BRINGING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BACK TO RURAL REGIONS Developing a Stakeholder Led Strategy to Grow the Rural Economy Joe Masi Executive Director, Association of Manitoba Municipalities Co-Chair, Rural Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee EDAC 2016

Rural Manitoba - Background AMM has been a long-time advocate for a rural economic development strategy Challenges have included: Lack of coordination and collaboration among numerous ‘players’ in economic development Differing views about what “economic development” means Perception that rural Manitoba has been ignored; want a pro-rural business environment. EDAC 2016

Collective Impact Collective impact approach was a good fit for strategy To solve a major issue, organizations from across sectors coordinate toward a common goal EDAC 2016 Image Source: Tamarack Institute. Collective Impact. May 20, 2016. http://tamarackcci.ca/blogs/heather-keam/join-our-collective-impact-webinar-series

Collective Impact Collaboration among stakeholders based on: A common agenda Measurement of progress toward a shared set of goals Mutually reinforcing activities Open and continuous communication A “backbone” structure (Stanford Social Innovation Review, 2011) EDAC 2016

Manitoba Rural Economic Development Strategy A stakeholder Steering Committee was formed in September 2015 to develop a rural economic development strategy for Manitoba. The shared strategy was developed and is owned by stakeholders. EDAC 2016

Guiding Principles Need a clear, concise strategy with a defined vision for rural economy Need a shared understanding of what rural economic development is and how wealth is created An ‘economic development’ lens needs to be put on all government and community decisions. E.g. Municipal planning EDAC 2016

Guiding Principles Inclusion: Ensuring key stakeholders are involved and that the strategy reflects their contribution Principle that rural economic development is not solely a government responsibility Need to build consensus and commitment to the development and implementation of the strategy. EDAC 2016

Guiding Principles Regional focus can address the diversity among rural communities Communities/regions are at different stages of development; strategy must be flexible Aggressively attract business and investment Retain our population, grow our businesses Make communities investment ready EDAC 2016

Stakeholder Collaboration Province-wide strategy needs collaboration from across different regions and public/non-profit/private sectors: All levels of government (including local) Economic development organizations & practitioners Indigenous community Academia Business/entrepreneurship community EDAC 2016

Role of Government Distinction between a stakeholder led, shared strategy and a government strategy Provincial government involvement and support still important Government also has a major role in re-alignment of programs and services toward rural needs EDAC 2016

Developing the Strategy Manitoba Strategy’s intent was to “refresh” prior consultations, rather than repeat Surveyed local and regional economic development organizations, municipalities, and Chamber of Commerce members Consultant also interviewed key stakeholders EDAC 2016

Developing the Strategy Consultant analyzed stakeholder input and related reports/strategies from Manitoba and other jurisdictions. Stakeholder Steering Committee participated in planning sessions in November and December 2015 EDAC 2016

Developing the Strategy Draft strategy was released as a discussion document in January 2016 Key stakeholders returned to their members to obtain further feedback The strategy was finalized in June 2016 Currently entering implementation phase EDAC 2016

Shared Vision EDAC 2016

Strategy Goals for 2025: To increase the population across rural Manitoba by 150,000 To grow existing business in rural Manitoba by 20% To increase the number of businesses by 3,000 in rural Manitoba EDAC 2016

Strategic Directions EDAC 2016

Planning & Capacity There needs to be a single co-ordinating entity (backbone structure) to drive implementation and function as the place to go for information Ability to collect and analyze timely, quality data is crucial for planning and investment attraction Build capacity through training and provincial standard in economic development Targeted to practitioners, municipal councillors, and CAOs EDAC 2016

Investment Attraction “Single window” or “one-stop shop” services would be welcomed by communities and entrepreneurs Strong infrastructure is critical Need for strong, well-funded marketing of Rural Manitoba Truly removing regulatory burdens and red tape is an important initiative for rural businesses. Access to funding is considered one of the most significant barriers to entrepreneurs and small businesses. EDAC 2016

Population & Labour Force Youth, newcomers and Indigenous people are considered key to the future growth and vibrancy of rural Manitoba. Flexibility in education systems (secondary and post-secondary) is needed to meet the unique needs of rural Manitoba. Rural population is very mobile in where they work/shop; a regional-level focus can be beneficial EDAC 2016

From Development to Implementation Three focus areas for first stage of implementations: Developing the ability to collect and utilize quality, timely information and data for planning Developing training to build capacity of rural practitioners and leaders Phasing in a “backbone structure” to coordinate and drive implementation These areas are the foundation for the rest of the action plan EDAC 2016

Q & A EDAC 2016

Thank You EDAC 2016 Contact: Joe Masi Executive Director, Association of Manitoba Municipalities 1910 Saskatchewan Ave W. Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0P1 Tel: 204-856-2360 Email: jmasi@amm.mb.ca EDAC 2016