Mayor's Blog
-Abraham Lincoln
The terms "quality of place" and "placemaking" are being abundantly sprinkled throughout the world of governments. These concepts derive from the work of author and researcher Richard Florida who offers the opinion that Americans' choice about where they want to live contributes more to their lives than where they work. I suspect that Mr. Florida would surmise economic development is more likely to occur in the pursuit of people who find a city compatible with their life rather than going after businesses in hopes they will bring successful people to an area.
Recently, Dr. Tom Lehman, an Indiana Wesleyan professor, delivered a local presentation on where Dubois County fits in the world of rural placemaking. The message was part of the continuing Community Conversation series. Dr. Lehman studied 601 non-metropolitan counties in 10 Midwestern states including Dubois County. With the 10th largest population of these rural Indiana counties, we rank in the Top 3 of four different measures of economic development and in the Top 20 of all 601 counties. Given that key drivers of such rankings are usually access to interstate highways and proximity to a large city, Dr. Lehman wanted to know how we do so well.
I believe it has everything to do with the Lincoln quote I used with this message. Over the last 100 years we've created a quality place in which to live and we've adopted a way of living which sustains what we have. If you truly wish to thrive, the foundation for you to do so exists right here. Success breeds success - in the workforce, employers, entrepreneurs, schools, health and wellbeing.
I am enthused about our future and ask that you join me in spreading the word about the city and county we call home.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Mayor Terry Seitz
