This book offers insights into the process and the practice of local economic development. Bridging the gap between theory and practice it demonstrates the relevance of theory to inform local strategic planning in the context of widespread disparities in regional economic performance. The book summarizes the core theories of economic development, applies each of these to professional practice, and provides detailed commentary on them. This updated second edition includes more recent contributions - regional innovation, agglomeration and dynamic theories – and presents the major ideas that inform economic development strategic planning, particularly in the United States and Canada. The text offers theoretical insights that help explain why some regions thrive while others languish and why metropolitan economies often rise and fall over time. Without theory, economic developers can only do what is politically feasible. This text, however, provides them with a logical tool for thinking about development and establishing an independent basis from which to build the local consensus needed for evidence-based action undertaken in the public interest. Offering valuable perspectives on both the process and the practice of local and regional economic development, this book will be useful for both current and future economic developers to think more profoundly and confidently about their local economy.

Strategic Planning for Local Government, second edition, outlines the strategic planning process in local government and helps local government leaders anticipate and shape the future of their communities. It covers practical ways of obtaining information, analyzing that information, and developing a vision for the community that can be translated into programs and line items in a budget. This e-book offers many excerpts from local government plans and working documents that serve as examples you can build upon. These models can be customized for your local government. Videos highlight the role professional local government managers play in building communities we're proud to call home.