With today s tight labor market and low unemployment levels, businesses look to locate in communities that offer a quality of life that will help attract and retain employees. When jobs are abundant, workers will go where they can find not only a good job, but also the things that make their lives better. The Department of Economic Development has long recognized the importance of quality of life and community development and its impact on our state s prosperity. Our Community development Group works with cities of all sizes to help them improve their quality of life in a multitude of ways revitalize their downtowns, upgrade public facilities, expand community services, and provide cultural opportunities. Community development efforts provide both immediate and long-term benefits.
Residents live better lives when community improvements are accomplished.
And as these improvements increase the quality of life, so do the chances of a new business moving into a community. That, in turn, further builds quality of life through new job opportunities for residents and investment in a community. Real economic development success is achieved when both residents and businesses are proud to call a community their home.