Podcast # 186: The Power of Collaboration in Economic Development with Stacie LoVan of the Greater Des Moines Partnership

Collaboration outweighs competition in regional development.

18 Aug 2025 — 1 min read

Stacie shares how Greater Des Moines has built a culture of regional cooperation, implemented workforce and quality-of-life initiatives, and set bold goals for 2025. Their conversation highlights best practices that other communities can adopt, from aligning diverse stakeholders to creating momentum through shared vision. Whether you’re a veteran practitioner or new to the field, this episode offers actionable strategies for strengthening your own community through collaboration.

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10 Actionable Takeaways For Economic Developers

Prioritize collaboration over competition: regional growth accelerates when communities work together instead of against one another.
Define a clear, shared vision: goals like Greater Des Moines' 2025 plan keep stakeholders aligned and motivated.
Leverage workforce initiatives as anchors: workforce preparedness is often the deciding factor for business attraction and retention.
Balance quality-of-life improvements with economic strategies: housing, amenities, and placemaking are as critical as incentives.
Build a culture of trust among partners: successful collaboration depends on consistent communication and reliability.
Celebrate small wins: incremental progress builds credibility and keeps stakeholders engaged in long-term efforts.
Engage the private sector early: businesses can provide funding, advocacy, and momentum for regional initiatives.
Invest in regional branding: a unified message makes a region more competitive nationally and globally.
Be adaptable to change: collaboration requires flexibility when balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
Apply DSM's model to your community: while every region is unique, the principles of shared vision, trust, and collaboration can be replicated anywhere.