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For more than 80 years, the Vinson Institute has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people's lives. From Georgia's early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of almost 10 million, the Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.
Press Releases > New Book Highlights Economic Development Best Practices

New Book Highlights Economic Development Best Practices: June 26, 2008

Contact: Courtney Yarbrough, cryarb@uga.edu; 706.542.6221
Athens, Ga. – A new collection of case studies provides readers with a stimulating look into best practices in local government economic development today. Building the Local Economy: Cases in Economic Development cuts across project types and development goals to illustrate the major role that local governments play in economic development, the kinds of activities they engage in, the complicated environment in which deals are made, and the significant consequences of competition and cooperation.

Building the Local Economy is published by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The 15 cases included illustrate the key economic development factors that local governments must deal with to succeed in such areas as economic incentives, networking, competition for high-tech jobs, regional cooperative structures, transit-oriented development, post-disaster recovery, sports facility–related development, partnering with nonprofits, and redevelopment related to military base closings.

Readers will find in-depth coverage of cooperation and collaboration as competitive tools, organizational structures to support economic develop goals, the significance of available space and infrastructure, the importance of vision and leadership, and the “luck” factor.

Building the Local Economy is appropriate for use in both undergraduate and graduate-level courses related to local government studies, as well as by professionals as a desktop reference. The editors are Douglas J. Watson, University of Texas-Dallas, and John C. Morris, Old Dominion University. Both have extensive experience working in and teaching about government and have published numerous books and journal articles.

Copies of Building the Local Economy: Cases in Economic Development, 264 pages, softbound, are available for $42.95 from the Vinson Institute’s publications program. Exam copies for classroom consideration are available on a 60-day review basis. Details for ordering or requesting copies are found at www.vinsoninstitute.org/store.

Writer: Ann Allen

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