As you know I am a big believer in the importance of municipal government. They have the least amount of authority and the least amount of fiscal capacity of the three levels of government (although someone pointed out to me…
Continue ReadingImpressionable young minds
In the past little while I have guest lectured at Acadia University, STU and last week at Mount Allison. All on different themes but I manage to work in some of my central theses. Someone should try to get these…
Continue ReadingIt’s the economy, stupid podcast edition (May 12)
To listen to the podcast edition of the It’s the Economy, Stupid for the week of May 12click here.
Continue ReadingUsing energy for economic development
Fill up for $5? You can in Utah. Natural gas powered cars can fill up for about 63 cents a gallon. Utah has a large supply of natural gas and is obviously using it to the benefit of its citizens.…
Continue ReadingOn Equalization, Part 176
If you were to boil down the major themes of this blog and its over 1,800 posts over the past four years, they would be things like the need for more international business investment here, the need for higher wage…
Continue ReadingWinners and losers
I have discussed this issue a number of times but I think it should be revisited and examined because I don’t think we discuss it enough. I am talking about the winners and losers when it comes to economic development.…
Continue ReadingRolling the dice
Lots of interesting stuff going on these days. I see the Magnetic Hill area in Moncton will get New Brunswick’s casino. I’m not a huge fan of these facilities as they tend to just divert NBers entertainment spending (and unfortunately…
Continue ReadingBidding wars
It’s pretty nasty stuff but it is part of economic development. Bombardier is clearly playing cities off each other in a public way to see where they can get the best deal. A $240 million plan to entice a Canadian…
Continue ReadingEconomic anchors
I have been using this term more often lately which made me think about if I am using the term correctly and conveying my intended meaning. Upon reflection, I like this term. For me it refers to large, anchor companies…
Continue ReadingAl Strang stepping down
Moncton’s longtime city manager is retiring at the end of May. Moncton city council made the news public Monday night when it voted to accept Lawrence (Al) Strang’s offer of retirement. Strang has been Moncton’s chief administrator for almost two…
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