Synopsis This comprehensive book explores the theories of local economic development and addresses the dilemmas communities face. Emphasizing “community-determined processes’, the authors investigate planning processes, analytical techniques, business and human resources development, as well as both low-cost and high technology economic development strategies. The book contains: Case studies, illustrations, and exercise which demonstrate how each theory can be employed in a real-world setting; Sample resource materials, which facilitate the development and design of program plans; New arguments for implementing local economic development initiatives; and Various ideas for local business development ranging from tourism and housing to micro-enterprises, women’s enterprises and community cooperatives.