Economic Development Recovery and Resiliency Playbook - Flipbook - Page 27
Barriers. While there are many opportunities and advantages to setting economic goals, there are also some barriers,
especially if the process is not followed. Barriers include the following issues.
• Lack of community support. If you fail to properly engage your community, sometimes the goals you set may not
match what your community wants. This will result in a lack of support and possible distrust.
• Potential limitations. Make sure that your goals do not limit the ability for expansion. While they are important to create
focus, your goals may limit your opportunities if you are not open to broader possibilities.
• Inappropriate goals. Goals should be appropriate for and tailored to the unique factors of the jurisdiction or
community, such as financial restrictions, community size, equitability, etc.
• A dysfunctional or micromanaged environment. If a jurisdiction’s work environment is dysfunctional, it is more
dificult to engage in efective goal setting and planning.
• Reluctance to establish goals. Some government leaders are reluctant to establish goals for their communities.
Efective leaders, however, take the lead and initiate the goal setting process.
• Resistance to change. Some communities resist change, which can be a problem for goal setting. Engaging and
educating the public can help build acceptance of proposed goals.
5. Create a List of Goals
Use an inventory index (a matrix of existing goals or projects) to document intended goals. Create a list arranged either in
alphabetical order or some specified category (such as department or subject matter). Identifying what exists can help with
resiliency/recovery goal setting and determining which plans need to be created, and it can reduce duplication. To create the
necessary goals with your community, use the following steps.
Identify partners. As noted previously, collaboration allows you to leverage the support of many people and organizations to
identify and deliver your desired goals. Once you have determined that you need to conduct the goal setting process, you will
need to identify the key partners who will assist with goal creation. In many cases, the Planning Department is a key partner in
creating economic goals, as is the local chamber of commerce, Economic Development Corporation and other industry-focused
business organizations. More detailed information on how to engage stakeholders and conduct community outreach can be
found later in this chapter in the community outreach case study on page 22.
Economic Development Takeaway
Including underserved communities is critical to the goal setting process and to creating
economic resiliency. If all members of the community are involved with setting local
economic goals, the economy that is rebuilt will be stronger and more cohesive.
Including underserved communities is critical to the goal setting process and to creating economic resiliency. If all members of
the community are involved with setting local economic goals, the economy that is rebuilt will be stronger and more cohesive.
The local Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and community-based organizations that have built trust with local
underserved communities can act as liaisons to ensure representation and equity.
It is important to establish and foster strong partnerships with all community members and stakeholders. With the help of
stakeholders and the community, you can determine which goals are the most important for your community.
The other partners will be determined based on the type of goal. In many cases, local government leaders (the City Council or
Board of Supervisors) should have input on the discussion for prioritizing public goals. You may also want to hire a consultant to
help lead the process and create a final product.
Be Strategic: Clearly Define Your Economic Goals, Before and After a Disaster
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