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What does it take to build a stronger community from the ground up?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Mason Ainsworth to explore his journey from young city councillor to passionate advocate for community development and economic growth.
Mason shares lessons from his experience in local government and explains why economic development often comes down to relationships, trust, transparency, and achieving small victories that create long-term momentum.
The conversation also explores the unique strengths and challenges of rural communities, including infrastructure, local leadership, placemaking, and creating communities where people want to live, work, and invest.
Mason also discusses the importance of education, continuous learning, and attracting young professionals to the economic development field. He shares why great economic developers need strong people skills—and, most importantly, the ability to listen.
Key Takeaways-
Strong relationships and community trust are essential to economic development.
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Small victories can create momentum for long-term community growth.
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Rural communities have unique assets and opportunities to leverage.
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Placemaking helps create communities where people want to live and invest.
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Listening and approachability are critical skills for economic developers.
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Young professionals have an important role in the future of the profession.
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Mason Ainsworth's journey into economic development
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Local government and community leadership
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Rural economic development
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Placemaking and quality of place
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Building relationships and community trust
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Recruiting young talent into economic development
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Education and continuous learning
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Podcasting and community engagement
"You gotta kick the tires."
"Most people don't wake up and say, I want to be an economic developer."
"A great economic developer listens."
