Economic development solutions.

• Author: Kinney, Anne Spray
• Position: From the editor - Editorial

Local governments pursue economic development to improve the quality of life in their communities, assure economic sustainability, and strengthen the tax base. While policies once centered on competition and infrastructure, jurisdictions now place greater emphasis on job creation strategies and sustainability Governments have also learned to focus on outcomes and accountability to make sure that economic development projects are aligned with overall goals. This issue of Government Finance Review presents information and case studies that will help your jurisdiction think about its economic development approaches and goals for building a prosperous future.

Economic development is a major expense for most governments. In "Building More Effective Delivery of Economic Development Projects," Daniel Bliss makes the case that government officials, business leaders, and citizens need to search for alternatives that will effectively deliver economic and community development at a lower cost.

In "Fostering Economic Vitality amid a New Economic Reality," Lisa Granahan and Karen Craig explain how Douglas County, Nevada, achieved impressive results by drawing on themes from the county's previous development plans and enlisting the private sector to implement its strategies.

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