MNL has developed several development guides geared towards longer-term adjustment and development. These guides form the basis for MNL Economic Development workshops. However, they could just as easily be used by other organizations in their own events (workshops, AGMs, conferences, staff training, etc...).
The guides are practical and relate economic development to the day-to-day activities of municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Topics include:
- Infrastructure and economic development;
- Taxation and economic development;
- Regional economic development and municipalities;
- Land-use planning and economic development; and,
- Major projects and impact on economic development.
Peer-based training
MNL runs approximately six workshops per year based on the development guides. We work in close consultation with NLREDA and the REDBs on the planning and delivery of these workshops. We believe, as the regional coordinators for economic development, REDBs have an important role to play in supporting the municipal contribution to economic development. It is our hope that the MNL Economic Development workshops become a venue through which this mandate is fulfilled.
MNL Directors play an active, visible role in the workshops. They deliver presentations, lead discussions, and chair or participate in small group discussions. One of the hallmarks of our earlier work was the sense that they represented a “councillors helping councillors” approach. It is an important mechanism to encourage the participants to really engage with the material they are hearing and seeing.
Consequently, MNL's Development Guides are designed to be delivered by people who may not have significant experience in economic development. In addition, the material will be simply presented so as not to overwhelm the audience.
Workshops deal, as much as possible, with issues of local and regional importance. Participants should expect to find solutions to their particular problems at MNL Economic Development workshops. Our relationship with the REDBs, in particular the Executive Directors, is invaluable in ensuring the workshops are regionally relevant.
MNL also draws heavily on local and regional speakers. It is vital that participants see their peers at the podium. Often, the words of an “outside expert” are easily ignored, while the advice of a neighbour rings true.
Copies of the Development Guides can be found
HERE