Economic development is vital to a community, region, or state. It drives economic growth, job opportunities, industry diversification, business retention and expansion, access to opportunities for current and future residents, and most importantly, improved quality of life. There are extensive perspectives and theories relating to how governments should (or should not) approach economic development but there are also extensive financial tools for implementation. It is critical that future practitioners understand those tools to transition from policy to execution.
This class will examine foundational skills (business finance, real estate finance, financial statement analysis), government financing tools and programs (bonds, grants, tax increment financing), opportunities associated with capital made available through private financial institutions, increased capacity through partnership, and management of development finance institutions.