Shared vision drives economic vitality
It’s almost impossible to read the news and not find a story about a community in trouble. We hear about high unemployment rates and low graduation percentages, empty storefronts and crowded food banks. And yet, at the same time we hear about communities that are making it—expanding and attracting businesses, providing activities for their youth, and developing resources for their older population. How do some areas prosper in hard times, but others wither away? And most importantly—how can you make sure your town is one that flourishes?
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Community Vitality is a storytelling publication published since 2000. Send article ideas, questions or requests for past issues to communityvitality@tfff.org.
© 2000-2021 The Ford Family Foundation. Anne Kubisch, President; Mandy Elder, Editor; Megan Monson, Assistant Editor
Shared vision drives economic vitality
It’s almost impossible to read the news and not find a story about a community in trouble. We hear about high unemployment rates and low graduation percentages, empty storefronts and crowded food... Read More
Develop people to develop jobs
During the 1992 presidential campaign, Bill Clinton’s campaign advisor James Carville coined the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid.” Carville wanted to keep Clinton and the staff focused on what was... Read More
A historical perspective
Our knowledge about what drives economic change continues to evolve, but knowing where we’ve been is essential to figuring out where we are going. Economic development practice in the United States... Read More
Cultural center brings change
Five years ago, the Chehalem Cultural Center was just another abandoned building. A former school, the 40,000-square-foot-building sits smack dab in the middle of downtown Newberg. In 1997, the... Read More
Fresh idea leads to fresh products
Catherine and Wes Caudle knew it wouldn’t be easy starting their own Bend-based business in the middle of a recession, with the region’s unemployment rate hovering above 14 percent. But their dream... Read More
Don’t underestimate liveability
When Stuart and Chris Freedman decided to move their thriving bead business from Southern California in the early 1980s, they knew what they wanted their new home to look like. “The first criteria... Read More
Rethinking the way we grow jobs
We often ask how to attract businesses to locate here. But what about growing businesses that already call Oregon home? The current economic crisis requires us to hone and rethink business... Read More
From roads to wires to water
The economic prosperity of a community depends heavily on a strong infrastructure including roads, utilities, waterways, healthcare facilities and airports. Without these essential components,... Read More
Community colleges focus on workforce
A lot of businesses wish their production and administrative processes were more efficient. In Douglas County, a trio of disparate companies did more than wish—they teamed up with Umpqua Community... Read More
Know your strengths
Why do some communities thrive while others fail? Writer Jack Schultz takes a close look at small-town America as he searches for answers in Boomtown USA: The 7½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns. Read More
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