Economies function on a regional level, so smaller legacy city stakeholders will need to work closely with partners across their region to develop and execute economic development strategies.
Many challenges facing cities of all sizes do not stop at municipal borders – issues related to development, taxation, economic competitiveness, and environmental resources are shared among many communities and political subdivisions within a region. Confronting these shared issues can present yet another challenge, as stakeholders from different jurisdictions may have competing priorities.
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy’s Regional Collaboration Toolkit explores regional collaborations and provides resources for facilitating them. While the tools will be of use to anyone working to facilitate a region-wide conversation or program, the included case studies will be of particular use for projects related to watersheds, ecosystems, or metropolitan planning.
Header Photo: Michigan Municipal League