Focus Areas

Community Development

Place Design is the planning and management of a community’s public goods for the purpose of economic development. Public goods are assets that are available to everyone in a community, and the use of a public good by one person does not reduce or exclude its availability to another. Examples of public goods are roads, parks, firework displays, and police protection.

Place Design creates economic prosperity when people and businesses are attracted to public assets. Entrepreneurs find inspiration in communities with a strong sense of place. Consumers like to spend time in communities and at businesses with unique character. When given a choice, people choose to live in communities that appeal to them. Employers and investors move to these communities because smart people are doing innovative things in communities where they are inspired.

The concept of Place is easy to understand when one reflects on places like Venice, Paris or San Francisco. We have a visceral sense of the public character of these places. It doesn’t need to be explained. Place Design, however, is about more than exciting downtowns and green space. Place Design involves any public good that is more attractive to people, that causes them to live, invest and spend time in a community. In this light, internet speed is a Place Design tool.
 

Economic Development

The Killeen Chamber has always provided services to businesses important to economic development. Thriving businesses that create jobs to partnering in developing a city that provides a Quality of Place to ensuring Fort Hood remains a sustainable installation are just a few examples of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce's influence on a community "Where Freedom Grows."

Councils

Councils are an opportunity for investors to have more direct participation with the Chamber and its Plan of Work. Each council operates a little differently, but the goal is the same: to provide investors in the Chamber opportunities to engage with issues and shape programs.