Spring 2019 -TBD - PA 388K - Advanced Topics in Public Policy

Sustainable Urban Economic Development Planning

This course provides a survey of major theories of urban economic development and current initiatives by federal, state and local governments to improve regional and local economic performance. A special emphasis of this course will be on defining a sustainable path to economic development that advances economic growth, environmental performance and equitable access to economic opportunities.

The first part of the course will define and delineate specific dimensions of sustainable development and will review theories concerning the causes of growth and decline of cities and regions. The second part of the course will outline practical techniques for evaluating the structure and economic and environmental performance of regional and local economies.  In the third segment, students will investigate various public intervention strategies, with special emphasis on economic development planning processes, policies and programs focusing on the development of artistic and cultural sectors and “green” industries and jobs. Finally, the class will analyze and evaluate a variety of issues associated with new business and work arrangements associated with the so-called sharing or gig economy.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.     Students will understand the environmental challenges and problems of equity and inclusion that must be addressed in contemporary economic development policy and planning.  

2.      Students will understand the economic and social factors shaping private investment patterns and regional growth and development processes.

3.     Students will be able to critically evaluate rationales for public sector policies and actions to promote local sustainable economic development.

4.     Students will be able to utilize demographic, economic and environmental data to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of local economies and develop strategic sustainable economic development plans.

5.    Students will understand an array of strategies and tools to advance sustainable local economic development