Average citizens can improve economic development

Live local, shop local, get involved, maintain neighborhoods

Economic development in a community very often is gauged upon what new jobs are coming, what new businesses are opening, or what new investments are being made. But there is another component to ensuring prosperity: the people.

Local leaders involved in economic development agree that it takes an effort from everyone to make growth happen. It starts at home.

Downtown businesses, like those on Geek Street (East Sycamore Street), exist because local residents are shopping and eating locally.

“I tell people all the time that the more people who live in their community and are proud of their community, that makes for a stronger community,” said Howard County Commissioner Paul Wyman. “Companies like to locate where there is a strong workforce, where there is strong community pride, and a strong quality of life.”

Kokomo Plan Commission Director Greg Sheline believes economic development begins at a person’s property line.

“This probably won’t be a popular answer, but we have to all work hard to keep our neighborhoods up and clean,” said Sheline. “Any town that looks nice, we know the appearance is one of the factors in a business deciding to locate here.

“It happens. We have to have tax incentives and things like the industrial park and amenities like the ballparks and Kokomo Beach. But our neighborhoods need help. I live in the Silk Stocking neighborhood, and some of the houses in my neighborhood need fixed up. If we all did our little part, we can impact economic development.”

Sheline pointed to the Kingston neighborhood on the city’s northwest side as evidence of good neighborhood stewardship. The City of Kokomo purchased several former industrial properties and converted them into revitalized residential sites.

“I believe it spurred neighbors to look at their properties and improve them,” said Sheline. “It gives people something to work toward to improve their property values. Does that help us get jobs? It can’t hurt. The nicer your community looks, the better chance you have.”

For Wyman, part of the individual focus on economic development has to include supporting the amenities and projects that improve quality of life.

“The more we do as individuals to make our community a great place to live, whether it be sprucing up our neighborhoods or supporting local programs or shopping locally or supporting projects like the YMCA, the new ballparks, the new trails; when we rally behind things like these, believe it or not, that attracts businesses and jobs,” said Sheline. “People want to live in an area where they can enjoy quality of life and have a good job.

And staying within the neighborhood sometimes isn’t enough. The next generation of local leaders is living in the community right now, and the only way for economic development to continue is for those people to stand up and take action.

“If you are asked to serve on a board, do it,” said Sheline. “There may not be much pay, but it is a community service. If you want to help the community grow, your opinion matters. Serve on a board. Run for office. Get involved with your community. You don’t have to agree with everything that’s going on to get involved.”