Sarasota Livin'

CoolTown: poses the question: Planning and economic development: Like oil and water? It references a study by the American Planning Association that recognizes this.

The story links to the article published by APA Money Matters: Getting Economic Development Into the Mix, which include the following points that both parties should adhere to:

- There are positive, measurable benefits (weeding out political interests)
- Those benefits are long term (emphasizes local businesses)
- The public benefits greatly outweigh the costs (the best projects should go first)
- The economic benefits are primarily local (ie not Wal-mart)
- There are qualitative as well as quantitative benefits (ie placemaking, quality of life, entertainment)
- Economic development incentives should only be used only when investment won't occur without it.