This research note provides a typology of cities based on profiles of their economic development strategies. Using cluster analysis, a nuanced typology of policy practice is created by classifying cities by the complex of policies used. This leads to a more parsimonious typology that suggests three primary approaches to development: one that combines infrastructure investment and financial incentives, a second that uses all possible techniques, and one where little is done. The large number of almost completely passive cities raises questions about prevailing assumptions regarding the primacy of economic development for local governments.
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