Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

DT #583 Transforming Arkansas - Hugh McDonald, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce 08/27/2025

DT #582 2025 IEDC Annual Conference Preview 08/26/2025

DT #581 The New Rules of Networking with Mark Perna 08/20/2025

DT #580 Unlocking AI: Bridging the Literacy Gap - Ashley Canada & Eric Canada 08/13/2025

DT #579 Navigating the Economic Development Career Landscape - Bethany Miller 08/06/2025

DT #577 IEDC Rural Retreat Recap - Main Street at the Mountain West 07/30/2025

DT #578 Economic Development Success in Arkansas - Clint O'Neil, the executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission 07/30/2025

DT #576 Community Colleges - Leading The Entrepreneurial Shift in Workforce Development 07/23/2025

DT #575 the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace - Mark Perna 07/16/2025

DT #575 the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace - Mark Perna Summary In this episode, Dennis and discuss the essential professional skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven workplace. They explore the importance of communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and other skills that will set individuals apart in the evolving job market. Mark emphasizes that while AI is a powerful tool, it cannot replace the human touch and the unique skills that people bring to the table. The conversation highlights the need for continuous development of these skills to stay relevant and effective in the workplace. Takeaways AI is a tool that enhances human capabilities, not a replacement. Communication skills are paramount in the workplace. Teamwork is essential, especially in remote settings. Verbal and written communication must be clear and effective. Organizational skills help manage personal and professional tasks. Interpersonal skills foster connections and engagement. Computer literacy is crucial for leveraging technology effectively. Leadership is about inspiring and guiding others, not just authority. Problem-solving skills are highly sought after by employers. Attention to detail can prevent costly mistakes and ensure success. 10 Professional Skills You Need To Stay Ahead Of The AI Curve 1. Communication Skills No surprises here. Communication seems to top every list of soft skills ever compiled. The ability to communicate clearly prevents costly misunderstandings and mistakes, reducing frustration and burnout on teams. Clear communication not only allows you to convey your ideas and needs effectively, but also helps you listen actively to what others are saying. It’s little wonder that this skill is in such high demand across all industries. 2. Effective Teamwork Whether you work in person or remotely, the quality of the team you’re on can make or break your experience. Strong teams are simply more effective than those distracted by infighting or simply disengaged. That’s why being able to work well with others is a skill that will elevate you above other candidates. The good news is, you can practice being a strong team member even if others on your team aren’t by taking initiative. 3. Verbal Communication It’s interesting that among the top four soft skills Pearson uncovered, three have to do with communication. Verbal communication is growing in value while return-to-office mandates increase, bringing employees into face-to-face contact perhaps more than any other time in the last five years. Being able to communicate effectively in person isn’t just about how well you speak. It’s also how well you make eye contact, listen to others and express interest in their point of view. 4. Written Communication AI can write everything for us these days, right? No. It is my belief that no matter how good AI gets, there will always be a premium placed on words written solely via human agency. Even if we do use AI-generated content as a starting point, it can only produce what we tell it to. Organizing ideas, composing a compelling argument and putting the final touches on a written work are human-level skills we all still need. Being able to compose and communicate your thoughts effectively will never become obsolete. 5. Organizational Skills We live distracted lives and many of us toggle between personal and professional tasks many times a day, or often, many times an hour. Executive function, or those cognitive skills which help us organize our lives by managing tasks, planning ahead and problem solving, is key to staying on top of everything we have to get done. Organized individuals have good executive function and can adapt to and prioritize the needs of the moment. 6. Interpersonal Skills I frame interpersonal skills as the ability to create and sustain human connection. To connect with someone is to make them feel seen, heard and valued. No matter how brief or sustained their interaction with you, it means you make others feel their thoughts and feelings matter to you. Strong interpersonal skills encourage increased motivation, engagement and a positive attitude about whatever you need to accomplish together. Simple ways to connect with others more effectively with those in your sphere is to practice eye contact, active listening and validation of what they’re saying. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with it, but let them know their perspective is worth hearing. 7. Computer Literacy Is this tech skill really a professional skill? I believe so, because what’s the purpose of using a computer? Somewhere, somehow, everything we do online ultimately affects others. Computers exist to help humans. Your ability to navigate the digital world with ease allows you to be a better team member because you can focus on the work and people at hand, rather than the mechanics of using the technology. 8. Leadership Skills Leadership is not about the title you hold. Anyone who influences others in a positive direction is a leader. We need more people like this. While only 6% of Gen Z workers aspire to senior leadership roles within their organization, that will not prevent them from exercising the core skills of great leaders: vision, purpose, negotiation, empathy, teamwork, communication and more. In a way, all professional skills are on display in great leadership. It’s the skill that requires all the rest in order to be effective. 9. Problem Solving Before I hire someone, one of the most important skills I look at is their ability to solve problems. Every day presents a new set of challenges to overcome and employers need people who can tackle these problems without a lot of handholding. Though critical thinking is a vital component to good problem solving, I find that it’s more about the attitude people bring to problems than their actual abilities to solve them. A smart, tech-y person who nevertheless displays a give-up attitude in the face of challenges is not a problem solver. We should all strive to meet problems head-on and work proactively on a solution before leaning too heavily on those around us to solve it. 10. Attention To Detail I’m thrilled this skill made the top 10 because it’s one that I prize in every member of my own team, and I don’t think it gets enough attention. Attention to detail is what sets the great apart from the good. People who are motivated to pursue perfection in the small things are the ones who produce the best work. Details matter and can make all the difference in the final result. That said, I’m not advocating for perfectionism, but I will advocate all day for caring enough about the outcome to get the details right. People who care at that level about the work they produce are in high demand. /episode/index/show/developthis/id/37412525

