Description: We tend to associate small town economic development with the decline of the rural United States--empty houses, shuttered shops and rusting factories. A common diagnosis of sluggish small town recovery is their lack of lifestyle amenities that attract new residents and businesses. Yet many small towns have shown progress and potential in recent years. Some millennials are coming back and big cities maintain symbiotic relationships with smaller communities. This collection of recent articles by experts presents stories of small-town America's struggle and describes innovations and practices behind successful revivals.
Brief description: Jonathan Rosenthal, MPA, AICP, has more than 35 years of experience in economic development serving Syracuse and Onondaga counties as well as the cities of Des Moines, New Haven, and Bristol. He has built and filled business parks and assisted hundreds of businesses that have created thousands of good jobs.
Review Quotes: "A valuable resource offering proven innovative ideas and solutions. Small town leaders...add this comprehensive work to your toolbox."--Debbie McKillop, Martinez City Council, California; "A useful and practical compendium of examples and lessons lessons learned from across the country on successfully implementing economic development in America's small towns."--Carl Amento, Executive Director, South Central Regional Council of Governments, former Mayor of the Town of Hamden, Connecticut; "Gonzalez, Kemp, and Rosenthal present insightful and pragmatic approaches for small town officials and citizens seeking to enhance economic development in their communities."--Randall Margo, PhD, former Assistant County Administrator for Yuba, California; "Gonzalez, Kemp, and Rosenthal offer a clear and concise reference tool that experienced professionals and emerging leaders may use to guide their economic development programming."--Michael Moore, President and CEO, Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District.