The political mantra of the 21st century is jobs, jobs, jobs! But how do states and local communities create thejobs, economic opportunity, and a tax base thatimproves civic life for everyone? While cities can't create private-sector jobs directly, they can create the conditions that generate jobs. And that's what Developing Local Economies: How to Create Jobs, Expand the Tax Base, and Improve Opportunities for All is about. Drawing upon author Francis X. Mahady's 40+ years of experience in economic development and planning, the book explains: What a local economy is, and how it compares to the regional, state, and national economies How to craft an economic development strategy for your community that enhances economic opportunities for residents How to engage a city's business leaders--who already have political clout and credibility--to lead improvement initiatives Whyit's critical to revitalize downtowns and waterfronts How to attract businesses and real estate developers How to create economic and fiscal impact analyses of development projects Developing Local Economies covers the topics that both professional and lay participants in local economic development must deal with on a day-to-day basis to create an economically vibrant community. Besides hands-on, actionable information, Mahady reveals the secrets, myths, misunderstandings, successes, and failures of economic development learned over the course of decades helping communities develop a thriving economic base.He backs his advice with a combination of straightforward analytic techniques and case studies from his extensive professional experience. Developing Local Economies is written for economic and community developers, city officials, state and local politicians, policy analysts, bankers, real estate developers, Chamber of Commerce members, entrepreneurs, and influential businesspeople who understand that what's good for their community is good for their businesses.Itwill helpcommunities develop successful projects that end up improving the quality of life in myriad ways."