Communities and Planning for Environmental Concerns
Whether we think that global warming is happening or not, we need to prepare for the legislation that is coming about.
Communities may desire to come together to create a financial plan for economic development to take advantage of the offerings being given at the federal level. This, in many communities, may need to be encompassing areas previously taken for granted. Industrial suppliers and large utility companies have seemed to always be there and thus become a integral part of the community, but these companies are going to be changing and the community needs to reassess this. If the larger corporations fail to take proactive measures this will likely bring about a shortage of funds and an increase in unemployment if the community is dependant upon these kind of companies.
Communities in general need to hope for the best, but be prepared in the event that local businesses do not keep up with the changes taking place. Business owners try their best to adapt to change and litigation standards but many do not have current funding options nor resources to adapt. By a community having such a invested interest in two or three large corporations the community becomes dependant upon the survival of these industries, and if the businesses face economic upheaval, the community then faces the same.
By knowing and preparing in advance, the community can prepare alternatives and set guidelines for what is to be expected. Having a community or regional plan can make the difference between retainment and retension of residence, and becoming an economically unviable organism.
With the current standards being put into place regarding air quality, energy efficiency, and CO2 emmissions, businesses are going to need a very proactive approach. This is going to mean upfront financial costs to retrofit and expand resource availability of products not currently in use. If there is a community fund available there might be a desire to assist businesses with these kind of funds. Currently there are state and federal funding available for such things, but a qualified expert at grant writing would be needed.
Niche market development may another avenue that communities would desire to explore. This idea starts with where and how a community would like to develop and looking back at what steps would be needed to get to this point.
Business development and incentives could be used to build the businesses that would be needed for local development of items that would be utilized by existing or changing businesses.
The world of renewable energy is increasing at a profound rate. The index of future gain in this trend shows a remarkable upward trend. Communities may desire to take a stand on what matural resources they have and how this can fit into their future plans.
Targeting two or three different areas in the community would be in the best interest of community growth. Such areas may include culinary measures, insurance industires, health related fields, and a developing field such as a renewable energy source. Doing such not only guarantees future growth but such diverisity will offset any hardships or sudden changes in industry.
Community plans have been around for quite awhile, but many of them are out of date or neglected. Just as a successful business abides by its business plan, a community needs to constantly review its action plan and vision. As the world changes, the community plans also need to change. Regional data and censuses are constantly being updated, and to runa community or region the same way that successful businesses run their operations may be necessary in times of change. Having a healthy growing community with diverse interests assures future economic viability.
Jami Boudinot has been writing for 25 years. She has received awards for her poetry and prose. Her research into environmental issues and community concerns has led her to presentations abroad and here at home.
