Since the appearance of the first edition in 1990, Planning Local Economic Development has been the foundation for an entire generation of practitioners and academics working in planning and policy development. Written by authors with years of academic, regional, and city planning experience, the book has been used widely in graduate economic development, urban studies, nonprofit management, and public administration courses.

Now thoroughly updated for the challenges of the 21st century and with new coverage of sustainability, the Fourth Edition explores the theories of local economic development while addressing the issues and opportunities faced by cities, towns, and local entities to craft their economic destinies within the global economy. Authors Edward J. Blakely and Nancey Green Leigh provide a thoroughly up-to-date exploration of planning processes, analytical techniques, and locality, business, and human resource development, as well as high technology and sustainable economic development strategies.

New to This Edition

• Incorporates sustainability into the definition and practice of local economic development
• Offers new case studies, illustrations, and exercises
• Takes a fresh look at the state of the economic development profession
• Addresses local economic development planning's response to a climate-challenged world

Planning Local Economic Development, Fourth Edition, is ideal for graduate courses in Economic Development, Urban Studies, Nonprofit Management, Economics/Public Finance, and Public Administration. Economic development specialists in local and municipal government in the United States and internationally, as well as nonprofit organizations, will also find this an essential reference.