Downtown Omaha is evolving, and the changes aim to capture the interest of younger residents. The Greater Omaha Chamber has launched an ambitious economic strategy called “A Greater Omaha,” focusing on enhancing job opportunities, attracting skilled workers, and improving quality of life in the region.
Those are all tired cliches in the world of economic development and community marketing, but the undercurrent inside this Nebraska news there is a change — one acknowledges that economic development in the 21s century isn’t about attracting businesses, it’s about attracting people. The Nebraska Examiner has the full story on what’s going on in Omaha — looking the elephant in the room right in the face.
Why does this matter in Minot? We’re currently in the middle of a very-appropriate review of our economic development practices. What remains to be seen is which direction we’ll head at the end.