Rethinking Economic Development in Small Population Communities
by Lorri Matthewson
September 24, 2026
Economic development in small-population communities has never fit neatly into the traditional model. The urban playbook, industrial attraction, large scale incentives, marketing, and piling on information in hopes the municipalities will lead the economic development charge does not work. That doesn't align with who they are, or what they need. How do we know? We asked them.
The work we've been doing across the Prairies shows us that community economic development is not entirely about attraction, or partnerships, although both are important. It is primarily about alignment, and providing the supports our regions have been asking for, from the beginning. Leadership shouldn't fall to the Councils who have the least resources in terms of time and staff. So building out this model, means I spent part of the day building information that will eventually live on this site.
In the meantime, I am including them here so you can learn more about what we are doing, and support the process, should you agree we are on to something here. The Welcome to the Regional Partnership tells you how to become part of this thing we are doing. Suggestions? Email me at LorriMatthewson@smallplacesrock.com
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