Main streets at a crossroad: Experiences from Australia

A conversation with Elizabeth Joldeski, Executive Officer, Mainstreet Australia

WHAT’S THE ISSUE?

Main streets are both economic and social hubs for local communities by providing access to employment, services and goods, and by serving as community gathering points. For example, in Victoria, Australia, Main Streets account for 12% of the state’s jobs and generate over AUD 50 billion in economic value annually. However, across the OECD these “hearts” of communities are facing increasing pressures, as a result of digitalisation, demographic change, and short-term shocks, such as COVID-19 and inflation. Join this conversation to hear about the last activities, challenges and trends shaping main streets across Australia and new policy approaches that are needed in response. 

Moderated by Anna Rubin, Manager of the OECD Local Development Forum

READ THE WEBINAR SUMMARY

This webinar is part of a series of events to mark the 40th anniversary of the OECD Local Employment and Economic Development (LEED) Programme, including reflecting on the lessons learned from the past 40 years of the local development, and the direction that needs be taken for the future. LEED was created in 1982, when OECD governments were struggling to provide solutions to the jobs crisis of the day and saw a need for an international forum to share innovative approaches to local job creation, social inclusion and economic development. Since then, it has continued to bring together policy makers and practitioners from around the world to identify, evaluate and disseminate promising approaches to local development.