DT #544 The Tariff Debate: Understanding Its Impact - Ryan Monarch Assistant Professor, Economics Department Syracuse University
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 03/03/2025
DT #573 Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper: Small Steps, Big Impact in Placemaking
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode, is joined once again by for a lively and insightful conversation around the concept of Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper (LQC) — a placemaking approach that emphasizes small-scale, low-cost, and fast-to-implement strategies for revitalizing public spaces and neighborhood districts. Originally popularized by the nonprofit Project for Public Spaces in the early 2000s, LQC continues to shape how communities reimagine their built environments — even today. We dig into real-world examples, lessons learned, and how communities are using this flexible framework to create a stronger...
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DT #572 Building Professional Skills for Future Success - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, discusses the evolution of career trees into , emphasizing the importance of teaching professional skills to younger generations. He outlines the structure of the skill tree curriculum, which spans from kindergarten through joining the workforce, and highlights the need for a competitive advantage in today's job market. The conversation also explores community engagement and the implementation of these concepts in educational systems. Takeaways Career trees help close the skills gap by providing clarity on career pathways. Skill trees...
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DT #571 The Unique Economic Development Landscape in Lowell, Massachusetts - Allison Carter
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host welcomes , the Director of Economic Development for . They discuss the city's unique economic landscape, including its history, the Downtown Lowell Vacant Storefront Program, and the innovative Project Pop-Up retail incubator. Allison shares success stories from these initiatives, highlighting the community's vibrant culture, driven by a diverse population and a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship. The conversation concludes with a look at future aspirations for Lowell's economic development and the importance of maintaining a...
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DT #570 The Rise of the Fun Economy & AI's Role in Shaping the Future - Jared Smith and Dr. Bo Bernhard
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, host Dennis engages with and to discuss the concept of the fun economy, its impact on economic development, and the role of artificial intelligence in shaping future trends. They explore how the fun economy, which encompasses tourism, sports, and entertainment, is becoming a significant driver of global economic growth, especially with the rise of the middle class. The conversation also delves into the challenges faced by economic developers in uncertain times and the importance of leveraging unique regional assets. Finally, they reflect...
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DT #568 Unlocking Funding Potential for EDOs - Brian Abernathy Convergent Non Profit Solutions
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews , General Manager of , discussing the importance of revenue benchmarking for Economic Development Organizations (EDOs). They explore how public-private partnerships have become best practices in funding, the methodology behind revenue benchmarking studies, and the significance of analyzing sector representation in funding sources. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective communication and long-term strategies in economic development. Takeaways Convergent specializes in fundraising planning and consulting for...
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DT #569 Breathing Life into Rural: Inside the IEDC Rural Retreat (with Main Street America)
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
is joined by , Director of Illinois Main Street, and , Program Officer at , for a lively discussion about the upcoming in Great Falls, Montana. This first-of-its-kind event by the International Economic Development Council is designed specifically for professionals working in rural and tribal communities—and the format is anything but typical. The team dives into what makes this retreat unique, including Spark Talks and immersive, on-the-ground experiences that trade PowerPoints for people-powered stories. Together, we explore: What rural really means (spoiler: it’s not...
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DT #567 The Future of Work: Engaging Gen Z - Mark Perna
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode, Dennis and delve into the complexities of , exploring the misconceptions surrounding their work ethic, engagement, and aspirations. They discuss the impact of technology, particularly AI, on this generation and the challenges leaders face in connecting with young people. The conversation emphasizes the need for relevance and purpose in education and employment, urging a shift in perspective to better engage and empower the youth. Takeaways Gen Z is often misunderstood and labeled as lazy. Each generation has its unique characteristics and challenges. Technology is...
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DT #566 The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development - Tiffany Tauscheck President & CEO of Greater Des Moines Partnership
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews , the president and CEO of the . They discuss the organization's role in economic and community development across 12 counties in Iowa, highlighting the importance of collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Tiffany shares insights into the current economic climate, key industries driving growth, and the challenges and opportunities faced by the partnership. The conversation also touches on the significance of engaging rural communities, the power of regional collaboration, and Tiffany's leadership style. Takeaways ...
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DT #565 Building Bridges: Education and Industry - Ron Cole, President of Allegheny College
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Summary In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews , PhD, the President of . They discuss the unique aspects of Allegheny College's liberal arts education, the importance of adapting to workforce needs, and the college's initiatives to engage with the local community and industry. Ron shares insights on the relevance of education in today's economy, the establishment of micro credentials, and the collaborative efforts with local businesses to enhance economic development in Meadville, Pennsylvania. The conversation highlights the significance of community...
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DT #563 Exploring Roswell Georgia: A Hidden Gem & How to Effectively Use the Whova App at Conferences
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews , the president and CEO of ., about the economic landscape of Roswell, Georgia, and the importance of strategic economic development. Steve shares insights into the city's growth. Steve also explains the role of the in enhancing networking at conferences and offers advice for maximizing conference experiences. The conversation highlights the significance of being present and engaged in both economic development and networking opportunities. Takeaways Roswell is a key economic driver in Fulton County. The city has a...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Ryan Monarch Assistant Professor, Economics Department Syracuse University, an expert in international trade and economics, to discuss the complexities of tariffs and their implications on the economy. The conversation covers the definition of tariffs, their historical context, their role in modern trade, and the economic and consumer impacts. Ryan explains how tariffs can affect supply chains, consumer choices, and the overall market dynamics while also addressing the political motivations behind tariff implementation. The discussion highlights the challenges and uncertainties businesses face in a fluctuating tariff environment and the long-term effects of such policies on the economy.
Takeaways
- A tariff is an increase in the price of imported goods.
- Tariffs have been a source of government revenue since the founding of the US.
- President McKinley was known for his pro-tariff stance.
- Tariffs are used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
- The scale of tariffs under President Trump is unprecedented in modern history.
- Higher tariffs can lead to increased prices for consumers.
- Tariffs can disrupt established supply chains and consumer choices.
- The burden of tariffs often falls on US importers, not foreign producers.
- Economists generally believe that tariffs create more losers than winners.
- The long-term effects of tariffs on the economy can take years to understand fully.
Learn. Explore. Activate in Place. (LEAP) | Cleveland, Ohio | June 9–13, 2025
LEAP into innovative economic strategies on an in-person learning trip!
NGIN will select teams, each consisting of 2-4 economic and community leaders from cities with populations between 50,000 and 500,000, to explore Community Wealth Building and Inclusive Capital in Cleveland, OH. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to create their own action plan to bring back to their city.
Selected participants will have all travel expenses covered for this immersive learning experience. NGIN will also handle all trip logistics.
Ryan Monarch researches buyer-supplier relationships in international trade and how the recent tariff war affected U.S. exports and supply chains. He served as a Principal Economist for the International Finance division of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve from 2014-2021. His work has been published in the Review of Economics and Statistics, the Journal of International Economics and other publications. His research has been cited by The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, The Economist and Reuters, among others. He received a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Michigan in 2014.