Working with Elected Officials: Building Support for Economic Development Success

Successful economic development requires more than a sound strategy. It requires the trust, understanding, and support of elected officials who must balance competing community priorities, make difficult policy and investment decisions, and demonstrate results to their constituents.

This practical webinar equips economic development professionals with strategies and tools to strengthen relationships with elected leaders, communicate the value and return on investment of economic development initiatives, and build consensus around shared community goals. Participants will explore how to navigate political realities, align economic development priorities with community needs, and translate strategies into measurable outcomes that elected officials can confidently champion.

At the conclusion of the webinar, participants will be better prepared to:

• Build stronger relationships with elected officials by understanding their responsibilities, political realities, and community priorities;
• Communicate economic development's value through relevant performance measures, compelling examples, and a clearer articulation of return on public investment;
• Strengthen implementation and support by aligning economic development strategies with community objectives, building consensus, and managing competing stakeholder expectations.