Toward an 'economy of inclusion'

Despite having mostly failed for more than half a century, top-down redevelopment schemes are all the rage again in Camden.

Politicians elected and un-elected are shovelling massive amounts of public funds, government subsidies and tax 'incentives' to woo big corporations to Camden, where the hollowed-out blocks and tax-exempt tundras of downtown and the waterfront showcase the downside of the boardroom-driven urban "renewal" that has prevailed for decades.

To teach residents how to benefit from or create economic development opportunities closer to where they live, two respected grassroots organizations are partnering with Rutgers-Camden to offer an "Economy of Inclusion" policy forum  at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at St Anthony of Padua Church, 2818 River Rd..

"Promises of training programs that will elevate residents to reach the new jobs are always made. Yet when the dust settles and the incentives have been awarded...the typical life of a Camden resident is little changed," says Ray Lamboy, president and CEO of the Latin American Economic Development Association. LAEDA is sponsoring the event along with Camden Churches Organized for People.

"It's critical to show residents how they can connect [major redevelopment projects] to their own lives and communities," says Stephen D. Danley, an assistant professor of public policy and admnistration at Rutgers-Camden. Danley also oversees a lively blog that provides city residents and advocates a platform for exchanging ideas.

Krtsten Zielinski-Nalen, a community organizer at St. Anthony of Padua, hopes the forum will empower residents to lobby for job training and community benefit agreements from "the companies that are  benefiting from these tax incentives."  The goal, she adds, is  "real jobs...that will benefit the people of Camden."

For information about the May 28 forum, call 856-966-8869.

UPDATED AT 7 pm