The release of the report from the Delaware Business Roundtable marked a step forward in the public policy arena.
To its credit, the Delaware Investment Agenda used input from an outside consulting firm rather than an in-state task force that would tend to rehash old ideas and re-enforce a “not invented here” bias we have seen in the past.
The report confirms that the state’s political leaders need to develop an economic development strategy that plays to the state’s strengths and works to gain consensus from the state’s residents. This is a tall order but achievable.
The Delaware Investment Agenda also pointed to the success of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership as a model for building public-private entities that can address a variety of issues and bring fresh air and new ideas to key areas.
It will be interesting to see if the current candidates for governor sign on to the agenda or have a strategy in their back pocket.
Perhaps due to the need to respond to the Covid pandemic, a no-win situation, current Gov. John Carney’s one achievement in the economic development arena was the formation of the Prosperity Partnership.
There were skeptics, myself included, who questioned whether the mainly private organization would succeed. Thanks to bringing in Kurt Foreman, an experienced economic development professional, and the governor’s support, the organization has thrived and is poised to expand its role.
Whether that level of support comes from future General assemblies and administrations is to be determined.
For now, the business community should take a close look at the agenda and offer its support. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.
