Local Government Role In Economic Development

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Every year, all across this country, individuals are elected or appointed to public office promising to improve economic conditions in their communities. Many of these officials have little knowledge about the duties and responsibilities of the office they now hold. Reality sets in when angry citizens who don't agree with some of their decisions confront them about the lack of jobs and income in the community.

Local governments should use caution when offering tax or other financial incentives to potential prospects as a way of improving jobs and income in the local community. They may help put smaller local firms out of business because of increased competition. Conversely, local governments that are anti-growth may also do harm to their local economies as residents leave the community to live, find employment, and trade in other towns. This may create resentment among existing firms and a desire to leave because they did not receive similar incentives for locating in the community.

How should local governments deal with economic development issues? What role do local governments play in county-level economic development organizations? How and should local governments assess the impact of their actions on this issue? This workshop will address these and other questions about local governments' role and response to economic development.