CP6412 - Local Economic Development Planning and Policy

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the context, theory, process and practice of local economic development planning. The course is the first of a two part sequence. The second course focuses on specific topics and issues of implementation in economic development. As a core course in the economic development specialization, this course has several related goals. This course is designed to orient you-- a wide range of students with varying intellectual backgrounds and degrees of preparation --to the discipline. An additional goal is providing you with ideas and a context for developing your own specific toolbox of economic development strategies. In this course you will also be expected to hone your critical reading skills including the ability to analyze a piece of writing in depth and skim a wide range of literature. This core course is also intended to build a sense of community between students and the economic development community at large. Thus, a number of guest speakers are included in the course to share their economic development expertise and career paths.

Course Goals and Objectives

To provide an introduction to the context, theory, process and practice of local economic development planning through:

• Examining theoretical and conceptual explanations of the economic development process.

• Identifying international, national, and regional factors affecting local economic development.

• Considering federal, state, and local roles in promoting local economic development.

• An introduction to contrasting economic development approaches and methods for planning and practice from the literature and from guest practitioners.

• An introduction to equity issues, participation, and partnerships in economic development.

• An introduction to financing tools for local economic development.

• Examining cases and strategies for inner city and inner ring suburban revitalization

To strengthen analytical and presentation skills through: 

• Identifying and synthesizing key literature on a topic of choice in local economic development planning.

• Formal presentation of analysis of assigned readings, research paper, and retail service project.

Topics Covered

• Introduction to Local Economic Development

• Economic Restructuring and Local Response

• The Politics and Process of Local Economic Development

• Planning and Organizing for Economic Development

• Locality Development

• Business Development

• Resource Development

• Introducing Institutional Approaches and Financial Tools for Local Economic Development

• Demand Side Tools and Approaches: Indigenous Development

• Community-Based Economic Development

• Supply Side Tools and Approaches: Competing for Business

• Local Economic Development Planning and Global Integration