Spring 2013 - 62878 - PA388K - Advanced Topics in Public Policy

This course provides a survey of major theories of economic development and how they are put into practice by federal, state, and local governments in the US, with an emphasis on how policies and programs can generate sustainable outcomes for communities. Sustainability will be interpreted broadly to show how the traditional framework of the “3 Es”—economic growth, environmental protection, and equity—can be used to understand why local economies grow or decline, and what practitioners can do about it. Class discussions will be equal parts theory and practice, drawing on current events and recent policies and programs in Austin and other US cities. Students will get hands-on experience with techniques for measuring, evaluating, and communicating the structure and performance of local economies. Students will also have an opportunity to design a sustainability policy or initiative.
Brian Kelsey is a 2004 graduate of the LBJ School. Until 2011, he served as a senior policy advisor  on a White House taskforce to streamline federal investment in regional economic development.  He is currently a principal at Civic Analytics LLC in Austin, TX.
The originating department is CRP as CRP 385C #01630.