Global trends of decentralisation mean that increasingly local government is the main vehicle for delivering local and inclusive economic growth. But changes to how we understand growth mean that concepts such as doughnut economics, mission-governance, and investment zones are offering different avenues for councils exploring economic growth.

Growing local economies in a fair and sustainable way for all residents and communities in a locality is a shared challenge for local government across many countries. This webinar will explore some of the key drivers behind successful initiatives implemented by different councils.

Key areas for discussion will include

• What is the role of local government in economic growth? 
• Are we simply chasing GDP or is there a new model for delivering inclusive and community-focused growth?
• How do we future-proof our solutions to ensure local economic planning remains resilient to economic changes?
• What does community ownership mean for local growth?
• What drives the differences in local economic performance and what are the shared challenges?
• How to ensure that the whole local area benefits from local economic growth initiatives.

Panellists: 

• Dr Angela Jackson, Commissioner (Social Policy), Australian Productivity Commission
• David Marlow, Chief Executive, Third Life Economics 
• Merryn Tinkler, Manager Economy & Culture, Mount Alexander Shire Council 
• Rob Huntington, Chief Executive, Rossendale Borough Council