Competition for economic growth is increasingly becoming a competition for people, not just companies

A major takeaway from a recent article by Chmura Economics & Analytics is that the competition for economic growth is increasingly becoming a competition for people, not just companies.
That has major implications for regions like Warren County and the southern Adirondacks.
Younger professionals today are far more mobile than previous generations. Many are choosing where they want to live first, then figuring out work afterward, especially as remote and hybrid work continue to evolve.
What are they looking for?
• Quality of life
• Outdoor recreation and experiences
• Walkable downtowns
• Arts and culture
• Broadband connectivity
• Housing options
• Community identity and authenticity
• Flexible work environments
That is why investments in places like downtown Glens Falls, broadband infrastructure, transportation connections, recreation assets, arts and culture, housing, and placemaking matter so much to long-term economic competitiveness.
Economic development today is no longer just about attracting a factory or office. It is increasingly about creating places where people, especially younger workers and families, want to build their lives.
The Adirondack region has something many places cannot manufacture: authenticity.
At EDC Warren County, this continues to shape how we think about the future economy of our region:
supporting strong downtowns, expanding connectivity, advancing workforce initiatives, encouraging entrepreneurship, and strengthening the “Experience Economy” that makes this region unique.
In many ways, attracting talent and attracting investment are now part of the same conversation.
For article: https://lnkd.in/e5tePiMq