1. 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
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2. 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.
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3. 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
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Image Source: Tamarack Institute. Collective Impact. May 20,

4. 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)
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5. 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.
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6. 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
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7. 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.
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 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
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12. 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
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13. 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
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14. Shared Vision
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15. 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
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16. Strategic Directions
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17. 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
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18. 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.
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19. 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
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20. 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
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21. Q & A
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22. Thank You EDAC 2016 Contact: Joe Masi
Executive Director, Association of Manitoba Municipalities
1910 Saskatchewan Ave W.
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0P1
Tel:
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