6 Economic Development
Introduction
Economic development is the process of creating wealth by mobilizing resources to produce marketable goods and services. Metro Atlanta’s growth has led the state and the nation in jobs, income, and population increases. Its central core is the region’s hub for business, government, education, conventions, entertainment, the arts, sports, surface transportation, and other activities. As such, Atlanta is the focal point from which key decisions ripple out to benefit the entire region’s economy, environment, and society.
Atlanta’s economic development priorities include fostering business growth and retention; promoting urban renewal; providing employment opportunities and job training; building a strong tax base; capitalizing on current demographic and development trends – infill development, “smart growth”, increased interest in urban living, and sustainable building practices; and using financial mechanisms to promote development.
Economic development priorities emphasize the resurgence of Downtown as a thriving, safe, and vibrant urban center. The focus is also on reconnecting neighborhood commercial centers to their communities. The continued judicious use of enterprise zones and other economic incentives combine to attract and target new private investment. Economic development involves garnering support for focused, high profile, and high-impact projects with broad policy objectives.