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The Plan that Transformed Brittany, France
2007-11-04
Traditionally it was often the case that communities relied heavily on an external approach to development and so courted firms outside of their jurisdictions which would come in to manufacture goods that in turn were exported. Today, it is felt that communities should first consider internal community development, motivated by local initiatives. An approach to development, designed by local initiative and meant to develop community resources, is seen as the most likely way to attain long term success. Good projects come out of communities that know their resources and can judge their potential, and then, and only then, seek external cooperation.
Local initiative is the starter of all development. Communities often begin with small planning groups that generally grow to incorporate a wide base of the community make-up. Planning groups historically consist of local business people, locally elected officials, workers, educators, representatives of service organizations, and community residents. These groups come together to outline community objectives and to propose a plan to achieve those objectives. Instead of primarily focusing on making their community attractive to external interests and thereby running the risk of being “outside driven,” community members first identify their assets, set priorities and build relationships among the members of their community. Communities that have been successful have plans, and residents believe that, in fact, plans can vitalize their community. Research shows that:
“The existence of such plans also made it easier for successful communities to gain access to various senior government programs and sources of financial support, primarily because development plans give solid evidence of community organizations, commitment and seriousness of purpose.”
