Economic Development 101

A Guide Book

For over twenty years, a focused effort in North Dakota systematically built a network, created a process and developed tools to assist the economic developers in their work. Along with the success of these efforts, is the realization that this knowledge must be shared with others and with the next generation of developers in the state.

Developer Station was designed to capture and promote the hard work that people all over the state have done to support economic and community development. It is an internet space where we hope people will gather and learn from each other what works and what is challenging.

What we have all learned is that economic development is not a “one size fits all” concept. What works in one community may not even be possible in another, but what we have found is that all communities achieve the greatest success when they understand the process of economic development as well as the best programs and tools for their communities.

The Economic Developer Handbook: ED 101 was written by experienced economic developers in North Dakota for building and strengthening local coalitions of board members, elected officials and volunteers in their development efforts. It is an example developed by Cavalier County JDA and can serve as a model for beginning your efforts.
Wishing you success in all your community ventures,
Carol Goodman
Executive Director
Cavalier County Job Development Authority

Each chapter is an individual PDF file that can be opened and read on your computer or mobile device. It can also be downloaded and used to create a manual for your own office. Chapter titles link to the download file.