Economic Development for Everyone

Economic Development for Everyone collects, organizes, and reviews much of the current research available on creating economic development in low-income communities. Part One offers an overview of: the harsh realities facing low-income communities in the US today; their many economic and social challenges; debates on whether to try reviving local economies vs. relocating residents; and current trends in economic development that emphasize high-tech industry and high levels of human capital. Part Two organizes the sprawling literature of applied economic development research into a practical framework of five action-oriented dimensions: empower your residents; beginning with basic education; enhance your community by building on existing assets; encourage your entrepreneurs; diversify your economy; and sustain your development. This book, assembled and presented in a unified framework, will be invaluable for students and new researchers of economic development in low-income communities, as well as offering new perspectives for established researchers, professional economic developers and planners, and public officials. Development practitioners and community leaders will also find new ideas and opportunities, along with a broad view on how the many complex parts of economic development interconnect.