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The State finalized deals to give away our tax money to corporations...
Economic development officials approved state loans valued at $155 million for 11 business projects on Thursday for companies promising to create 613 jobs.Instead of handing out millions to a select few businesses in corporate welfare, Iowa must begin investing in a quality people climate that attracts and retains talented individuals.
From Richard Florida, author of Rise of the Creative Class, writes...
While it certainly remains important to have a solid business climate, having an effective people climate is even more essential. By this I mean a general strategy aimed at attracting and retaining people---especially, but not limited to, creative people. This entails remaining open to diversity and actively working to cultivate it, and investing in the lifestyle amenities that people really want and use often, as opposed to using financial incentives to attract companies, build professional sports stadiums, or develop retail complexes.The benefits of this kind of strategy are obvious. Whereas companies---or sports teams, for that matter---that get financial incentives can pull up and leave at virtually a moment's notice, investments in amenities like urban parks, for example, last for generations. Other amenities---like bike lanes or off-road trails for running, cycling, rollerblading, or just walking your dog---benefit a wide swath of the population.
3 comments:
I completely understand wanting to attract the "creative class". But can someone explain to me what Florida means by;
"This entails remaining open to diversity and actively working to cultivate it, and investing in the lifestyle amenities that people really want and use often.."
The quote seems like alot of words that don't really say anything. How is securing jobs that pay a decent wage and retail store where people want to shop, not cultivating emenities that people want?
I think the lifestyle amenities Florida is talking about are parks, bike paths, libraries, etc. I think a shopping area that is open to a wide variety of stores would fit into this (Jordan Creek or Zona Rosa in Kansas City comes to mind). I don't think use public money to help acquire land for a Wal Mart open up fits at all. If you read the entire article, Florida discusses the waste of pubic money being spent on baseball parks that only benefit a few.
As for the part about being open to diversity and working to cultivate it, Marshalltown has been an example of this. 15 years ago when more Hispanics came, the town was not very open. Now the Chamber of Commerce has a program for Hispanic business owners to promote Hispanic businesses.
Seems like Republicans are just spending money willy nilly...could someone tell me why they call themselves conservatives?
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