Working Together: Community Culture and Trust on the Road to Economic Resiliency
In this thoughtful episode, Economic Development Program Director Rachel Bennett hosts a conversation on understanding community culture and building trust in the face of economic resiliency and disruption. She is joined by guests Clara Hoffman, Vice President of Engagement and External Relations for Microenterprise Development, and Nathan Mercer, a Workforce and Economic Development Consultant, for a rich exchange of perspectives and strategies.
Bennett opens by making the case that community culture matters in shaping economic resilience. She points out that every community has its own cultural fabric that shapes how residents react to economic challenges and opportunities. Getting to know that culture is key to designing effective economic development policies and initiatives.
Hoffman then shares what industry leaders have learned while engaging with diverse communities. She talks about why genuine engagement and transparent communication matter when building trust. By bringing community members into decision-making and taking their input seriously, microenterprise advocates have built strong relationships that lift economic resilience. She also notes how data and storytelling help convey what economic initiatives actually achieve, making them more relatable and effective for residents.
Mercer brings his workforce and economic development experience to the discussion. He explains that trust is essential for attracting and keeping talent, especially amid economic disruption. He walks through strategies such as skills-training programs, job fairs, and partnerships with local schools to meet workforce needs and strengthen the community’s economic base. He also emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in building a resilient workforce that can adapt as the economic landscape shifts.
Throughout the conversation, the panel looks at real examples of communities that have navigated economic disruption well by leaning on their distinctive cultures and building strong trust among residents, businesses, and local government. They also address common hurdles and misconceptions around economic development, offering practical advice and concrete steps for listeners.
This episode is a must-listen for economic development professionals, policymakers, community leaders, and anyone curious about the complex relationship between community culture, trust, and economic resilience. Drawing on these experts’ insights, listeners will be better positioned to build strategies that foster sustainable, inclusive economic growth in their own communities.
The economic development podcast series keeps delivering useful information and resources to help communities of every size build resilient, sustainable economies. Tune in to this episode and join the conversation as we map the route to economic prosperity through understanding community culture and building trust.
Curriculum
- 1 Section
- 4 Lessons
- 4 Weeks
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- HOW TO BUILD A ONE-PAGE DEVELOPER PORTFOLIO WEBSITE4
- 1.1CALED Economic Development Podcast: Building Resiliency into Your Strategy | Part 126 Minutes
- 1.2CALED Economic Development Podcast: Building Resiliency into Your Strategy | Part 234 Minutes
- 1.3CALED Economic Development Podcast: Rural Recovery and Resiliency | Part 348 Minutes
- 1.4Understanding Community Culture and Building Trust Around Economic Resiliency and Disruption | Part 444 Minutes
Instructor
