The introduction of the Community Competitiveness Initiative (CCI) is designed to enhance community competitiveness by focusing on economic development capacity and readiness at local levels. The initiative raises awareness of the processes of economic development and the necessary factors to achieve success. It provides community leaders with clear direction on specific resources needed to foster successful economic development while increasing collaboration between municipal, parish, regional and state economic development practitioners.
Twenty indicators can gauge the economic development readiness of each community. These indicators were identified using economic development best practices along with input from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). For each indicator, communities can be identified by one of three stages of development: emerging, developing or achieving. With this information, the initiative can maintain an ongoing understanding of the economic development capacity of communities and identify potential improvements.
The information used to determine the economic development capacity of communities is primarily used for planning, allocating resources and developing policies to enhance economic development in Louisiana. Not only can this process help communities identify opportunities for improvement, but it can also help to determine where LED should focus efforts and resources to help strengthen economic development capacity throughout the state.
CCI visits are now available virtually. For additional resources to prepare for investment, growth and sustainability, visit the LCN Community Development Toolkit.
Economic Development Capacity Indicators:
Assess your community's economic development capacity on the below indicators by downloading the Community Competitiveness Assessment Form.