V. Principal Findings

The EDIP process included an open and evolving assessment of Miami-Dade’s economic development delivery system. The assessment allowed for substantial input from local economic development stakeholders, business leaders and the community at large. Due to the fact that the EDIP was intended to focus on impediments to economic development within the African-American community, special effort was made to engage African-American business and community leaders in the assessment process.

The EDIP’s findings were based on the input received from three phases of interviews, two economic development policy forums and research on state-ofthe art community and economic development practice.

The FIU/MC conducted its assessment in conjunction with the National Panel of Experts and the National Institute for Community Empowerment (N.I.C.E.). The EDIP’s findings were based on the input received from three phases of interviews, two economic development policy forums and research on state-of-the art community and economic development practice.

The first phase of interviews occurred concurrent with the FIU/MC’s preliminary assessment of Miami-Dade’s economic development environment. Phase two interviews were conducted by the National Panel of Experts as part of their on-site assessment. Phase three interviews were conducted by N.I.C.E prior to the second economic development policy forum. The first two phases of the interview process primarily targeted Miami-Dade’s economic development stakeholders, while the third phase targeted Black business and community leaders. The stakeholders represented governmental and quasi-governmental agencies involved with the delivery of economic development programs and services. The initial interviews conducted by the FIU/MC were held on-site at each agency location. The subsequent interviews conducted by the National Panel were held at the offices of the FIU/MC. In both instances, the agencies were typically represented by the director or chief executive officer and two or more agency officials or board members. Phase three interviews of Black business and community leaders were conducted one-on-one by N.I.C.E. at the Tools for Change offices. In total, the interviews provided an important stakeholder and community perspective on the issues and impediments to economic development in Miami-Dade.

Subsequent to the three rounds of interviews, the FIU/MC began a process of summarizing, interpreting and categorizing the re-