Podcast - Your First 90 Days with Paul DiGiuseppe

Navigating the first 90 days as an economic developer: A strategic approach

5 Feb 2024 — 4 min read

What to Learn From This Episode

Navigating the First 90 Days as an Economic Developer: A Strategic Approach

Embarking on a new role as an economic developer presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially within the initial 90-day period. This crucial timeframe lays the foundation for your tenure, setting the stage for impactful community and economic development. Drawing on collective wisdom and strategic insights, let's delve into effective strategies for navigating these first 90 days, ensuring a solid start in your new position.

Understanding the Landscape

The first step in your journey involves a comprehensive understanding of the community's landscape. This is not just about the physical geography but encompasses the social, economic, and political environment you will be operating within. Engage with key stakeholders, including local government officials, business owners, and community leaders, to gain insights into their perspectives and expectations.

Building upon the groundwork laid by your predecessors is also vital. Reviewing past initiatives and projects can provide valuable lessons and insights. If available, a transition plan from the previous economic developer can offer a roadmap for your initial focus areas, particularly those related to ongoing projects and community priorities.

Strategic Planning and Organization

Strategic planning is your compass during the first 90 days. A well-structured plan, inspired by resources like "The First 90 Days," can guide your actions and decisions. This plan should outline your goals for the first 30, 60, and 90 days, identifying key projects, stakeholders to meet, and community dynamics to understand.

One of the most effective tools at your disposal is project management software or even simple spreadsheets. These tools can help organize, prioritize, and track your tasks and projects. For example, distilling a comprehensive branding plan for downtown revitalization into actionable steps can streamline execution and facilitate collaboration with relevant committees or teams.

Engaging with the Community and Stakeholders

Engagement with the community and key stakeholders cannot be overstated. Early in your tenure, establish open lines of communication with local businesses, civic leaders, and residents. Their insights can inform your understanding of the community's needs and aspirations, guiding your economic development strategies.

Consider organizing town hall meetings, participating in local events, or setting up one-on-one meetings with community leaders. These interactions not only build trust and rapport but also provide a platform for collaborative problem-solving and innovation.

Building on Existing Foundations

While it's important to bring fresh ideas to your role, recognizing and building on the successes of your predecessors can accelerate your progress. Identify ongoing projects with potential for significant impact, such as downtown development initiatives or business resource centers. These projects often have established momentum and stakeholder engagement, providing a valuable starting point for your efforts.

Prioritizing Projects and Initiatives

With numerous potential projects and limited resources, prioritization is key. Use the insights gained from your initial community engagement and strategic planning to identify projects that align with both immediate needs and long-term goals. This might involve focusing on initiatives that support local businesses, attract new investment, or enhance the community's quality of life.

Implementing Effective Organizational Tools

To manage the complexity of your role effectively, adopt organizational tools that suit your working style. This could include digital to-do lists, project management software, or traditional methods like whiteboards and calendars. These tools can help you keep track of deadlines, meetings, and key milestones, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

For many economic developers, integrating these tools with personal productivity methods, such as time blocking on calendars or maintaining a high-visibility task list, can significantly enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Preparing for Leadership Changes

In the dynamic field of economic development, leadership changes, such as a new town manager, can have significant implications for your projects and initiatives. Preparing for these transitions by establishing a clear, documented overview of ongoing projects, goals, and strategic priorities can ensure continuity and alignment with new leadership.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The role of an economic developer is both challenging and dynamic, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. Stay informed about best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in economic development. Networking with peers, attending professional development workshops, and engaging with industry associations can provide fresh ideas and perspectives to enhance your strategies.

Conclusion

The first 90 days in an economic development role are critical for setting the tone and direction of your tenure. By understanding the community landscape, engaging with stakeholders, prioritizing projects, and employing effective organizational tools, you can lay a strong foundation for success. Remember, the goal is not just to initiate projects but to foster sustainable economic growth and community development that resonates with the needs and aspirations of the community you serve.

As you navigate these initial days, keep in mind that flexibility, open communication, and strategic planning are your best tools for adapting to the challenges and opportunities ahead. With a focused approach and a commitment to collaboration, your first 90 days can set the stage for meaningful and impactful economic development efforts.