Description
1. Mark Williams (2021) states that “[i]t is important to understand that some jobs and businesses are more valuable than others in generating successful economic development.” What do you think is the main implication of that statement for economic development strategy?
2. Miller (2017) surveys a variety of socioeconomic challenges that low-income communities face within the United States. What does Miller’s discussion suggest about the importance of economic development to low-income communities?
3. Select one of the case studies presented in Ch. 2 of Beer and Clower (2020). Identify a key lesson of the case about responding to economic change that would be useful for other communities.
4. Florida (2017) explains why he believes U.S. cities are beset by a new urban crisis. In your own words, define what the “new urban crisis” is and explain how economic development might contribute as a solution.
5. Craig (2024) highlights the example of Sheffield, Pennsylvania as an example of U.S. small towns that are struggling with severe population loss . Based on your reading of the article, do you think an economic development strategy could help Sheffield reverse its decline? Why or why not?