It has sat vacant for far too long, and thoughtful economic development can strengthen Los Alamos for generations to come. But supporting economic development doesn’t mean every private development should automatically receive public financial assistance. If taxpayers are investing in a private development, the public benefit should be every bit as clear, measurable, and lasting as the private benefit. Economic development works best when it creates genuine partnerships between the public and private sectors; partnerships where both sides contribute, both sides benefit, and both sides are accountable. The question isn’t whether we should pursue economic development.