Community Economic Development

Community Economic Development (CED) is a community-led process that combines social and economic development to foster the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of communities. A “community” can be a group of people who share
common experiences, goals, language, heritage and culture. Community can also refer to the inhabitants of a specific geographic area, such as a rural village, an urban neighbourhood or an entire city.

A CED approach is driven by the community, which (in the case of “geographic communities”) includes local residents, businesses, institutions and organizations. Through CED, local economies are strengthened by local skill, employment and (for-profit and not-for-profit) business development, all of which contribute to community well-being.

CED is a key component of the Province of Manitoba’s economic strategy and an approach central to Neighbourhoods Alive!’s efforts to support community driven neighbourhood renewal. The basic principles of CED are outlined below. Community organizations applying to Neighbourhoods Alive! are asked to describe how their proposed project demonstrates a commitment to these principles wherever possible.

1. Local Employment
   – support long-term employment opportunities for local residents including hiring locally, create opportunities for greater personal and community self-sufficiency, and enable spending of wages within the local economy.
   
   
2. Local Ownership and Decision-making
   – promote local ownership and control of community-based businesses, cooperatives and other resources, and encourage grassroots involvement and democratic decision-making.
   
   
3. Local Economic Linkages
   – purchase locally produced goods and services.
   
   
4. Re-invest Profits Back into the Community
   – reinvest profits to expand the local economy and strengthen community self-reliance.
   
   
5. Local Knowledge and Skill Development
   – provide education and training opportunites that are accessible to local residents.
   
   
6. Positive Environmental Impact
   – promote environmental sustainability by building green, clean and safe communities.
   
   
7. Health and Well-being
   – promote the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of community members at home, in the workplace and in the community at large.
   
   
8. Neighbourhood Stability and Community Cohesion
   – increase community members’ commitment to remain and participate in the community.
   
   
9. Human Dignity
   – foster relationships that build individual self-respect and community pride.

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