By Jake Eckholm
The 2019 ICMA Annual Conference was a wonderful opportunity to expand my perspective. Specifically, my role in economic development requires that I have a solid comprehension of strategies being employed nationally to retain, expand, and attract core businesses. Several sessions served me well in that capacity, especially one course entitled “Economic Development 2.0.” This session focused on innovative methods economic development organizations and larger municipalities are employing to gain a more in-depth understanding of their local economy through data analysis. I brought some of these strategies back to my department at city hall as well as our county-wide EDO, and we hope to incorporate them in 2020.
I also had the opportunity to take an excursion to Radnor Lake State Park through the conference, which is located wholly within the city limits of Oak Hill, Tennessee. This was a fascinating look at an innovative state/city/private partnership that resulted in an amazing resource for the local community and tourists.
Overall, the 2019 ICMA Annual Conference was a fantastic experience and I brought home valuable knowledge to make me a better public servant.
Jake Eckholm
Director of Economic Development, Muskegon