The General Assembly finds that an essential step to assist the Illinois economy, both on a statewide and on a local level, to respond to increasingly competitive global conditions and economic trends is to establish a consensus on a long-term economic development strategy that recognizes both the competitive position of the State‘s regions and needs of commerce and industry. A unique partnership between State and local development groups and between the private and public sectors can set a comprehensive and responsive agenda of community improvement and community economic development.