There Is a New Sheriff in Town: Why Community Approval Now Rules Major Project Development

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For years, the path to project approval ran through economic development offices, with discussions centered on capital investment and job creation. Once zoning and permitting approvals were in hand, financing was secured, and incentives were negotiated, success could be seen on the horizon.

Not anymore.

Today, there is a new sheriff in town—and it is not the mayor, county commission, planning department, or economic development agency. It is the community.

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