DT #574 Bridging the Digital Divide in Jackson, MS - Tamika Jenkins 07/09/2025

DT #573 Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper: Small Steps, Big Impact in Placemaking 07/02/2025

DT #573 Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper: Small Steps, Big Impact in Placemaking 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 sense of place, community, ownership, and vitality. Topics Covered: What “Lighter, Quicker, Cheaper” means and where it came from How cities like Dallas, Richmond, Chicago, and Peoria are embracing DIY placemaking Examples of LQC success: from Better Block projects to guerrilla wayfinding Creative community engagement: pop-up shops, vacant lot activations, and DIY downtowns The power of “just trying something” and giving communities permission to act Metrics and outcomes: How small tests can lead to permanent change How LQC invites broader participation and fosters local pride What we'd personally love to try next in our own communities! Mentioned Projects and Ideas: Better Block Dallas – transforming a corridor with temporary interventions Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood – intersection redesign with chalk paint and bollards Walk Raleigh – unsanctioned wayfinding signs showing walk times to local spots Peoria “Ideas to Action” – pop-up engagement leading to funded community-led projects Parklets and outdoor seating – how losing a few parking spots can spark placemaking Takeaways: You don’t need a million-dollar budget to make a meaningful impact. LQC gives communities permission to test ideas and rethink how they use space. Starting small can unlock new energy, increase public trust, and attract long-term investment. These quick wins can be a gateway to bigger, bolder revitalization strategies. /episode/index/show/developthis/id/37058885

DT #572 Building Professional Skills for Future Success - Mark Perna 06/25/2025

DT #571 The Unique Economic Development Landscape in Lowell, Massachusetts - Allison Carter 06/18/2025

DT #570 The Rise of the Fun Economy & AI's Role in Shaping the Future - Jared Smith and Dr. Bo Bernhard 06/11/2025

DT #568 Unlocking Funding Potential for EDOs - Brian Abernathy Convergent Non Profit Solutions 06/04/2025

DT #569 Breathing Life into Rural: Inside the IEDC Rural Retreat (with Main Street America) 06/04/2025

DT #567 The Future of Work: Engaging Gen Z - Mark Perna 05/28/2025

DT #566 The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development - Tiffany Tauscheck President & CEO of Greater Des Moines Partnership 05/21/2025

DT #565 Building Bridges: Education and Industry - Ron Cole, President of Allegheny College 05/21/2025

DT #563 Exploring Roswell Georgia: A Hidden Gem & How to Effectively Use the Whova App at Conferences 05/14/2025

DT #564 Tourism Is the First Date: Falling in Love With a Place – Reflections from Main Street Now in Philadelphia 05/14/2025

DT # 562 Exploring Odessa, Texas: A Hub of Economic Development - Tom Manskey 05/07/2025

DT #561 Economic Development Leadership Insights from Jim Fram 05/07/2025

DT #559 Achieving AEDO Accreditation: A Journey of Excellence - Bill Cronin 04/30/2025

DT #560 Building a Rally Point in Your Community - Mark Perna 04/30/2025

DT #557 Building Bridges: The St. Louis BRE Initiative 04/23/2025

DT #558 Unlocking Economic Development: The OUEDI Experience - Courtney Dunbar 04/23/2025

DT #555 Understanding Agriculture and Egg Prices in America - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig 04/16/2025

DT #556 The “Why” Behind Downtown Revitalization Strategies: Building Community from the Ground Up 04/16/2025

DT #556 The “Why” Behind Downtown Revitalization Strategies: Building Community from the Ground Up In this episode, sits down with , director of Illinois Main Street, to explore how communities are shaping effective downtown economic development strategies—and more importantly, why these strategies work in their specific context. From humble beginnings rooted in community engagement to long-term sustainability planning, this conversation unpacks the real-world process of revitalizing a downtown district with purpose, people, and partnerships. “You’ve got to bring people alongside—not just for buy-in, but for co-ownership.” 1. Think long-term: strategies should outlast leadership transitions 2. Build programs that allow public and private sectors to partner meaningfully 3. Listen deeply: alignment with people is as important as alignment with funding 4. Track the vibe: excitement, curiosity, and positivity are leading indicators of success Laying the Groundwork 1. The importance of starting with community development 2. Strategies to build momentum and foster ownership 3. Engaging leaders, stakeholders, and residents in authentic ways The Strategy in Action 1. What communities are doing to activate and sustain downtown revitalization 2. The critical role of funding, partnerships, and shared leadership 3. Empowering people through collaboration and participation Understanding the “Why” 1. Why certain strategies are successful in some places and not in others 2. How to align initiatives with local identity, values, and funding tools like TIF 3. The power of ego-free partnerships and sustainability planning Results & Reflections 1. Indicators that show a community is on the right path 2. Stories of energy, enthusiasm, and openness to change 3. Lessons learned from communities that are building trust and momentum /episode/index/show/developthis/id/36157475

DT #553 Explosive Growth in Pasco County, Florida: Opportunities and Challenges 04/09/2025

Develop This: Economic and Community Development

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