Being a newcomer to the area, it is clear to see that our region’s elected officials and leaders understand this and have invested time to work towards common growth goals. The importance of quality of life initiatives, such as attracting and retaining livable wage jobs, housing equity and stock, trails and culture, and other amenities, seems very top of mind when decisions are directed to action. Communities with a higher quality of life experience both higher employment and population growth.

The collaboration is something we at the Growth Alliance practice day in and day out, and that’s because it is imperative in the success of our region. Seeing all the forward thinking and collaborative action being done by the leadership, in both local government and business, is a positive outcome of many years of work to get here. Even regarding the challenges that our communities face, as many towns and cities across the country similarly do, one thing we do differently, we tackle them together. No one issue will be solved by one entity alone.

Reliable infrastructure is also a part of maintaining a good quality of life. Infrastructure covers everything from roads and bridges to basic municipal needs like water, electricity, gas and broadband. It also includes services like health care, child care, educational opportunities, and further amenities that support the necessary workforce, our human infrastructure.

Economic growth doesn’t happen without serious investments and strategic planning with a master plan regarding infrastructure. Without infrastructure support there are no new neighborhoods, shopping areas, entrepreneurial ecosystems or other amenities we have grown to expect.

A partner to economic development is the education opportunities available. Iowa Central Community College is also a part of our support infrastructure that is invaluable when it comes to offering options for adult learning, skilled workforce training and development. The workforce is, and has been, of great importance for attracting and retaining businesses. With the great silver tsunami economists have alluded to with the mass exodus of one of our larger generations such as the Baby Boomers, employers are looking to find ways to bridge the generation gap as new generations enter the labor market. Automation has played a key role as technological advancements in recent years are being actualized at a much faster pace, but our educational partners will always be front and center for skilling up the labor force. One thing is clear to me, economic development and quality of life initiatives only happen when collaboration occurs between stakeholders. Fort Dodge, Webster County and we all understand that when one wins, we all win.

Astra Ferris is the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.