Discovering and applying new and innovative economic development tools, models, policies, and programs
Creating Jobs and Wealth in Distressed Michigan Communities
2015: Publicly-Operated Telework Facilities: An Economic Development Opportunity for Michigan's Rural and Tourism-Oriented Communities
Co-Learning Plan - 2015
Authors: Eric Frederick, Connect Michigan
Summary
Connect Michigan created a Co-Learning plan that addressed teleworking, also referred to as "telecommuting," and its importance to twenty-first century economic development in Michigan. Telecommuting enables an employee to work from a location that is remote from the traditional bricks and mortar environment by utilizing high-speed Internet connectivity and related technology. This Co-Learning Plan and accompanying analysis addressed whether a model or set of best practices exists for public entities to develop, support, own, and/ or operate a telework shared workspace, and the impact these facilities could have on the local economy. In addition, the analysis explored the opportunities that telework enables and why this employment arrangement, though relatively nascent, is increasingly becoming more common.
Project Updated As Of September 30th, 2015
Author Information
Eric Frederick, Connect Michigan
Since joining Connected Nation, Eric has built and led a nationally recognized team that has produced the nation's first Certified Connected Community. Eric has developed relationships with statewide, national, and international groups that are partnering with Connected Nation to solve problems of connectivity, and to bolster the value of internet connections. Eric works with communities and stakeholders across geographies and sectors to accelerate the expansion of broadband access, adoption, and use for improved community and economic development. Additionally, Eric leads the efforts of Connect Michigan providing opportunities for continued implementation of Connected Nation's Connected Community Engagement Program. Prior to joining Connected Nation, Eric worked for LSL Planning, Inc. as a Project Planner. In this role, Eric was responsible for comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance development, transportation planning, economic development, and grants related projects, all for various municipalities throughout the mid-west. Eric is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional with the United States Green Building Council. He holds a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Planning and a Minor in Geographic Information Systems from Northern Michigan University. Currently, Eric is pursuing a Ph.D. in Planning, Design, and Construction with a focus on ICT and the global knowledge economy from Michigan State University. Additionally, Eric is an advisor to the Digital Malaysia Directorate in Cyberjaya, Malaysia and a Fellow at the Prima Civitas Foundation.
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