Mudslinging in Pittsburgh

As an active member of the community, I make it a point to follow the news associated with state-funded, economic development organizations such as Idea Foundry, Innovation Works, Allegheny Conference, Pittsburgh Technology Council, etc.

Recently, there has been a lot of noise around the community about the progress that is being made by those organizations. Some of these organizations, like the Allegheny Conference, have received more attention than others. One side of the camp argues that organizations such as the Allegheny Conference serve no purpose. Their efforts ultimately are a waste of money and may even be deleterious to the general growth of the economy. On the other side of the camp, there are those individuals and organizations that staunchly defend these organizations. These folks claim that our economic development organizations have made massive progress and are leading us towards a brighter future. Who do we believe?

I don't really care. Why? Because it doesn't matter. Regardless of how we got here, we are here now. Let's do something about it. It is essential that we stop the mudslinging, stop pointing fingers, and start to work together as a community. There is no right, or wrong side. These organizations have done good things for the city. Whether they can do better, or not--that is another question. In my humble opinion, they most certainly can. You can always do better. In this particular case, it is clear that they not only have to do better, but have no choice in the matter if our region is to move forward.

Ultimately, however, critics of the economic development community are right on one thing. Our goal as a city should be to eliminate economic development organizations. These organizations were ostensibly formed to foster an environment of self-sustaining growth. If they are effective in achieving their goals, we should have an economy so vibrant that their presence is no longer required. What do you think?