This course provides a survey of major theories of economic development in the US, with an emphasis on how policies and programs can generate sustainable outcomes for communities. Lectures and class discussions will explore how the “3E” framework—economic growth, environmental protection, and equity—can be used to understand why some local economies grow and others decline, and what, if anything, practitioners on the ground can do about it. 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.
This course is cross-listed with CRP 385C #01700 which is the originating department.
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.