Routledge Understanding Community Economic Growth and Decline: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Product Description This book presents a fully comprehensive look at what all communities―large and small, urban and rural―can do to grow and sustain their local economic bases. It examines the causes of economic decline for localities as well as the economic “product” being marketed to employers, the process of growth, and the means of sustaining economic growth over time. Drawing on the experiences of hundreds of communities and hundreds of leaders around the United States, Understanding Community Economic Growth and Decline outlines the various strategies that have or have not worked to enable or support a general local economic recovery. Exploring many facets of growth and re-growth following periods of economic decline, and offering practical, real-life tactics that have been successfully employed in local and regional economies across the US, this book is required reading for community planners and administrators, those currently working in public administration, and students studying regional planning or economic development. Review "Gordon provides an extraordinarily wise and compelling take on the complexities of economic planning in our time. In order to thrive, his research demonstrates, we must learn to account for eventualities we can’t anticipate. How? Implicitly, the book is an argument for education that prepares the next generations to recognize the astounding dynamism and interconnectedness of our world." – Zofia Burr, George Mason University, USA   "This book addresses a timely issue that impacts all communities, presenting the findings of extensive research and years of practical experience. It is a great choice for both the scholar and the practitioner seeking answers to modern day questions in economic development. A thoughtful exploration of the topic that is also an interesting read weaving together theory and real-life examples." – Kendra Stewart, The College of Charleston, USA   "In a time when federal and state funding for localities is declining, it’s imperative that these communities take a proactive and strategic approach to economic growth. Jerry Gordon’s book is a must read for those studying economic development and those practitioners living it on a daily basis." – Dr. Matt Shank, Marymount University, USA About the Author Gerald L. Gordon is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority in Fairfax County, Virginia, USA.