How can towns like Westbrook support and encourage economic and community development? On Thursday, May 3 members of town boards, stakeholders, and residents will attend a workshop designed to help provide answers to those questions.

From 5 to 7 p.m., professionals from the Connecticut Economic Resource Center and the Connecticut Economic Development Association will conduct what’s billed as “a unique municipal economic development training” at the Mulvey Municipal Center. Sponsored by the town’s Economic Development Commission, the free two-hour workshop, as described in the flyer, is designed to help “public officials across the municipal structure understand the intricacies of the local, state, and global economy, and develop a strong and successful economic development foundation for their community’s future.”

The workshop is “geared to all who impact economic development, and is designed to get everyone working collaboratively.” It will begin by describing what economic and community development before shifting to identifying the roles of different parties and stakeholders in the economic development process. Another topic will be how the local municipal economy is impacted by the state, region, and global economy and how to build support in your local community for economic development initiatives.

“Attendees will receive information about research, marketing and general economic development practices, as well as resources and tools available to achieve economic results,” according to the flyer.

Officials from Westbrook who planned to attend were asked to complete an online survey in advance.

Fundamentals of Economic Development sponsored by the Westbrook Economic Development Commission is scheduled for Thursday, May 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mulvey Municipal Center.