Tampa Bay Times: Rethinking Florida's job recruitment efforts

Shelling out millions in public money to private corporations was never a novel, responsible or sustainable strategy for creating jobs in the Sunshine State. That's why the Florida Legislature's decision not to spend any money over the next year on a job incentive program has forced a healthy and overdue debate.

This is an opportunity for Florida to assess its strengths and weaknesses, better target quality jobs and industries and draw a clear line between promoting economic growth and corporate welfare.

The Legislature's refusal last month to give any new money to Gov. Rick Scott's signature job development program has sparked a crisis at Enterprise Florida, the state's economic development agency. Its chief executive abruptly resigned, and Scott ordered job and spending cuts and an exhaustive review of the operation in advance of an Enterprise Florida governing board meeting next month.

The governor said the agency needs to "privatize many functions" as it reduces its reliance on public funding, and he called for Enterprise Florida to refocus its effort and mission as it becomes smaller and less flush with cash.

Scott should not have been surprised by the Legislature's move. Lawmakers tapped the brakes on the fund last year, giving Scott about half the $85 million he requested, and the Republican House leaders have been consistent in opposing the governor's push for $250 million, denouncing it as corporate welfare out of step with the times and free market principles. They have a point.

The issue now is how to move forward. Even without incentive money, the Legislature funded the agency's other initiatives, from marketing to international outreach. For the fifth straight year, Florida has attracted record tourism, and together with new investments in its airports and ports the state has a compelling story to tell as a powerhouse for services and exports.

The loss of walking around money should force the governor to recast Florida as more than a low-tax, low-wage state. It is easy enough to sell the state for its year-round good weather, competitive wages and relaxed regulatory environment. Major employers, though, especially those in emerging technology industries, are looking for talent, proximity to industrial hubs and quality transportation, schools and other amenities.

In his letter to the Enterprise Florida board, the governor still doesn't seem to get it, calling for new ways to promote Florida on the cheap. The state needs a better grasp of what employers want in a modern workforce and to invest in those areas. It also needs to better target specific job sectors that are expected to grow in the coming decades.

The state could always ask the private sector to make up some of the loss in public incentive money. With 93 percent of its budget coming from state taxpayers, it is time to rebalance this "public-private partnership." Yet it's also important not to diminish the positive impact this united effort can have on potential employers and the state's economy overall. The agency's framework creates an environment for government and business to cooperate, and it fosters connections that can help employers and communities lay the foundation for fruitful relationships.

The Enterprise Florida board should refocus on the bigger picture and insist that the state's investments in transportation, education, the environment and other core areas can compete on a national level. The board also needs to figure out how this new era will impact the work of local economic development groups.

Will cities and counties be asked to do or contribute more to lure new industries? How can regions join together to more efficiently market themselves? This is an opportunity to bring fresh perspective and a new level of accountability to the job recruiting process. It should also bring a new appreciation for growing industries that are already here.

This story was originally published April 12, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Tampa Bay Times: Rethinking Florida's job recruitment efforts ."