FIVE MINUTES

August 12, 2024

“A correct diagnosis is three-fourths the remedy.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

We have a great group of talented people who receive this note and occasionally share insightful ideas, thoughtful feedback, and even concerns.  This week, I thought it would be interesting to request your input on the most significant opportunities to drive the economic development in both our communities and across the country.

If you were given five short minutes with the economic development advisors of the presidential campaigns or your mayor, or your city’s business leaders – what would you say? What would you advocate for, and why? Which opportunities should they seize, and what challenges demand the most focus and innovative thinking to yield positive outcomes? Here are a few ideas to start….

  • Office occupancy/vacancy rates
  • Placemaking strategies to catalyze small or large cities
  • Building resilient supply chains/reinvestment in the U.S.
  • Business regulation
  • Business financing
  • Managing the impact of AI (automation)
  • Workforce skills
  • Immigration (legal immigration)
  • Energy policies
  • Financing and building infrastructure
  • NIMBYism
  • Alloggiamento
  • Financing start-ups/venture capital
  • Economic disparities (economic, geographic, racial)
  • Innovation/Research

Please send your ideas to: blog@columbusregion.com

Thank you in advance for your interest in and respect for the professionals who work hard every day to improve their communities and the lives of those they serve. I look forward to delving into your submissions and sharing some of the most compelling ideas in an upcoming blog.

Passiamo una bella settimana, solleviamoci a vicenda e andiamo avanti insieme.