VEC is in the process of developing an economic development strategy for the city of Vancouver, with a target completion date in the second quarter of 2010. The strategy is based on Guiding Principles for Economic Development established by the City of Vancouver in 2006.

The first stage in developing the economic development strategy was the development of the Business Climate Report -  an assessment of the business climate in the City of Vancouver. This assessment, with recommendations, was completed and presented to the City in November 2007.

Throughout the development of its EDS, VEC has been an active participant in the Business Council of British Columbia's Outlook 2020 project.  The research papers in Outlook 2020 provide in-depth analysis of key issues facing BC's economy.  As part of the project, VEC was commissioned to write a paper on the economy of the Vancouver region, which was released in April of 2010.  The paper provides a broader regional context that will guide VEC's development of its EDS for the City of Vancouver.

On June 23, 2009, VEC held a Workshop to discuss human resources challenges.  Among roughly 45 attendees were 30 young and emerging leaders from a variety of industries.  The handout used in the workshop can be found here, the PowerPoint from the presentation here, and the minutes from the meeting here.  The workshop also included presentations from the consulting firm Cause + Affect, who had conducted prior focus sessions on behalf of VEC -- their presentation is available here, and handout here.

On August 12, 2009, VEC held a Workshop on its proposed economic development strategy.  Over 60 people attended.  The powerpoint used in the workshop can be found here.  Notes of the meeting can be found here. .

Handout of August 12 EDS event.

On September 9, 2009, Dr. Michael Goldberg made a presentation to the VEC Board on the inter-relationships among economic development, transit and land use.  The presentation can be found here.