In 2018, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research launched a major research initiative into place-based strategies for local prosperity. Place-based strategies are nothing new. For decades, cities, regions, and states have sought to increase the number of jobs available to residents, expand their tax base, and promote amenities and…

The need to invest in our nation's crumbling infrastructure goes back decades. But today, with millions of people unemployed, there is unprecedented momentum to act. Women, immigrants, and people of color are disproportionately represented in these numbers as are young adults. President Joe Biden and Congress are counting on infrastructure…

State efforts to boost the economy--economic development--first came to Pennsylvania in the 1950s with the establishment of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) low interest loan program used to recruit manufacturers to Pennsylvania, including devastated coal regions. Since that time, economic development in Pennsylvania and…

South Africa's democratic state has been clouded by various social and economic ills like joblessness, skills shortage, poverty and crime. These are a result of various complex issues which include the apartheid legacy, misdirected education system and poor planning for long term national priorities. This article looks at the lost opportunities to…

This report was written out of a recognition that there has been little effort to systematically examine the value to anchor institutions of engaging in significant community investment. In the absence of such research, the authors believe that institutions tend to overestimate the costs and risks and underappreciate the potential benefits. In…

To address the economic crisis facing the country, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law on February 17, 2009. This sweeping legislation provides $789 billion to jumpstart the economy and boost employment. This act includes $463 billion in new spending and $326 billion in tax relief directed at those…

Describes the approach of the Economic and Employment Division of the Melbourne (Australia) City Council to creating jobs. The division started a business to recycle used lumber into furniture, providing training and jobs for several people. Following the success of that business, several new ventures were started with private funding. (CH)

The article deals with the economic goals of full employment and economic development through its direction toward problems related to creating jobs in American Indian communities. (Author/NQ)

A Canadian regional job creation program was found to place women in jobs that further marginalized them in the work force. The process reinforces the status quo in terms of dominant and subordinate groups in the power structure. (SK)

This guidebook presents 64 profiles of successful economic development initiatives in the small towns and rural areas of 37 states. Intended for use by rural and small town leaders and rural economic development specialists, the guide provides ideas, encouragement, and an "insider perspective" on alternative rural development strategies.…

Examines case studies of special public works programs in five countries (Burkina Faso, Burundi, Rwanda, Nepal, and United Republic of Tanzania) that included afforestation projects, anti-erosion works, and the building of reservoirs. Discusses program design, implementation, and impact. (CH)

An analysis of 51 manufacturing and nonmanufacturing industries indicates a substantial variation among different types of businesses with respect to the type of workers hired. The analysis is extended to form a typology of industries that is useful to local development groups in formulating a strategy to employ groups of special concern.…

This publication describes some of the basic features of state industry services programs, particularly those related to job training. It seeks to answer the following questions: How does an industry services program differ from more traditional vocational education programs? What types of training are provided? Who benefits? How are the…

In this article, the relationship between community economic development and transfer payments is considered. It is argued that fundamental restructuring of society is changing the context for community economic development. Possible local strategies to capture cash transfers are discussed, including successful examples of development based on…

Schuykill County, Pennsylvania, has launched a coordinated community development effort with six areas of focus (economic development, education, infrastructure, quality of life, government, and private-sector leadership) and four overall goals: job creation, increased earnings, improved education, and lowered poverty rate. Interlinked projects…