GOOD DEVELOPMENT AND SOUND INVESTMENT

Every day, countless individual investment decisions are made. Taken together, these can have a big impact on a city's image for investment. Whether private decisions about where to build, or public decisions to improve or expand infrastructure, they all affect the desirability of a city as a place in which to invest.

What kind of development image is your city building for itself? Will it be attractive to investors – and local residents? Just like everyone else, developers are looking ahead, seeking a reasonable return on investment, in balance with a reasonable level of risk. All things being equal, then, good private development may best be attracted by cities that wisely plan for and manage their investments in facilities and services – the kinds their own local residents desire – that will serve them well for years to come.

Responsible developers are interested in local long-term public commitment to local people and businesses. So they look for a continuing record of putting time, talent, and money into achieving local goals. Should prospective investors find evidence of no planning or of poor management –inadequate infrastructure or incompatible land uses located next to one other, for example – they will get an uneasy feeling that the future of the city is in no one's hands. So, rather than looking like the right place in which to invest, your city may instead project a negative image to those you wish to attract. And such problems can be avoided with just a little foresight – a little planning ahead.

The style of planning and management that can help a city take charge and bring positive growth and development is rooted in fiscal conservatism, one of the South’s most enduring political beliefs. Effective, local planning brings residents together to decide the kind of place they want, the best areas for economic development, and the places for investment that will support their city's quality of life.

This approach to planning does not dictate future decisions, but rather helps local elected officials invest today so the future will be more like their constituents want it to be. This kind of planning helps to build local commitment to invest in the capital improvements, operations and maintenance it takes to attract the kinds of development residents want, and can help fit growth and development into the places they want.

Planning can improve the quality of life for everyone: when implemented consistently over time, effective plans help attract the growth in jobs, industries, retailers and office development a city wants. Such positive results also help keep local residents happy with city government the people they elected to watch out for their interests citywide. Planning for growth and development is not only the essence of fiscal conservatism in local government; it is the only sure way to demonstrate your city's commitment to the future.


Darrell Meyer, FAICP
Senior Vice President
KPS Group, Inc.
2101 First Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203
205.458.3271
dmeyer@kpsgroup.com
www.kpsgroup.com