This comprehensive book explores the theories of local economic development and addresses the dilemmas communities face. Emphasizing`community-determined processes,` the authors investigate planning processes, analytical techniques, business and human resource development, as well as both low-cost and high-technology economic development strategies. The book contains: - case studies, illustrations, and exercises which demonstrate how each theory can be employed in a real-world setting - sample resource materials, which facilitate the development and design of program plans - new arguments for implementing local business development ranging from tourism and housing to micro-enterprises, women?s enterprises and community cooperativesTable of ContentsPrefaceOverviewA New Argument for Taking Local Economic Development InitiativesToward a National and State Policy AgendaConcepts and Theories of Local Economic DevelopmentThe Local Economic Development Planning ProcessAnalytical Techniques for Planning Local DevelopmentSelecting a Local Economic Development StrategyLocality DevelopmentBusiness DevelopmentHuman Resource DevelopmentCommunity-Based Economic and Employment DevelopmentPreparing a Detailed Project PlanInstitutional Approaches for Local Economic DevelopmentThe High-Technology Economic Development StrategyThe Local Economic Development Profession and ProfessionalsIndexes