Podcast # 103: Zen and the Art of Rural Economic Development

When childcare facilities and hospitals are all in a day's work for an economic developer.

7 Aug 2023 — 2 min read

In this episode, Dane talks with Sean Adkins. Sean currently serves as Town Manager of St. Albans, Vermont, where he uses his econ dev background to help the small town. Adkins shares insights into the differences between robust economic development support in Virginia versus the more isolated, self-reliant approach in Vermont.

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One of his most surprising projects was leading development of a childcare facility in rural Virginia, despite not having kids himself. The intensive childcare facility regulations and community resistance he encountered shows the breadth of challenges econ dev professionals take on.

Adkins stresses public servants genuinely try to serve local needs, though projects often require compromise.

He also discusses his favorite book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, and the life philosophy behind its metaphors.

Key Takeaways

Small towns in Vermont take an isolated approach to economic development compared to the robust state support in Virginia.
Adkins unexpectedly became deeply involved in launching a childcare facility in rural Virginia, guiding design within strict regulations.
He faced strong local resistance to the childcare facility, which surprised him given the great need.
Public servants work hard behind the scenes to find compromise and serve community needs, though projects often face criticism.
Adkins highly recommends the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for its metaphors on broadening perspective.