Small Town Economic Development - (Advances in Public Planning) by Joaquin Jay Gonzalez & Roger L Kemp & Jonathan Rosenthal (Paperback)

About the Book

"We tend to associate small town economic development with the decline of the rural United States--empty houses, shuttered shops and rusting factories. Some millennials are coming back and big cities maintain symbiotic relationships with smaller communities. This collection of articles by experts presents stories of small-town America's struggle and describes innovations and practices behind successful revivals"--

Book Synopsis

We tend to associate small town economic development with the decline of the rural United States--empty houses, shuttered shops and rusting factories. A common diagnosis of sluggish small town recovery is their lack of lifestyle amenities that attract new residents and businesses. Yet many small towns have shown progress and potential in recent years. This collection of recent articles by experts presents stories of small-town America's struggle and describes innovations and practices behind successful revivals.

Review Quotes

"A valuable resource offering proven innovative ideas and solutions. Small town leaders...add this comprehensive work to your toolbox."-Debbie McKillop, Martinez City Council, California; "A useful and practical compendium of examples and lessons lessons learned from across the country on successfully implementing economic development in America's small towns."-Carl Amento, Executive Director, South Central Regional Council of Governments, former Mayor of the Town of Hamden, Connecticut; "Gonzalez, Kemp, and Rosenthal present insightful and pragmatic approaches for small town officials and citizens seeking to enhance economic development in their communities."-Randall Margo, PhD, former Assistant County Administrator for Yuba, California; "Gonzalez, Kemp, and Rosenthal offer a clear and concise reference tool that experienced professionals and emerging leaders may use to guide their economic development programming."-Michael Moore, President and CEO, Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District.

About the Author

Joaquin Jay Gonzalez III, Ph.D., is vice provost for global affairs as well as chair and Mayor George Christopher Professor of Public Administration at Golden Gate University. He founded GGU's law enforcement and security program and is a San Francisco advocate for the safety and security of Filipino American kids and their families. Roger L. Kemp, Ph.D., ICMA-CM, has been a city manager on both the East and West coasts for more than 25 years. He is presently Distinguished Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Golden Gate University and a Fellow of The Academy of Political Science. Jonathan Rosenthal, MPA, AICP, has more than 35 years of experience in economic development serving Syracuse and Onondaga counties as well as the cities of Des Moines, New Haven, and Bristol. He has built and filled business parks and assisted hundreds of businesses that have created thousands of good jobs.