CRP 385C.3, P A 388K
W 5:30PM-8:30PM, SUT 2.114
Open to CRP and Public Affairs Grad Students
Instructor: John Karras
This course provides a survey of major theories of economic development and current initiatives to improve economic performance at the local, regional, and state levels across the US. The course is broken into two major parts. The first part of the course will define the major theories and strategic factors affecting the growth and decline of cities and regions. This portion of the course will consider the broader economic context of national and global trends impacting economic development at the local level. This part of the course will also outline a range of data sources and analytical methods to evaluate the structure and performance of local and regional economies. The second part of the course will provide students with an understanding of the menu of strategies, tools, and resources employed by economic development practitioners working to enhance the competitiveness of their local and regional economies. This portion of the course will consider the different roles played by the public sector and private sector in driving economic development. This part of the course will also explore in greater depth three important topics that have become top priorities for economic development practitioners, urban planners, and community leaders: community image and brand identity, climate change and sustainability, and inclusive growth. In this segment, students will discuss and evaluate strategies and initiatives being implemented by communities across the US aimed at talent attraction, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.