Regional Development Trends in the Global Economy
The “Regional Development Trends in the Global Economy” plenary session examined how competing in the global marketplace has changed the way regions look at and respond to economic and community development issues such as workforce, immigration, housing, etc. The panelist discussed national trends, domestic policy plans, and federal activities that will improve regions as they globalize.
Long Summary:
The plenary session, “Regional Development Trends in the Global Economy,” set the tone for discussing the cross-linking of areas such as housing, immigration and workforce and general economic development – all of which are critical to maintaining an edge in the global economy. The panel, moderated by NARC senior vice president Jim Townsend, Webster County, KY Judge, focused on furthering economic development and regeneration; promoting business efficiency and competitiveness; promoting employment; enhancing the development and application of skills relevant to employment; and, contributing to sustainable development.
As community leaders and the voice of the region, you all strive to improve the livability and sustainability of your regions in order for them to compete, grow and survive in a global world by cooperatively identifying needs, solving problems and fostering leadership.
The panelists are experts in three different areas of regional development – Housing, Immigration and Workforce, and the Economic Development Administration’s reauthorization – and will speak on how the policy initiatives and implications will impact regions.
The Honorable Cardell Cooper, executive director of the National Community Development Association and former County Administrator for Essex County, New Jersey, Mayor of East Orange, New Jersey, and former Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Clinton Administration led off the discussion talking about overarching federal governmental problems – including the Bush Administration’s abandonment of solid and productive housing policy. Cooper also mentioned the development of a Housing Trust Fund and the necessity of increased capital to affordable housing programs throughout the U.S.
Leslie Wollack, principal legislative counsel at the National League of Cities, followed with specifics on the immigration and the struggle many regions and localities are facing. Wollack indicated that comprehensive reform in the way of federal legislation will not happen due to the controversy surrounding numerous failed legislative attempts. She highlighted the fact that immigration law and reform, a federal issue, is being forced upon local government for solutions. Wollack detailed that there needs to be a path to legalization for immigrants for a real integration into regions to positively impact workforce development and community growth.
Angie Giancarlo, professional staff member on the minority side of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, focused on the upcoming Economic Development Administration (EDA) reauthorization, which she is handling for Senator Inhofe (R-OK). Giancarlo suggested that the process would be similar to the last reauthorization and there the would most likely not be a conference, but the bill must be passed by unanimous consent. She also detailed that her current work on this issue is to examine how any changes are being implemented to the EDA reauthorization and how well they are working on the ground. Giancarlo welcomed working with NARC members and requested specific feedback on needs for reauthorization.
With NARC members serving as community leaders and the voice of the region, the session provided useful information to improve the livability and sustainability of regions in order for them to compete, grow and survive in a global world by cooperatively identifying needs, solving problems and fostering leadership. NARC is working with all three panelists to foster legislative efforts that will benefit regions, particularly as it relates to a formal partnership with NCDA and actively engaging in the policy process for EDA reauthorization.