Curtis Cannon of the City of Oxnard – The Importance of Economic Development
Curtis Cannon is the former Community Development Director in the City of Oxnard. He is a visionary and a change agent who has built up a reputation for himself as an experienced professional in the public sector. Curtis Cannon served in the City of Oxnard for 16 years and has an interest in economic development. He has provided professional and technical oversight in the development and implementation of city-wide projects within the Public Works Department.
According to Paul Peterson, “local governments are primarily interested in maintaining the economic vitality of the area for which they are responsible.” Firstly, economic development is important for both cities and states, and can be competitive in the earnings per capita it offers its residents. Local and state policies should take into account the goal of economic development as it has a direct effect on the quality of life provided to its residents. It provides avenues to analyze public sector goals so that they are pursued with strong development plans.
Secondly, economic development provides better job opportunities to local residents. Most residents have strong ties to the places and people in their community; however, they will move to another location in search of greater economic success if need be. Economic development provides better jobs in the community and helps local residents increase their earnings while at the same time preserving ties to the local community. Economist Paul Courant believes that having a place in the local community is a valuable asset, which is often labeled as “a sense of place”. Economist Roger Bolton says, “A sense of place [is] a concept widely used by geographers, architects, and planners. It refers to a complex of intangible characteristics of a place that makes it attractive to actual and potential residents.”
Local economic development creates more and better jobs for the local community and allows residents to live better lives, enhancing the “sense of place” – an important component of human well-being.
Curtis Cannon City of Oxnard, former Community Development Director in the City of Oxnard holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Source: http://investinginkids.net/2010/12/16/why-local-economic-development-is-important/
Curtis Cannon City of Oxnard 