| Summary: | First paragraphs:
I was first attracted to graduate school in sociology in part to help me understand the nagging question of why some people work hard and yet remain poor. When extrapolated to the community level, I was puzzled by why some communities seem to grow and thrive and yet others decline and stagnate. I wish this book had been available during my graduate training.
Two essential dimensions of community economic development are the natural resource base of the community and the qualities of the workforce, what is often referred to as the human capital of local residents. Jeopardizing either the resource base or failing to invest in people generally diminishes the opportunities for economic development. Likewise, spoil the environment and it becomes less attractive to live in and those who can migrate elsewhere. Failing to invest in education and skill training often results in a marginalized population that cannot fully engage in the growth and development of the community. . . .
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