The politics of economic development

Nassau County Economic Development

Director of Marketing

September 14, 2016 1:00 a.m.

Karen Schexnayder, Economic Development Board, Director of Marketing

Let me start off by saying that I am one of the least political people you will meet. I tend to shy away from political conversations and do not get involved in ‘party’ politics. In election years, economic development often gets caught in the political crossfire between those who support economic development and those who are opposed to residential/commercial development or what is commonly referred to as ‘growth’.

All too often the core of economic development gets lost. Battle lines are drawn. The politicians pick sides often equating economic development with ‘growth’. Let’s be clear about a few things. One, economic development is not the act of physically developing land. It is also not about growth. It is the process of creating a sustainable community – one that provides opportunities for all residents.

For some who are against physical development, it is because of their concern for the environment. They worry about the wildlife and how residential/commercial development will affect the native plants or animals, both of which are valid concerns.

The core of economic development focuses on a different environment - the existing residents – those for whom community leaders have been entrusted to provide opportunities for a better quality of life. Quality of life is more than just living by the beach. Quality of life means a stellar school district, high-wage jobs for residents and superior infrastructure. It means having amenities for the county-wide residents to enjoy such as parks, playgrounds, pools and more. Quality of life means more first responders. It is for these reasons that economic development plays such a vital role within a community.

Economic development is about creating jobs for the residents of a community, whether it means working to keep the existing businesses from leaving the community or worse, closing their doors altogether. It is recruiting and attracting employers to bring jobs and investment to a community. Economic developers strive to create an environment that fosters entrepreneurism. We are often the facilitators between the business community and the local educators, helping to advance the community’s attractiveness to both existing and future employers by ensuring a well-trained workforce. Availability of skilled labor often ranks as one of the top factors in evaluating locations. High-paying jobs and a solid educational system help to elevate the residents of the community to a better standard of life.

I recently overhead a comment that Nassau County is not a bedroom community to Jacksonville, Florida and that it is self-sufficient. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Nassau County has 65.7 percent of working-age residents who reside within the county, but are employed outside the county. This means we rely on surrounding counties to provide the jobs for our residents. Being self-sufficient means we would not rely so heavily on our neighbors to provide jobs for our residents. Imagine if we could cut that percentage in half. Quality of life means residents could enjoy more time with their families by cutting down their daily commute. The county would have more income via taxes, which could be used for infrastructure, fire and safety, parks and recreation and most importantly, education.

According to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, 11.7 percent of Nassau County, Florida residents and 18.1 percent of those under the age of 18 are at poverty level. The City of Fernandina Beach has 19.4 percent and the City of Hilliard has 15 percent of their residents at or below the Federal Poverty Level. How can anyone say economic development is not important when a community has poverty levels in the double digits?

Politics aside, Florida Governor Rick Scott has not wavered from his mission – create and bring jobs to the residents of Florida. Community leaders whether city, state or national need to have that same focus. Elevating the residents of a community allows them to prosper and in turn, creates wealth for the community. For example, a new company relocates to Nassau County bringing 200 new high-wage jobs. A single mom working two jobs with no benefits and very little time for her children could have the opportunity to apply for and receive a new job with benefits. This means she would only need to work one job, allowing for more time with her children – a better quality of life. In another example, an underemployed male worker, who must share an apartment with several people, could receive training through a workforce grant offered to the incoming company. That same worker could then afford to buy a home, something he never thought possible - a better quality of life.

In an election year, we often hear what those running for office think we, the constituents, want to hear or what will get them elected. What every politician – whether local, state or national – should say is that they support economic development. Why? It means they want more for their constituents. It means they want to help elevate the residents of the community in which they serve to a better standard of living. True leaders should add value to people and thus, add value to the community in which they serve.

While we’ll never get leaders to agree on every issue, they do need to be in concert with each other on economic development. Taking sides and digging your feet in the sand, doesn’t benefit anyone, especially those for whom they are representing. Nassau County is a great place to live, but there is always room for improvement. Imagine what could happen if everyone works toward the same goal – economic opportunity for all residents.