many cities and towns throughout the country are getting more familiar with the concept of sustainability and how these goals relate to land use – however there is still confusion over what a plan for sustainability should contain. According to Herman, sustainability is “a balanced approach that considers people, planet, and prosperity” and should be viewed as a “process not an end-state”. With that in mind, how should communities incorporate these ideals into their plans?
April is Fair Housing Month
Since 1968, April has come to be regarded as a time to remember the FHA and reflect on the rights it gives citizens. April 2010 marks the forty-second anniversary of the enactment of this important act and in recognition and observance of this event Governor Manchin has proclaimed April as Fair Housing Month in West Virginia.