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ROLE OF COUNTY IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT <br /> DEFINITIONS <br /> Community Development <br /> Capacity building—doing things that support businesses and allow them to thrive such as <br /> parks, schools, roads, etc. (Springsted) <br /> In the broadest sense,the definition of community development includes our social and <br /> economic well-being,the sustainability of our communities in their current geographic and <br /> economic configuration, and the durability and adaptability of our housing stock so that our <br /> neighborhood won't suffer from a decline in market appeal and therefore a loss of property <br /> value.... The purpose of community development is to improve your geographic community <br /> in some manner. It could be a higher income, better public health, fewer incidences of war <br /> or crime, better appearance,more jobs, less addiction,more ways to show respect and help <br /> one another, or better transportation, electricity,broadband, energy supplies,or housing. <br /> (http://www.useful-community-development.org/definition-of-community-development.html) <br /> At its most basic level, community development is any activity that promotes the welfare of <br /> a community, from providing adequate housing and creating good jobs to fixing streets and <br /> building parks and libraries. Community development can also include the financing of such <br /> activities. (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis) <br /> Economic Development <br /> Increase market value—direct efforts undertaken by a local government to encourage private <br /> investment and ultimately having a positive impact on market value and tax revenues.... <br /> Economic development is perception, economic data, and tools. (Springsted) <br /> Activities and programs aimed at improving local, regional, state and national economies by <br /> attracting or creating investments to expand the tax base; and increasing jobs, wages and <br /> personal incomes. (Lenoir County, North Carolina) <br /> The following paper focuses more specifically on economic development(direct efforts) rather than <br /> on the more all-encompassing community development(indirect efforts). <br /> ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VISION <br /> Washington County: To be determined. <br /> Examples <br /> Lenoir County,N.C. <br /> Vision: Create an inclusive community where businesses, individuals and governments can <br /> reach their full potential and become positive contributors to Lenoir County's <br /> growth, economic well being and quality of life. <br /> Mission: Promote economic development in Lenoir County by establishing a diverse <br /> employment base with challenging and rewarding jobs for future generations, and a <br /> 1 <br />