The success of an economic development effort is usually measured in jobs and capital invested in the community. Both of those measures are a logical way to assess progress in the short term. Sustained success, however, should begin to have an impact on something more important – the family.
According to the National League of Cities, “nearly half of all households have little or no savings to fall back on if faced with a job loss or other financial emergency. For low-income families already struggling to meet basic needs, common setbacks can trigger a devastating chain of events that can lead to unemployment, homelessness and family instability.” So many of the challenges we face can be traced back to families.
If you believe that when communities succeed, families succeed – and vice versa – then you may also believe that it is incredibly important to invest in economic development. Building communities that allow people to work and live in the same area is perhaps just as important for both urban and rural areas. Not only does it allow young people to see adults earning a living inside their communities, it also allows for those dollars to be reinvested in the area each day.
Please keep in mind those families with the greatest need this holiday season. Organizations like the United Way of Central Ohio and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank do a fantastic job of helping families in the Columbus Region.
–Kenny McDonald
One Columbus Update
- Thank you to the speakers and attendees who joined us on Friday for ED411 and the One Columbus Investor Update. It was an event filled with learning and inspiration, and a true testament to the collaborative spirit that drives progress in the Columbus Region. Check out tweets and photos here.
- Congratulations to the 2014 Big Ten football champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes!
- The One Columbus team will be in Detroit this week with companies and site consultants. Back at home, we will host companies evaluating the Columbus Region.