Information and communications technologies have the potential to address community development issues, but initiatives to connect communities do not automatically ensure benefits. Social inclusion, identity, and power issues must be considered in design and implementation of initiatives. (SK)

Although the private sector has the primary role for job generation in the U.S. market economy, local community leaders can play a significant part in creating a growth-stimulating economic environment. A comprehensive economic development strategy appropriate to a community's specific goals and conditions requires careful analysis of the…

Investigates ways communities can assess their needs and plan ways to use telecommunications technologies to address those needs. Experiences from four urban communities are examined, as are barriers to access and issues regarding telephone service access. (GR)

American rural communities are decaying, the underlying causes being chronic unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. The information age can cause the ultimate demise of rural America by further eroding local institutions or it can be its savior by revitalizing the sense of community. The link between community development and the information…

Applications of telecommunications technologies in rural businesses, schools, health care institutions, and government agencies can help make these institutions more efficient and effective, overcome problems of rural isolation, and diversify rural economies. This report considers some of the issues surrounding these possibilities and discusses…

Describes the evolution during 1992-97 of the Urban Cyberspace Initiative (UCSI), a conceptual model for placing technology-rich environments in urban centers that will support educational, economic, and community development. Discusses characteristics of technology projects, planning, education, collaboration, and legislative issues related to…

This report on conference proceedings focuses on the issues facing rural communities in the next decade, identifies education and information needs for rural community development, and shares programs and activities. The report begins with a mission statement for the Rural Clearinghouse for Lifelong Education and Development, and provides an…