1st Edition

The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America

By Gerald L. Gordon Copyright 2009
    186 Pages 14 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    The community that establishes and maintains a solid economic framework greatly improves its chances of sustaining itself through fluctuations in the economy. The question is, of course, how can city officials and administrators make this happen? The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America examines why economic growth during the late twentieth century was marked by the dramatic rise of some communities and the equally stunning demise of others. This book identifies the key components of sustained economic growth as well as the policies, actions, and inactions that are precursors to the decline of local economies.

    Based on the author’s 25 years of experience as president of one of America’s foremost economic development agencies, and his involvement in assisting communities around the world, the book shows how to assess the needs of communities and details what is needed to put plans in place. Drawing on case studies, the book illustrates lessons learned and how they can be applied, including:

    • What steps elected and administrative officials can take to stabilize and enhance the growth of their cities
    • Why the growth of some communities within a single regional marketplace can dramatically outpace that of neighbors possessing similar locations and assets
    • How communities can establish programs that sustain economic growth and provide jobs—without raising taxes

    As communities struggle to cope with diminished tax revenues, the idea of achieving sustainable growth without raising taxes seems too good to be true. Tapping into the same strategies that allowed Fairfax County, Virginia, to enjoy triple-digit job growth while reducing property taxes, Dr. Gerald Gordon provides the framework and strategies to weather most economic storms and chart a course toward sustainable economic development.

    Defining Economic Growth in a Changing Business Climate
    Economic Growth in Post-WWII America
    Changing Views of Community Economic Growth through the 70s, 80s, and 90s
    Births and Deaths of Companies, Industries, and Regions
    Winners and Losers: Communities at the End of the Twentieth Century
    Twenty-First Century Growth: Do Communities Compete in a Zero-Sum Game?

    Viewing Economic Growth as Part of a Comprehensive Community Strategy
    Static Economies: If Areas Do Not Grow, Do They Die?
    Building Economic Growth into the Master Plan
    Theoretical Foundations for Local Economic Growth
    Public Policies for Economic Growth
    Emerging Programs for Community Growth
    Viewing Local Economic Growth from Different Perspectives
    Planning for Economic Growth

    Local Economies in Decline: How to Lose the Business Base

    The Consequences of No-Growth Policies: Jobs, the Tax Base, and Economic Stagnation
    Arresting Community "Brain Drains"
    Community Gap Analyses
    Where Public Policies Have Contributed to Job Losses or Slower Job Growth

    Local Economic Recovery: Growth after the Fall

    Can Losers Become Winners?
    Cluster Economies
    Case studies

    The New Growth Economies: Attracting and Retaining the Local Business Base
    Making the Pro-Growth Case to Local Elected Officials
    Marketing at Home and Abroad
    A Tale of Two Cities: A Comparison of Long Island, New York and Fairfax County, Virginia
    Other Case Studies
    Rural Economic Growth: Are There Unique Lessons?
    Regional Economic Growth: Are There Unique Lessons?
    Starting Up Start-Ups

    Can Communities Suffer From Too Much Success?

    Magnifying Existing Problems
    Addressing New Problems
    Managing Local Expectations

    Will the Formula Change? —  Community Economic Growth in the Second Decade of the Millennium
    The Growth Industries of Tomorrow
    The Changing Components of Site Location Decisions
    Diversification of the Local Economic Base
    The Economics of Inclusion
    Funding Local Economic Development: The Twin Pillars of Sufficiency and Consistency

    Conclusions

    Afterword

    Bibliography

    Biography

    Gerald L. Gordon

    Dr. Gordon has provided a comprehensive, analytic, and clear look at the importance and complexity of economic growth. His book provides a necessary framework and concrete examples. … an important read for both the expert and the student.
    — Dr. Alan Merten, President, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia

    Local economic growth requires true leadership. Dr. Gordon’s 25 years of experience in Fairfax County have yielded the kinds of valuable insights that can benefit other communities.
    — Steven L. Davis, Chairman, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority & Former Senior Executive, Exxon Mobil Corporation