Planning Local Economic Development
Theory and Practice
- Edward J Blakely - The University of Sydney, Australia, University of Southern California, USA, New School University, New York, USA, University of California, Berkeley, USA
In recent years, national economic policies throughout the world have been increasingly aimed at developing indigenous and locally based economic development programs. This has led to a new focus on building the economy from within and linking it to both the regional and the global economy. Local governments and community groups are, as a consequence, engaged in investigating opportunities for improving the economic, wealth and employment bases for the populations they serve.
This comprehensive book explores the theories of local economic development and addresses the dilemmas communities face. Emphasizing “community-determined processes,” the authors investigate planning processes, analytical techniques, business and human resource development, as well as both low-cost and high-technology economic development strategies.
The book contains:
• case studies, illustrations, and exercises which demonstrate how each theory can be employed in a real-world setting;
• sample resource materials, which facilitate the development and design of program plans;
• new arguments for implementing local economic development initiatives; and
• various ideas for local business development ranging from tourism and housing to micro-enterprises, women’s enterprises and community cooperatives.
Written by scholars with many years of regional and city planning experience, this book will prove invaluable to students and teachers of economic development, urban studies, and public administration. Economic development specialists in local and municipal government as well as NGOs will also find this an essential reference.