Viewpoint

“The wisdom to know and the courage to defend the public interest.”
- County News, National Association of Counties

Aliceann Wolhbruck, Executive Director, NADO Research Foundation

Since the tragedies of September 11, public opinion polls have shown an increased support for “the government” and public agencies such as police, fire and emergency services personnel. Protection from fires and bioterrorism are two stories in this issue illustrating the need for national, state, regional and local public agencies to coordinate their activities to safeguard people and places. The stories also illustrate the need for qualified, trained professionals to protect and defend the public.

As the nation grapples with these issues and the threat of terrorists inside and outside of the country, the critical role of local governments and the regional development organizations that serve them is being discussed at all levels of government and by foundations who are critical opinion makers. Thus, the theme of NADO’s 2002 Washington Policy Conference, to be held April 13-16 in Washington, DC is “A New Era for Regional Cooperation.”

Because most regional councils and the federal programs supporting them were created in the 1960s and 1970s, these governmental and quasi-governmental organizations will soon face a significant brain drain as individuals reach retirement age. The executive directors of economic development districts have been the driving force behind the success of these organizations and they and their boards must now review past accomplishments and prepare for the future.

The next few years will be a critical time for locally-based regional organizations to undertake a SWOT – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats – analysis of their organization. While economic development districts are doing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for their region, few are carefully examining their own institution in terms of future organizational development.

It is particularly difficult in smaller organizations like development districts, to spend time and money on the future when there is so much to be done on a daily basis. If the past commitment and dedication of executive directors and board members of regional organizations is to be carried forward, it is now time to look at regional development organizations and what they need to be and do in the 21st century.

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