By Dr. Jeff Bird— MUNCIE, IN—This article will be my first of many forays into our local economy and economic development.  Many similar practical and conceptual examples will follow.  I met with two local leaders who play significant roles in local economic development.  Jeff Howe is the recent chair of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission (MRC) and was recently appointed Deputy Mayor of Muncie.  The MRC exists to acquire and dispose of abandoned residential properties, stimulate economic growth and manage the city’s allocation districts and tax increment financing (TIF).  Traci Lutton serves as Vice President of the Economic Development Alliance of…