Page 26 - The Edge - Spring 2017

WINTER CONFERENCE

By Don Harris

Economist Recommends Linking

Education to Economic Development

Jim Rounds
AASBO members were treated to a short course in economics and Regarding job growth last year, Arizona ranked 11th in the nation,
how education ties into economic development, but selling that idea recording a 2.52 percent increase. Western states that outpaced Arizona
isn’t necessarily easy. were Oregon (1), Idaho (2), Utah (4), Washington (5), Colorado (7),
Jim Rounds, a noted Arizona economist who founded Rounds Nevada (8), and California (9).
Consulting Group Inc., offered suggestions on how the education Rounds compared investing in education to road building and
community can gain greater support among policymakers in his infrastructure needs. With a road, the question is how much economic
keynote address at AASBO’s 2017 Winter Conference on February 1. development it will generate. “They can see it,” he said. “Education is
Asking what makes the economy tick, Rounds listed tax cuts; more of a long-term investment. Education differs from infrastructure
economic development programs; workforce quality, availability and improvements.”
costs; general education funding; transportation infrastructure and a Businesses want to know if there are enough qualified workers in an
balanced budget. area to meet their needs, Rounds said. “Can a business hire 100 people
“Everything matters,” he said, emphasizing the need to talk about with the required skill set?” Rounds asked. “If the community is large
how education and workforce play a role in Arizona’s economy.
Regarding economic competitiveness, Rounds said it’s OK to
compare Arizona to other states and other metropolitan areas. Continued on page 27

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26 THE EDGE | SPRING 2017