The plan does not attempt to address other broader issues involved with regional, social, and community development. In particular, this Plan does not specifically address issues such as improvements in the infrastructure systems, including air travel, surface travel and water systems. These infrastructure improvements and workforce development will be necessary to support our community s economic vitality and therefore must be addressed under the strategic plan framework in the implementation phase. The economic development of a region is part of the overall regional development process. A key point to remember is that economic development is more than simply economic growth within a region.
Economic growth can occur with or without an overall economic development strategy.
Even though it may result in more jobs, unbridled economic growth can result in a degradation of the overall quality of life without proper planning, coordination, and implementation by the community. Regional development is a comprehensive, systematic approach to development that seeks to create wealth and improve the standard of living in a region. Regional development involves the coordinated efforts of private businesses, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies at the national, state, county, and municipal levels. Community development is a broader concept than economic development. It attempts to improve the overall quality of life for a region s inhabitants.